Welcome Back Spring Produce to Farmers Markets

Its that time of year again! That time of year when farmers markets begin to open back up after a sleepy cold winter allowing us, once again, to anxiously grab our lattes, our reusable shopping bags and stock up on fresh spring produce. I consider myself very lucky to live in a location where theres a great year-round farmers market for me to shop. It makes buying local and seasonal produce so much easier! As soon as I step off the ferry and arrive at the farmers market in San Francisco, I feel like Ive instantly come home. I wanted to compile a list of whats in season now for you guys to take to your market, grocery store or farm-stand this weekend. From there, the skys the limit as to what to do with all your bounty! So, heres a short list of whats in season now:

• Avocado
• Sunchokes
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Fennel
• Kale
• Rhubarb
• Turnips
• Blood Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Kiwi
• Pineapple

I love to prepare my seasonal produce simply to showcase its already wonderful taste. For instance, my absolute favorite way to eat asparagus is just drizzled with a little bit of olive oil, roasted at 400 degrees for 15 minutes and sprinkled with sea salt. If you havent tried it, you must! As for kale and fennel (one of my favorites!), try throwing them both in a salad with some olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, toasted pinenuts and dried cranberry. The great thing about kale salads is how long they keep in the fridge! They always seem to taste better the next day I hope you enjoy your Spring produce! And remember---simple is best.

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Jenna Weber is half of the Fresh Tastes blog team. She graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in 2008 and, since then, has worked as a pastry chef, bread baker and freelance food editor. Currently, Jenna blogs full-time on EatLiveRun.com where her delicious daily recipes and quirky culinary musings appeal to thousands. She lives in Northern California and, when not in the kitchen, can usually be found on her yoga mat.