Spring has sprung, and although the snow is still melting here in Utah, I am ready to embrace warmer weather, new growth, and springtime foods! Spring foods, especially produce, are so fun and rejuvenating because the long winter days of limited fresh fruit are over and it’s time to embrace flavors I haven’t tasted in a long time.
Want to know the best produce to buy during the spring? I’m excited to share my favorite foods that truly blossom in the springtime.
THE 6 BEST SPRINGTIME PRODUCE
1) STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries are beginning to arrive and are more vibrant and sweet than they have been for the past three to four months.
2) APRICOTS
Apricots are one of the prettiest fruits to add to any grazing experience, and they are finally starting to appear again at grocery stores. The early apricots have a little sharpness to them that sweetens up as they ripen which makes them last longer than other fruits.
3) CARROTS
Carrots are also a grazing favorite, but the standard orange color can get a little tiresome which is why I love to include beautifully colored carrots that come out in the springtime. Carrots are wonderful because they complement different produce like peas, cucumber, and cauliflower.
4) KIWIFRUIT
Easily one of my favorite springtime fruits is kiwifruit because of its versatility. Kiwifruit is a great way to add visual interest to a board by peeling, slicing them, and then using a small cookie cutter to cut them into interesting and fun shapes.
5) SNAP PEAS
I love fresh snap peas, they are perfect little capsules of sweet crispness. They look gorgeous displayed by cutting one half of the pod off and laying it pod side down to show the peas cradled in their pod. Any food you can display in a fun way, is a win in my book!
6) PINEAPPLES
Is there any better sign that summer is on the horizon than fresh pineapples? Believe it or not, springtime is a great time to buy pineapples, they are so sweet and give such a tropical fun feel to any board! And, you’re able to enjoy them through the springtime and summer!
7) COLORED CAULIFLOWER
Springtime is the time to bring in produce in different colors, especially when the colors scream fresh and spring! Colored cauliflower can come in white, orange, green, and purple. Mother Nature knew what she was doing when she gave us these beauties. Cauliflower doesn’t have the most robust flavor, so pairing them with your favorite dip is perfect!
AN EXTRA INGREDIENT
Spring is also a great time to add fruit to your cheeses! Either buy cheese with fruit (think White Stilton or Wensleydale with apricots or blueberries) or add a quince paste or a fig jam.
Is your stomach talking yet? I hope these springtime foods give you the inspiration to make your own board at home! And if you rather we create that grazing board for you, we’re here to help. Just fill out the inquiry form on our website here.
Keep Grazing,
Karen
Karen Ormsby is the founder and owner of Oakford Gourmet Selections. Karen is an Australian native who brings her diverse and educated palate to creating beautiful, artistic, and delicious charcuterie boards and grazing platters. Located outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, Oakford Gourmet Selections provides charcuterie and grazing catering perfect for any sized events including girl's nights, weddings, receptions, engagements, parties, networking events, and more.
