There’s nothing better than cozying up to a thick stew or a warm bowl of soup during the colder winter months. As spring pokes its head around the corner, we find ourselves looking for fresh produce and new creative ideas to try out in the kitchen. If you’re ready for a kitchen refresh then wait no more. We’ve put together our favorite must-have spring ingredients to add to your pantry, just for you!
Eggs
Did you know that eggs are actually a seasonal food? At least…kind of.
Like many of us, hens come to life as the days get longer. Over the winter, they conserve most of their body energy to stay warm. Once temperatures rise, they are able to expend more energy by laying eggs.
Of course, most of us get eggs year-round. This is because farmers artificially simulate a year-long spring for their hens by using heaters and lights. Now, anyone who has tried a fresh egg from a farmer that really honors their hens will tell you that there is a huge quality difference.
If you’re looking to step up your breakfast game, Spring is the perfect time of year to check out your local farmers’ market to find fresh eggs from free-range hens. If the farmers are honoring the hen’s natural cycle of production (ask your local farmer first), you’ll have some of the best-tasting eggs you’ve ever had. Looking for a fun way to cook them? Check out this video of The Cool Mom Co. Founder, Lizzy Mathis, learn how to make the TikTok viral pesto eggs.
Asparagus
Is there any vegetable that screams spring more than asparagus? We can’t think of any! While you may see asparagus year-round in the stores, it actually has an incredibly short growing season. Depending on which zone you live in, asparagus only grows from March to June. During these months, it is particularly tender and perfect to add to an asparagus salad or as a delicious side to any meal.
Strawberries
One of the best moments of spring is having your favorite fresh fruit back in season. Strawberries start ripening around April and continue to grow through June. This is the best time to enjoy strawberries. It can be used in its raw form, as a snack, in smoothies, in delicious yogurt bowls, or even in a bright summer salad. Looking for a fun family activity? Skip the park and step your game up a notch with berry picking at a local farm!
Ramps
Ramps, yes ramps! Ramps are one of those ingredients that can seem intimidating if you’ve never cooked with them before. In reality, they couldn’t be easier to use.
While ramps look a lot like scallions, they have a deeper flavor and an irresistible garlicky bite to them. Like lots of spring produce, they have a short growing season and are typically foraged, rather than farmed. You can use ramps in a variety of ways. Many people substitute them for onions or leeks in recipes. We’re particular fans of recipes that really allow this seasonal ingredient to shine, like this vegetarian ramp pasta recipe.
Peas
Lots of us never really experience fresh peas. After all, they are a bit time consuming shelling peas. It can be much easier to grab that bag of frozen peas out of the freezer and to quickly toss into dishes like this turkey curry.
However, fresh peas are definitely worth the work. Sweet and tender, they can elevate a simple dish while adding in a fresh pop of vibrant green. In order to let the peas shine, try sprinkling them over a salad or adding them to a light soup.
Parsley
Parsley has been overlooked for years, in favor of more popular herbs like basil and cilantro. Often relegated to the role of garnish, parsley is a hugely versatile herb that thrives in the early months of spring. We love to use chopped parsley in the same way we would a green salad. However, it can also make a delicious pesto, and bonus, it’s more cost-effective than buying large quantities of basil.
Garlic Scapes
Like ramps, garlic scapes have the reputation of being an ingredient that only professional chefs use. These beautiful quirky-looking stalks are the bud and stem of the garlic bulbs. They have less of a bite than actual garlic cloves and are similar in flavor to a scallion. You can use them the same way you would use garlic cloves or scallions in a recipe. Garlic scapes are also delicious sautéed, roasted or pickled for the perfect side dish to any meal.
Will you be picking up any of these ingredients from your local farmer’s market? Share with us what your favorite spring food is below!