Top 10 Spring Produce in Canada to Try This Season
Ready to elevate your spring cooking game? As Canada’s growing season begins, local farmers are harvesting some of the year’s most anticipated crops. According to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, 58% of Canadians prioritize local seasonal produce for better taste and nutrition. Explore the most coveted Spring Produce in Canada that will bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen while supporting local agriculture.
1. Asparagus
Asparagus is a green veggie that looks like a tiny tree. It grows in the spring and tastes great! You can eat it raw, but most people cook it. Try it grilled or steamed with a bit of butter.
Fun Fact: Asparagus can grow up to 7 inches in one day!
2. Fiddleheads
Fiddleheads are special. They’re the curled tops of young ferns. They look like the end of a violin, which is why they’re called fiddleheads. You can find them in forests and near streams. But be careful! Only eat fiddleheads from the store. Wild ones can make you sick if you don’t know which ones are safe.
How to Eat: Wash them well and cook them before eating. They taste a bit like spinach and asparagus mixed together.
3. Rhubarb
Rhubarb looks like red celery. It’s sour, but many people like it in sweet dishes. The leaves are not good to eat, so only use the stalks.
Yummy Idea: Mix cooked rhubarb with strawberries to make a tasty sauce for ice cream!
4. Strawberries
Who doesn’t love strawberries? These sweet red berries are a sign that summer is coming. Canadian strawberries are super tasty because of the cool nights and warm days.
Health Tip: Strawberries have lots of vitamin C, which is good for you!
5. Radishes
Radishes are small, round, and usually red. They have a spicy, crunchy taste that some kids love and some don’t. You can eat them raw or cooked.
Try This: Slice radishes thin and put them on your sandwich for extra crunch!
6. Spinach
Spinach is a dark green leafy veggie. It’s full of good things for your body. You can eat it raw in salads or cook it.
Popeye Was Right: Spinach really does make you strong! It has lots of iron, which helps your blood carry oxygen.
7. Peas
There are two types of peas you might see in spring:
- Snap peas: You can eat the whole pod. They’re crunchy and sweet.
- Garden peas: You open the pod and eat the round peas inside.
Both types are yummy and fun to eat!
8. Green Onions
Green onions are like regular onions, but milder. They have long green tops and a white bottom. You can eat both parts!
Kitchen Trick: Put the white ends in water, and they’ll grow new green tops. Free food!
9. Lettuce
Spring is a great time for lettuce. There are many types, like:
- Romaine: Crunchy and long
- Butter lettuce: Soft and round
- Leaf lettuce: Curly and colorful
Mix different types to make your salad more fun!
10. Morel Mushrooms
Morel mushrooms look funny, like a sponge or a brain. They’re hard to find, which makes them special. Chefs love to use them in fancy dishes.
Important: Only eat morels from the store. Wild mushrooms can be dangerous if you don’t know which ones are safe.
Table 1: When to Find Spring Produce
| Produce | Early Spring | Mid Spring | Late Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Fiddleheads | ✓ | ||
| Rhubarb | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Strawberries | ✓ | ||
| Radishes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Spinach | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Peas | ✓ | ||
| Green Onions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lettuce | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Morel Mushrooms | ✓ |
Table 2: How to Store Spring Produce
| Produce | How to Store | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | Stand in water in fridge | 3-4 days |
| Fiddleheads | In a damp paper towel in fridge | 1-2 days |
| Rhubarb | In plastic bag in fridge | 1-2 weeks |
| Strawberries | In fridge, don’t wash until ready to eat | 3-5 days |
| Radishes | In plastic bag in fridge | 1-2 weeks |
| Spinach | In plastic bag in fridge | 3-5 days |
| Peas | In plastic bag in fridge | 3-5 days |
| Green Onions | In plastic bag in fridge | 1-2 weeks |
| Lettuce | In plastic bag in fridge | 3-7 days |
| Morel Mushrooms | In paper bag in fridge | 3-5 days |
Table 3: Easy Ways to Eat Spring Produce
| Produce | Raw | Cooked | In a Recipe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | In salads | Grilled or steamed | In quiche |
| Fiddleheads | Not recommended | Steamed or sautéed | In stir-fry |
| Rhubarb | Not recommended | Stewed with sugar | In pie or jam |
| Strawberries | As a snack | In smoothies | In shortcake |
| Radishes | Sliced in salads | Roasted | In tacos |
| Spinach | In salads | Sautéed | In lasagna |
| Peas | As a snack | Steamed | In pasta dishes |
| Green Onions | Chopped in salads | In soups | In dips |
| Lettuce | In salads or wraps | Grilled | In spring rolls |
| Morel Mushrooms | Not recommended | Sautéed in butter | In pasta sauce |
Eating with the Seasons
Eating foods when they naturally grow is called “eating with the seasons.” It’s good for you and the earth. Here’s why:
Fresher food: When you eat food that’s in season, it doesn’t have to travel far to get to you. This means it’s fresher and tastes better.
More nutrients: Fresh food has more good stuff in it that helps your body.
Cheaper: When there’s lots of something, it usually costs less.
Better for the earth: Food that doesn’t travel far uses less gas to get to you. This is good for the planet.
Supports local farms: When you buy food that grows near you, you help farmers in your area.
Try Something New!
Spring is a great time to try new foods. Here are some ideas:
- Have a spring salad party. Ask everyone to bring a different spring veggie to add to a big salad.
- Visit a farmers’ market. You can see and taste lots of fresh spring foods.
- Plant your own garden. Even if it’s just a few plants in pots, it’s fun to grow your own food!
- Try a new recipe each week using a spring vegetable you’ve never had before.
Remember, it’s okay if you don’t like everything you try. The fun is in tasting new things!
Spring produce in Canada is yummy and good for you. From crunchy asparagus to sweet strawberries, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re at the store or market, look for these spring treats. Your taste buds will thank you!