This year, one of my goals is too cut down on grocery expenses by buying in-season produce. Since I’m doing the research anyway, I thought I would share it with you guys!
For this month, be sure to also check out the February Produce Guide as well. Some of the produce for February will still be in season through March. In fact, as it reaches the end of its growing season, it may be priced even lower than it was at its peak as they try to sell the surplus!
Of course, what produce is in season can vary by region, so I focused on the Southwest in my research. If you are on the east coast, it should still apply, but some things vary. I also included recipes you can make with this month’s produce, so hopefully, it helps inspire your weekly menu this month!
Enjoy some fresh spring produce with some vibrant, gorgeous looking fruits and vegetables! I’ve included some of my top favorite produce items for March, as well as recipes for each one, so you can be inspired to eat healthfully this month.
Avocado
Avocados are SOOOO good for you. I try to eat at least one a day and sneak them in the baby’s diet since he hates them (I think it’s a texture thing, he also hates bananas.) Whether it’s smashed up on toast or laid on top of a salad, this heart-healthy fruit is something that can be enjoyed at any time of day.
Plus, avocados are packed full of fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals, which make them a powerhouse produce item! Here’s a little fun fact for you: one avocado contains more potassium than a banana, so go ahead and enjoy them all season long.
Check out some of my favorite recipes featuring avocados:
Click Here For More Avocado Recipes >>
Celery
Celery juice is all the rage, why this trend makes me laugh, it also makes me happy. Celery once thought of as a vegetable devoid of nutrients and not worth consuming, is finally getting the attention it deserves!
Not only can you snack on it (celery and peanut butter, anyone?!), but you can also add it to soups and stews to add flavor and nutritional value. This crunchy green produce item is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like potassium and folate, while having a low glycemic index to boot. That’s a win, win if you ask me!
Check out some of my favorite recipes featuring celery:
- Loaded Veggie Kielbasa Soup
- My Favorite Green Juice Recipe
- Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Click Here For More Celery Recipes >>
Eggplant
If you’re looking for a way to add more color and texture to your diet, then eggplant is just the thing you need to try! Eggplants are a nutrient-dense food that are high in antioxidants, rich in anthocyanins, and help promote blood sugar control, all while being rich in vitamins, so this is one nutritious food!
I know for me. I struggle to get this one in my diet. I’ll have to experiment this March and report back how I did adding eggplant to my routine.
Check out some of my favorite recipes (from other dietitians and me) featuring eggplants:
- Grilled Eggplant
- Tomato and Eggplant Bake from Deborah Murphy, MS, RDN
- Grilled Eggplant with Pecan Pesto from Kara Lydon, RDN
Peas
Now that it’s early spring, peas are now in season, which is fun because they are my toddler’s main food group. Between Ripple Pea Milk (he has MSPI) and eating green peas, he has this one covered.
Unfortunately, this is another one I struggle with but, not only do peas taste great, but they are considerably higher in protein than other starchy vegetables, which makes this an excellent plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans.
In addition to their protein content, peas are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, iron, folate, thiamin, and manganese. What’s not to love about that? With so many health benefits, there’s no reason not to give peas a try this season!
Check out some of my favorite recipes (from other dietitians and me) featuring peas:
- Healthy Carbonara Pasta
- Green Pea Hummus from Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN
- Parmesan Peas and Shallots from Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN
Pineapples
Now that spring is here; pineapples are starting to appear more frequently at the farmers market and in local grocery stores. This fresh, tropical fruit is so refreshing to eat (as well as cook with), but did you know that pineapples are also good for you?
They’re rich in vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants, and can even help boost the immune system, build strong bones and aid with indigestion. They are also incredibly rich in anti-inflammatory compounds as well!
I usually eat them plain or throw them in smoothies. I also get them every week in one of my Smoothie Box smoothies (pineapple ginger flavor.)
Check out some of my favorite recipes from other dietitians featuring pineapples:
- Pineapple Core & Spinach Smoothie from The Domestic Dietitian
- Bison Burger with Grilled Pineapple and Sriracha Aioli from The Real Food RDs
- DIY Pineapple Lemon Ginger Soda from The Nutrition Twins
Radishes
Even though radishes are in season, I’m not a big fan of them. For some reason, their texture and taste have never appealed to me! But just because I don’t like them doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy this fresh spring produce item!
Radishes are packed with Vitamins E, A, C, B6, and K, as well as being rich in antioxidants, fiber, and potassium. That means these crunchy little guys are great for your health, and since they’re in season, there’s no better time to try them out than right now.
Check out some of my favorite recipes from other dietitians featuring radishes:
- Cast Iron Skillet Radishes with Brown Butter from Cape Fear Nutrition
- Roasted Radish and White Bean Hummus from The Hanging Spoon
- Radish White Bean Toasts from Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN
What are some of your favorite vegetables to eat in March? Let me know!
[…] March Produce Guide […]