7 In-Season Vegetables for Your March Meal Preps
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As temperatures in Texas begin to rise, a whole host of my favorite in-season vegetables are starting to make a comeback at my local farmers’ market. What is seasonal veg, you ask? It’s a vegetable that is ready to harvest at this period.
Many are starting to pick up in supply and, at this time of the year, I always take note of what veggies are available at the stalls. This is to make sure my meal prep is organized for the coming week and is in line with the produce in season here in Texas.
Currently, I’m still on track when it comes to my New Year’s “I-must-follow-a-healthy-diet” resolution (despite stumbling a few times here and there!). So in keeping with my new healthy dietary regimen, here are seven in-season vegetables that you can integrate into your dishes this week.
In-Season Vegetables in March
1.) Baby Kale
Baby kale is in season from December through to April and is a great addition to your meal prep. This vegetable has recently picked up some attention, as more and more people start to adopt a vegan diet in the US. In Texas, you can get hold of baby kale both at your local farmers' market this vegetable season and in pretty much all big-name grocery stores, meaning there’s no excuse not to incorporate this tasty veggie into your meals. Packed with vitamins C, A, and K, it’s full of health benefits. You can enjoy your baby kale mixed in a salad with parmesan cheese and garlic, or you can choose to saute it with onions, pine nuts, and golden raisins (how long do raisins last?).
2.) Collard Greens
Collard greens (how long do collard greens last?) are some of the in season vegetables in March that have always been a staple in dishes for me and my family. In season from October till April, this vegetable is best harvested and consumed after the frosty winter months due to its high nutrient content. Expect a generous amount of vitamins K and A to keep your blood healthy, bones strong, and eyesight in good shape. I like my collard greens made Southern-style at any time of the day.
3.) Beets
This is one of the in-season vegetables that you either love it or hate it. The beet or the Beta vulgaris is well known for its earthy taste profile, which is due to the presence of a substance called geosmin. Each serving of this vegetable has ample amounts of folate, which aids in red blood cell formation, manganese, and vitamin C, making it a truly nutrient-dense food. Even though beets (how long do beets last?) aren’t my favorite, I enjoy them grilled on an open fire, sprinkled with lemon juice, and added to a big bowl of green salad.
4.) Spinach
Popeye always comes to mind whenever I think of spinach, but apparently, it’s actually steroids that give you those bloated-looking muscles. Despite my disappointment, I still love a good serving of spinach, as it’s so delicious when incorporated into a variety of dishes! Considered as one of the many superfoods, spinach is one of the in season vegetables in March packed full of vitamin K, helping you keep those bones healthy, and provides hefty amounts of vitamins A and manganese, so that you can maintain good eyesight and build strong connective tissues. Spinach season is from November through to April, so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy this wonderful leafy vegetable.
5.) Broccoli
I must admit, I grew up hating broccoli. But once I tried it with a knob of butter, I never went back! In season from December all the way through to May, this vegetable is a common sight at farmer’s markets across the state of Texas. Each serving of broccoli contains plenty of vitamins K and C, needed for healthy bone development and body resistance. As mentioned before, I like my broccoli buttered, and it is also delicious stir fried with beef tenderloin strips in oyster sauce. Good for the body and great on taste, broccoli is now one of my favorite vegetables.
6.) Asparagus
Throughout the years, the humble asparagus has gained a lot of popularity due to the health benefits it offers. Originally from Europe, the asparagus (how long does asparagus last?) plant was imported to the US back in 1850. Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular vegetables in the state, with bacon-wrapped asparagus proving to be a beloved dish in many households. This vegetable is not only tasty, but also packed with vitamins K and A, helping you maintain healthy eyesight. My favorite asparagus dish has to be this steamed spinach and asparagus frittata, with its complementary flavors and fresh taste.
7.) Sweet Potatoes
The sweet potato is a beloved tuber vegetable that, for some, is a staple household food. This Texas-grown superfood has grown in popularity due to its versatility. It’s used as an ingredient in many dishes, ranging from desserts to crispy afternoon snacks such as sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes are easy to grow and are in season from August to April. This hardy vegetable is packed with nutritional value, with each serving offering hearty amounts of vitamins A and C.
Get ready and prep your shopping checklists, as these seven in-season vegetables are waiting for you at your local farmer's markets this March. Be sure to purchase your produce directly from farmers themselves, and don’t forget to buy organic and pesticide-free vegetables. Also, don’t just ask what is seasonal veg but also start thinking about your recipes, as these vegetables are going to get your culinary creative juices flowing.
Want to know what markets are open this weekend to buy in season vegetables? Check out our TexasRealFood Updates site, updated weekly with the latest farmers’ market schedules in Texas!
As you prepare your March meal prep, check out these healthy snack ideas that you can prepare at the same time. They will help keep you on track with your healthy eating goals!
Joining a farmers' market in Texas is a fantastic opportunity to earn extra income and contribute to your local community. Here's a concise guide on becoming a vendor, including obtaining licenses, gathering supplies, and selling homemade food products.
