In the US, an increasing number of people are consuming more vegetables and fruits than in years prior. However, the average diet in the US is still below the recommended daily average. In 2018, it was said that more eggs, meat, nuts, and grains were eaten. By 2019, the US imported over $13.5 billion worth of fresh fruit and vegetables from Mexico.
With a large number of foods available and the change of each season delivering rich and vibrant options, seasonal ingredients are becoming some of the best foods to cook with. In this article, we’ll cover the top best foods to cook with during each season.
Foods for Spring: Fresh and Bright
Spring brings with it some amazing foods that are nutritious and offer plenty of flavor. Some of the best options to cook with during this season include:
- Asparagus: Asparagus is great for roasting, steaming and grilling, and is best served with lemon-butter sauce. It can also be added to pasta dishes with olive oil and garlic, or paired with egg-related dishes like frittatas or quiches.
- Peas: Peas are a fun spring food that offers a sweet and tender flavor. They’re great for making pea soup and go well when paired with mint. They’re also good to add in risottos, or perfect as side dishes for meat.
- Strawberries: Strawberries offer a juicy sweetness which reflects their beautiful red color. They go great with desserts, especially pavlova, shortcake, or chocolate cake. They’re also good for toppings on pancakes, oatmeal, and yogurt and can be used in smoothies as well.
- Radishes: Radishes often bring a refreshing crunch to many springtime salads. They make a great addition to sandwiches and can also be pickled. They can be roasted, grilled, or oven-baked with olive oil, salt, and peppers until they’re caramelized.
By combining these foods with delicious recipes that you can easily find online, you can easily make something amazing for you and your whole family.
Watch this video for some more ideas:
Foods for Summer: Vibrant and Flavorful
Summer comes with an abundance of food that you can make into great summer recipes. Some great options to cook with during summer are:
- Tomatoes: Fresh salads, homemade pasta sauce, or just a simple sandwich provides a wonderful flavor when adding a tomato. You can also grill, roast or bake your tomato to enhance the flavor.
- Zucchini: Zucchinis offers a milder flavor that is versatile in different dishes. You can use it in pasta sauces, add it as a side dish with other vegetables when eating meat, or spiral it into noodles for a low-carb pasta option. It’s also great for casseroles, stir-fries, and zucchini bread. It goes well with parmesan cheese and lemon.
- Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are great on their own or offer a vibrant flavor when combined. These berries are ideal for tarts, pies, parfaits, or crumbles. They’re also an excellent choice for jams and can be added on top of desserts. If you don’t want to cook them you can easily just eat them as a snack throughout the day.
Watch this video for some more tips:
Foods for Fall: Warm and Comforting
As the cooler weather starts to come in, it brings with it a shift to more comforting foods. Some of the best foods to choose during the fall months are:
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a versatile food that can be used to create soups, pasta dishes, and risotto, or make bread, muffins, and cookies. Pumpkin is good for steaming, baking, roasting, and grilling to bring out the best of its flavors. Adding nutmeg and spices to pumpkin dishes can really enhance the meal’s overall flavor experience.
- Butternut squash: Butternut squash is a fall favorite for many people. This squash is great for roasting and can be made into soups or added to salads. Adding maple syrup to a butternut squash meal can really bring out its natural flavors. It also makes for a great addition to hearty meals with grains.
- Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a rich, sweet flavor which promotes a lot of cooking versatility. This vegetable can be roasted, grilled, baked, or steamed, and goes with many spices. You can make sweet potato pies, casseroles, soups, and even fries. Adding a touch of rosemary and sea salt can enhance this food’s flavor palate.
Watch this video for some more tips:
Foods for Winter: Hearty and Nourishing
Winter is the season for hearty, nourishing foods. Some of the best foods to use in winter are:
- Root vegetables: Beets, carrots, and parsnips are great options for winter meals. You can roast or grill a number of these vegetables and offer them as a perfect side dish to any meal, especially if you add olive oil and herbs. They can also be pickled, or added to salads as well. Some of these can also be enhanced in flavor when you add honey and maple syrup to them.
- Citrus fruits: Grapefruits, lemons, and oranges are all fantastic options for winter meals. They offer a burst of tangy flavors that promote freshness no matter what meal you eat. They gohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb3YAwAVm6s great on winter salads where heavier ingredients like nuts or avocados are used. They’re also great for adding on top of, or mixed in with, desserts like cakes, ice cream, sorbets, and tarts. Lemon on its own is great for sauces, dressings, and marinades.
Watch this video to learn more:
Endnote
Seasonal cooking brings out an abundance of flavors when you mix and match the ingredients in the right way. Whether you’re looking to roast, grill, or just steam your food, there’s something for everyone in each season. Not only that but they’re also healthy as well.
