March is nutrition month. If you have not started to think about the role food plays in your life, perhaps now is an ideal time. Author Michael Pollan says, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
It is also important to eat in the season to ensure you are getting the most nutrients out of your food. Ever wonder why some things don’t last more than a few days once you get them home? That is because once food is picked it spends 5-8 days being transported and another 3-4 days on shelves at the local grocery store before you buy it.
Did you know spring is the best time for leafy greens? Leafy greens are an excellent source of fiber and provide essential vitamins for building health bones and improving overall health. The closer you can purchase your food to the source, the more nutrient dense it will be.
If you are local to SW Michigan, you can purchase from local farms such as Granor Farm, Lake Breeze Organics, or Wild Coyote Farm. Each farm has a different process for distribution, click the name to learn more. My personal favorite is Granor in Three Oaks. They pick on Thursdays and sell onsite in the farmstead Fridays from 9 am – 3 pm. You will want to get there early for the best selection.
If you are located elsewhere, check with your local community to find local farmers, co-op stores, and other locals resources for purchasing fresh food.
Here are some foods that you can look forward to during the spring growing season:
- Asparagus
- Green Onions
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Maple Syrup
- Mint
- Mushrooms
- New Potatoes
- Peas
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Spinach
- Wild Greens
* Resource: Simply in Season, 2009
Need a little seasonal meal prep inspiration? Check out the book, Simply in Season, by Mary Beth Lind and Cathleen Hockman-Wert.
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