This year, one of my goals was too cut down on grocery expenses by buying in-season produce. Then, all you know what broke loose and no one could get anything at the grocery stores. Crazitown, USA everywhere. I debated on whether I should continue posting these guides or not. Here is the thing, what is in season is still going to be the cheapest and most plentiful that the store right now.
This means of all things, these foods have the highest chance of being in stock. If you know that, you can also plan what else you are going to try to get at the store to make with these items. So, I think it’s still relevant, just not quite as fun.
For this month, be sure to also check out the March Produce Guide as well. Some of the produce for March will still be in season through April. 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 April, as well as recipes for each one, so you can be inspired to eat as healthfully as possible this month.
Artichokes
I don’t know about you, but I’m so glad that artichokes are now in season! The fact that no one knows how to cook them is to your advantage. It’s super easy, see this video below!
Short Video
Longer Video
These little green powerhouses are filled with flavor, vitamins, and minerals, which makes this vegetable the perfect thing to grill, whip up into a dip, or add as a pizza topping. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritionally speaking, artichokes are high in prebiotic-fiber, so great for keeping the microbiome happy happy happy! With so much to offer, go ahead and pick up some of these little guys at the farmers market this month!
Check out some of my favorite recipes featuring artichokes:
- Easy and Delicious Lightened Up Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Teriyaki Grilled Artichokes
- Artichoke Dip Stuffed Grilled Turkey Roll Ups
- How to Cook A Whole Artichoke (without a steamer basket)
Click Here For More Artichoke Recipes >>
Arugula
Freshen up your diet with some arugula! This peppery, distinctive tasting green offers a boost of flavor, a myriad of health benefits and a plethora of nutrients.
Arugula is rich in calcium, potassium, folate, and vitamin C, all of which are essential for bone health, heart function, DNA production, and a healthy immune system, so there is lots to love about this cruciferous vegetable. Plus, it tastes great and can be used in so many different ways!
BONUS – Many people don’t know what to do with it, so it’s probably available at your store! Try it out, it’s delicious!
Check out some of my favorite recipes featuring arugula:
- One Pan Arugula Pesto Chicken and Tomatoes
- Dairy Free Arugula Pesto
- Pan-Fried Salmon with Macadamia Arugula Pesto
Click Here For More Arugula Recipes >>
Asparagus
I just love asparagus, even if it makes my pee smell crazy! It tastes so good when grilled or added to other recipes that when spring rolls around, I simply can’t get enough. Not only does this green veggie taste amazing, but it’s a great source of fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E and K.
Asparagus also contains the trace mineral chromium, which helps enhance the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. This means that it’s a great vegetable to eat if you’re watching your blood sugar. So whether you enjoy green, white or purple asparagus, go ahead and grab them while they’re in season.
Check out some of my favorite recipes featuring asparagus:
- Sheet Pan Coconut Glazed Baked Cod and Asparagus
- Leek and Asparagus Frittata (Old recipe so the picture isn’t great, but the recipe is!)
- Rosemary Feta Asparagus (Old recipe so again, the pictures sucks, but the recipe is DELICIOUS)
Click Here For More Asparagus Recipes >>
Cabbage
If you’re looking for a nutrient-dense vegetable to add as fillers to any of your favorite recipes, then cabbage is just the thing you need to try!
This vegetable often gets overlooked, but it’s teeming with nutrients and health benefits and has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation, reduce some cancer risk, and improve digestion. I usually like to buy mine pre-cut, but you may want to buy it it’s the whole form so it last longer and cut it yourself.
Check out some of my favorite recipes featuring cabbage:
- Barbecue Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Healthy Coleslaw
- Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Stupid Easy Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Click Here For More Cabbage Recipes >>
Strawberries
I’m going to be honest…strawberries are some of the best berries out there, and I love it when they start to come in season again. Whether they’re raw, baked, or blended, I am a sucker for these little red gems! My son, on the other hand, only likes them in jam, he’s CRAZY!
But did you know that strawberries are jam-packed with nutritional goodness? These little berries are teeming with antioxidants which may have benefits for heart health and blood sugar control, and they also increase satiety and help with weight management. What’s not to love?! Now that they’re in season, go ahead and stock up. You can also freeze some of them to have later in the year!
Check out some of my favorite recipes featuring strawberries:
Click Here For More Strawberry Recipes >>
Zucchini
I’m SO EXCITED ZUCCHINI IS IN SEASON. LIKE SO EXCITED! WHAT CAN’T YOU DO WITH IT?
This is such a versatile vegetable, and I love using it in the kitchen. Not only can I cook AND bake with it, but I love the nutritional value it holds. Thanks to the fiber content, zucchini is great for improving digestion and satiation, and the vitamin C content can help lower blood pressure.
Plus, it’s packed full of vitamins and minerals needed for overall health! So, what are you waiting for? Grab some zucchini today and start cooking!
Check out some of my favorite recipes featuring zucchini:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Bacon Zucchini Egg Muffins
- Healthy Blueberry Zucchini Muffins with Crumb Topping
Click Here For More Zucchini Recipes >>
What are some of your favorite vegetables to eat in April? Let me know!
[…] this month, be sure to also check out the April Produce Guide as well. Some of the produce for April will still be in season through May or even June. In fact, […]