As the weather warms up and farms come to life, spring is the perfect time to embrace seasonal produce from local farms. Choosing in-season fruits and vegetables means better flavor, higher nutritional value, and direct support for local farmers. Whether you’re shopping at a farmers’ market, joining a CSA, or browsing online through Farm Trader, buying seasonal produce has never been easier.
Why Seasonal Produce Matters
Eating seasonal produce isn’t just about great taste—it’s about getting the most nutrients from your food. Grocery store produce is often picked before it’s ripe and transported long distances, losing freshness along the way. By sourcing from local farms, you’re eating food at peak ripeness while also reducing your environmental impact.
Plus, when you buy from local farmers, more of your money stays in your community, helping small farms thrive and keeping farmland in production for future generations.
What’s in Season Right Now?
Spring brings an abundance of seasonal produce, including fresh greens, vibrant fruits, and tender vegetables. Here’s a look at what’s in season in many parts of the U.S.
Vegetables:
- Asparagus
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Lettuce & leafy greens
- Carrots
- Peas
- Spring onions
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
Fruits:
- Strawberries
- Rhubarb
- Citrus fruits (varies by region)
These fresh picks are perfect for salads, roasting, or enjoying raw for a refreshing snack.
Where to Find Seasonal Produce
Finding produce locally has never been easier. Here are a few ways to shop fresh:
- Farmers’ Markets – Visit a local market to connect with farmers and buy produce straight from the source.
- CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) – Sign up for a CSA to receive weekly or bi-weekly boxes of fresh, seasonal farm products.
- Farm Trader – Browse Farm Trader to find local farms selling seasonal produce near you. Can’t find what you need? Use our request feature to ask local farmers for specific items.
Easy Ways to Enjoy Spring Produce
Once you have your seasonal produce, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some simple ways to incorporate it into your meals:
- Fresh Salads – Mix tender greens, radishes, and spring onions with a light dressing.
- Spring Stir-Fries – Toss asparagus, peas, and mushrooms into a quick stir-fry.
- Berry Bowls – Fresh strawberries and rhubarb make for delicious breakfast toppings or desserts.
Support Local Farmers This Season
Eating with the seasons isn’t just good for you—it strengthens the farming community and ensures future generations have access to fresh food. Farm Trader makes it easy to find seasonal produce from local farms, so you always know where your food is coming from.
Looking for farm-fresh ingredients? Start browsing local farms on Farm Trader today!
Related Blog: Seasonal Eating
