Spring is finally here, and that means fresh, vibrant produce is back in season! If you’re looking to eat healthier, save money, and add more flavor to your meals, shopping for seasonal produce is the way to go.
This spring produce guide will break down the best fruits and vegetables to buy this season, why eating in-season can help your budget, and how to store your produce so it lasts longer. Plus, I’ll share some easy, budget-friendly meal ideas using all that spring goodness.
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What is Spring Produce?
Seasonal produce is simply fruits and vegetables that naturally grow and ripen during a particular time of year. When produce is in season, it’s fresher, more flavorful, and often cheaper because it doesn’t require as much transportation or storage.
Spring is all about fresh, crisp, and colorful produce. This season brings tender greens, juicy fruits, and crunchy vegetables that are perfect for light and refreshing meals.
Plus, since these items are at their peak, they are often more nutrient-dense compared to their out-of-season counterparts.
In-Season Spring Fruits that are Affordable
One of the best parts about spring? The return of sweet, juicy fruits! As the weather warms up, fresh produce becomes more abundant and budget-friendly. Here are some fruits that grow in spring and when they’re at their peak:
1. Strawberries (Early to Late Spring)
Strawberries start making their way into markets in early spring, and as the season progresses, they become even sweeter and more affordable.
By mid to late spring, local strawberries are at their peak, making them perfect for snacking, adding to yogurt, or blending into smoothies. Buy them in bulk when prices drop and freeze extras for later!
2. Apricots (Mid to Late Spring)
Apricots are a mid-to-late spring treat with a delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors. They start appearing in April but reach peak ripeness in May and June. Enjoy them fresh, dried, or turned into homemade jams and chutneys.
3. Cherries (Late Spring)
Cherries begin to show up in grocery stores in late spring, usually around May, but they tend to be pricey early in the season.
By late May into June, they become more affordable, especially if you shop at farmers’ markets or look for sales. Grab extra and freeze them for a sweet snack all summer long!
4. Pineapple (Early to Mid-Spring)
While pineapples grow year-round in tropical climates, their natural peak season is early to mid-spring. During this time, they’re at their sweetest and juiciest, making them perfect for snacking, adding to stir-fries, or grilling for a smoky-sweet treat. Look for ones with golden skin and a strong, sweet fragrance.
5. Rhubarb (Early to Late Spring)
Technically a vegetable but often used like a fruit, rhubarb is a classic springtime favorite. It starts appearing in early spring and stays in season until early summer.
With its naturally tart flavor, rhubarb is perfect for pairing with strawberries in pies, crumbles, and jams.
6. Kiwifruit (Late Winter to Early Spring)
Kiwis hit their peak season in late winter and early spring, making them a bright and refreshing option for the transition into warmer months. Their tart-sweet flavor is great for eating fresh, tossing into fruit salads, or blending into smoothies.
7. Lemons (Late Winter to Early Spring)
Lemons are in peak season from late winter through early spring, meaning they’re extra juicy and full of flavor. Their bright citrusy tang adds freshness to both sweet and savory dishes.
Use them in salad dressings, marinades, baked goods, or even homemade lemonade.
8. Limes (Late Winter to Early Spring)
Limes, like lemons, thrive in late winter and early spring, making them more vibrant and juicier during this time.
Their zesty, tart flavor is perfect for brightening up dishes, from tacos and marinades to cocktails and desserts. If you find them on sale, grab extra and freeze the juice in ice cube trays for later use!
Best Vegetables for Spring (That Are Budget-Friendly!)
Spring veggies are fresh, crisp, and perfect for light meals. As the weather warms up, these best vegetables for spring hit their peak, bringing vibrant flavors to your table without breaking the bank.
1. Asparagus (Early to Mid-Spring)
Asparagus is one of the first vegetables to pop up in early spring, making it a true seasonal favorite. The stalks are at their most tender and flavorful from March to May.
Roast it, grill it, or toss it into pasta for a fresh, earthy flavor. As the season progresses, prices tend to drop, so stock up when it’s cheap!
2. Spinach (Early to Late Spring)
Spinach thrives in the cooler temperatures of early to mid-spring, making it more abundant and budget-friendly during this time. It’s perfect for salads, omelets, and smoothies.
By late spring, spinach may start bolting (going to seed), but it’s still great for cooking in soups and sautés.
3. Peas (Mid to Late Spring)
Peas love the mild temperatures of mid to late spring and are at their peak between April and June.
Whether you’re using snap peas, snow peas, or garden peas, they add a pop of sweetness to rice dishes, soups, and pasta. Fresh peas taste amazing, but frozen ones are just as good and can be stored for later!
4. Radishes (Early to Late Spring)
Radishes grow fast, making them one of the most budget-friendly and accessible spring veggies. They thrive in early spring and can be harvested throughout the season. Their spicy crunch is perfect for salads, tacos, and pickling.
5. Carrots (Mid to Late Spring)
Carrots are available year-round, but spring carrots (harvested from April to June) are extra sweet and tender. They’re perfect for roasting, shredding into slaws, or enjoying raw as a snack.
6. Green Onions (Early to Late Spring)
Green onions, or scallions, grow quickly in early spring and keep producing through the late spring months. They add a mild onion flavor to dishes without overpowering them. Plus, they’re one of the easiest veggies to regrow—just place the white root ends in water, and you’ll have an endless supply!
7. Basil (Late Spring to Early Summer)
Basil loves the warmth of late spring, typically thriving from May through early summer. Its sweet, slightly peppery flavor makes it perfect for pesto, pasta, salads, and homemade sauces. If you plant basil at home, keep it in a sunny spot and pinch off the flowers to keep it growing!
8. Lettuce (Early to Mid-Spring)
Lettuce flourishes in cooler spring temperatures, making early to mid-spring the best time to buy it fresh. With varieties like romaine, butter, and leaf lettuce, it’s perfect for crisp salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
As the weather gets hotter in late spring, lettuce may start wilting faster, so store it properly in the fridge to keep it fresh longer.
How Buying Seasonal Spring Produce Saves You Money
Eating seasonally isn’t just good for your taste buds—it’s great for your wallet, too! Here’s why:
- Lower Prices: Since seasonal produce is more abundant, stores don’t have to charge extra for transportation or storage. This means lower prices for you!
- Better Deals: Grocery stores and farmers’ markets often run sales on seasonal items, making it easier to stock up.
- Less Waste: Fresher produce lasts longer, reducing food waste (and wasted money) in your kitchen.
Tips for Storing and Preserving Spring Produce
To make the most of your seasonal haul, here are some tips to keep your produce fresh longer:
- Store leafy greens in a damp paper towel and keep them in a breathable bag in the fridge.
- Keep berries dry and unwashed until you’re ready to eat them to prevent mold.
- Freeze extra fruit like strawberries, cherries, and pineapple for smoothies or baking.
- Pickle or ferment radishes and carrots to extend their shelf life and add tangy flavor to meals.
Enjoy Fresh, Affordable, and Flavorful Spring Produce
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your meals with affordable, flavorful, and nutrient-packed produce. By shopping for seasonal fruits and vegetables, you’ll save money, eat better, and enjoy the best flavors this time of year has to offer. Whether you’re roasting asparagus, snacking on strawberries, or making a fresh spring salad, there are endless ways to enjoy the bounty of the season.
So next time you’re at the grocery store or farmers’ market, grab some of these best vegetables for spring and fruits that grow in spring—your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!
What’s your favorite spring produce to cook with? Let me know in the comments!
