As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, spring brings with it an abundance of fresh, delicious, and nutrient-packed foods to enjoy. Embracing this seasonal bounty is an excellent way to try new things, consume plenty of all-important nutrients, and boost your overall health and wellbeing. 

In today’s post, we'll explore six amazing seasonal superfoods for you to enjoy this spring. Whether you're looking to support your immune system, enhance your energy levels, or simply enjoy delicious flavors, these foods offer a wealth of benefits.

As an added bonus, experts also say that eating seasonally is better for the environment! That’s because, when we eat them out of season, fresh foods have to be transported hundreds or even thousands of miles to our store shelves and our plates. 

Asparagus 

Asparagus is a versatile vegetable loaded with essential nutrients including folate, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains potassium, which plays a role in keeping your heart, bones, kidneys and nerves healthy.

Asparagus’s anti-inflammatory properties may help to alleviate joint pain, which is especially beneficial for older adults. Additionally, its abundance of antioxidants may help to reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Enjoy blanched, steamed, or grilled asparagus as a side dish, add it to a spring vegetable salad, or cook it into a delicious soup. 

Spinach 

Another powerhouse of nutrition, spinach’s vibrant green leaves are brimming with healthy vitamins and minerals. Particularly high in iron, calcium, and magnesium, spinach plays a role in maintaining strong bones and supporting good cardiovascular health. 

Like many dark leafy greens, spinach boasts a high fiber content, which promotes digestive health. It may also help to lower blood pressure. 

Incorporate spinach into your diet by using it as a base for salads, blending it into smoothies, or adding it to a sauté.

Strawberries 

Sweet and juicy, strawberries are a delicious springtime treat that also happen to be incredibly nutritious. 

Bursting with vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, strawberries help to support immune function and ward off infection. They contain high levels of antioxidants, which combat inflammation and protect against cellular damage. The flavonoids in strawberries have also been linked to improved cognitive function, making them an excellent addition to your diet if you want to maintain brain health as you age.

Eat cut up strawberries as a healthy snack or dessert (no need to add sugar or cream!), add them to your breakfast cereal or oatmeal, or make a healthy smoothie by blending strawberries with a small banana and a little orange juice. 

Radishes 

This often overlooked vegetable adds a crisp, peppery bite to springtime dishes. Despite their small size, radishes pack a nutritional punch, containing high levels of vitamins C and K as well as plenty of potassium and fiber. 

The natural detoxifying properties of radishes support liver function and aid in the elimination of waste products from the body. They also contain various compounds that are vital for good heart health, including sulforaphane and anthocyanins.

Radishes are best enjoyed raw. Slice them into salads or sandwiches, or eat a handful with some hummus as a healthy snack. 

Peas 

Fresh peas are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain high levels of iron and manganese as well as polyphenol antioxidants. 

Peas help to support muscle repair, immune function, and bone health. Their combination of protein and fiber helps to promote satiety and, since they have a low glycemic index (GI), they help to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Enjoy peas raw as a crunchy snack, cook them into soups and stir-fries, or blanch or steam them for a quick, healthy, and delicious accompaniment to any meal. 

Artichokes 

Artichokes are absolutely delicious and boast an array of health-promoting properties. Full of fiber, vitamins C and B6, folate, and antioxidants, artichokes can help to support digestive health, lower cholesterol levels, and may even improve liver health. 

The high fiber content of artichokes also promotes feelings of fullness and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. 

There are numerous ways to enjoy this versatile food. Shave artichokes into a salad, grill them and serve them with a light dipping sauce, roast them with plenty of herbs and a little olive oil, or add them to sandwiches, soups, or pasta dishes. 

Fun fact: although they are widely considered (and consumed as) a vegetable, artichokes are technically a type of thistle.

What seasonal delicacies are you most looking forward to enjoying this spring?