This is a bountiful moment in a shoulder season. As the weather waivers between cold and hot, staple winter crops remain and favorite summertime foods appear. But it’s worth appreciating spring for its own distinctive merit — a time when the natural world comes alive again, marked by the chirp of baby birds and flowers in first bloom. It’s fitting that this prolific season can be celebrated with a myriad of produce.
This list includes foods in season in the southeastern region. We are big advocates for eating locally (and this is the time — farmers markets are back in full swing!), but mindful shoppers can also feel at ease when purchasing foods that are at least regional. When in doubt, phone a farmer.
Fruit
Bananas
Citrus
Cucumbers
Ground cherries
Melons
Peaches
Strawberries
Captivate the height of strawberry season with our Gluten Free Tomato-Strawberry Pie. We’re not being hyperbolic when we say it might just change your life.
Vegetables
Arugula
Asparagus
Basil
Beets
Bok Choy
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Carrots
Celery
Celery root
Chard
Chicories
Chili peppers
Chives
Cilantro
Collards
Corn
Eggplant
Endive
Fava beans
Fennel
Garlic scapes
Green onions
Kale
Lamb’s Quarters
Leeks
Lemongrass
Lettuce
Mint
Morels
Mushrooms
Mustard greens
Nettles
New potatoes
Okra
Onions
Oregano
Parsley
Peanuts
Peas
Pea Shoots
Peppers
Potatoes
Purslane
Radicchio
Radishes
Rapini
Rosemary
Sage
Scallions
Shallots
Snap peas
Snow peas
Sorrel
Spinach
Sprouts
Summer squash
Sweet Potatoes
Taro
Tarragon
Thyme
Tomatillos
Tomatoes
Turnips
Watercress
Watermelon
Winter squash
Yams
Zucchini
While cauliflower, radishes, and greens are still around, try our Roasted Cauliflower Salad.
Story by Jodi Cash
Photo by Paige French