Prioritizing seasonal foods when preparing our menus is a great strategy to enjoy maximum freshness y flavorIn March, fruit and vegetable stores renew their shelves with products that anticipate spring and the change of season. Discover a complete guide on which fruits and vegetables stand out this month, how to take advantage of them and why consuming seasonal products is so important.
Spring equinox and its influence on the garden
March marks a important transition in the natural calendar: the spring equinox. This phenomenon occurs when the sun shines perpendicularly on the equator, balancing the length of day and night. With this, the temperatures begin to soften and the development of new crops is accelerated. From now on, you will find fresh foods that are ideal to include in your daily meals.
Seasonal fruits in March
The month of March brings with it the end of winter, although many fruits such as Citrus (tangerines, oranges and grapefruits) and the avocado, characteristics of the cold months, are still available. In addition, fruits such as apple, bananas and tomatoes – which come from both local and international cultivation – remain common throughout the year.
However, this season heralds the arrival of the first strawberries and berries, such as blueberries and currants. These small fruits are not only delicious, but are also rich in Vitamin C and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. You can use them in recipes such as Yogurt parfait with fruit, add them to green salads or even prepare Healthy cakes with red fruits.
Another fruit that makes its appearance in March is the medlars, known for their sweet taste with a hint of acid. These fruits are a great source of Soluble fiber, which promotes satiety. They are perfect as a dessert accompanied by natural yogurt or even alone as a healthy snack.
Seasonal vegetables in March
Among vegetables, many of those that were present during the winter continue to occupy a prominent place: leeks, cabbage, spinach, endives, escaroles and celery remain available in the markets. These versatile options can be used in stews, salads or even in comforting soups.
On the other hand, March is the last month to enjoy the cauliflower. This vegetable, famous for being low in calories and rich in water, is ideal for exquisite dishes such as curried cauliflower cream o Cake CauliflowerYou can also add it to a nutritious stew with chickpeas.
As March progresses, other fresh spring foods begin to appear such as peas, broad beans and wild asparagus. These vegetables are highly recommended for their high content in fiber, Vitamins y Antioxidants. Try recipes like a carrot and curry pate or Stir-fried with peas and ham to add a different touch to your kitchen.
Artichokes and other vegetable stars
Spring is synonymous with artichokes. These appear strongly in the markets and are rich in Antioxidants y fiberYou can include them as a garnish or cook them together with chicken y mushrooms to obtain a tasty and healthy meal. In addition, the peculiar radish It is also in season, ideal for adding a crunchy touch to your salads.
Benefits of consuming seasonal products
Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables not only benefits your health, but also has a positive impact on the environment and your wallet:
- Higher nutritional value: Seasonal foods ripen naturally, better preserving all their nutritional properties.
- Superior taste: When harvested at its optimal point, you can enjoy a much more intense and authentic flavor.
- Sustainability: Choosing local and seasonal products reduces the carbon footprint by minimising transport and long-term refrigeration.
- Biodiversity consevation: You help protect the cultivation of local varieties and avoid industrial monocultures.
- Economic savings: Seasonal products are usually more affordable due to their high availability in markets.
How to identify seasonal fruits and vegetables
If you want to optimize your shopping, it is important to find out about the origin of the products and prioritize fresh and local options. A useful way is to consult food labels, which may include codes or numbers that indicate their traceability. Knowing these details will allow you to choose fresher products. It is interesting to learn more about this in publications such as The meaning of numbers in fruits.
Choosing fruits and vegetables in March means embracing natural cycles, improving our diet and contributing to the well-being of the planet. The options are so varied and delicious that they will fill your table with colorful, healthy and flavorful dishes. Which are your favorites this month?