A Fresh Start: Spring’s Best Fruits & Vegetables
As the seasons change and the days grow longer, spring brings a fresh burst of flavor to our kitchens. It’s a time when farmers’ markets start filling up with crisp greens, sweet berries, and vibrant vegetables that awaken our taste buds from winter’s comfort foods.
At Copper & Thyme, I love embracing seasonal ingredients, not just for their incredible flavor but also for their freshness and nutritional benefits. Let’s take a look at what’s coming into season this spring and how you can make the most of it in your kitchen!
What’s in Season?
Spring Vegetables
Asparagus – Tender, earthy, and perfect for roasting, grilling, or adding to pastas and salads.
Peas – Sweet and crisp, whether in snap pea form or classic green peas in risottos and stir-fries.
Radishes – Peppery and refreshing, they add crunch to salads or can be roasted for a mellow sweetness.
Artichokes – A spring delicacy, delicious steamed with a squeeze of lemon or baked into dips.
Fava Beans – Creamy and nutty, they’re a labor of love but worth it in salads, soups, and pasta dishes.
Spring Onions & Leeks – Milder than their winter counterparts, perfect for sautéing, roasting, or blending into soups.
Spring Fruits
Strawberries – The star of early spring! Sweet, juicy, and perfect for everything from fresh salads to decadent desserts.
Citrus (Lemons & Blood Oranges) – Bright and tangy, ideal for adding a fresh pop to dishes or cocktails.
Cherries – A late-spring treat, best enjoyed fresh, baked, or even tossed into a salad.
Apricots – Sweet yet tart, these golden gems work beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes.
Rhubarb – Technically a vegetable but treated like a fruit, it pairs perfectly with strawberries in crumbles, pies, and compotes.
How to Enjoy the Best of Spring
Eat Fresh & Local – Visit your local farmers’ markets to get the freshest spring produce and support local growers.
Brighten Up Your Meals – Swap out hearty winter dishes for lighter, vibrant meals featuring crisp greens, grilled veggies, and fruit-forward desserts.
Let Copper & Thyme Create Your Perfect Spring Menu – Not sure how to bring these seasonal ingredients into your meals? I’d love to craft a customized menu that celebrates the best of spring, tailored to your taste and dietary needs.
Simple & Elegant: French Radishes with Butter and Sea Salt
Spring radishes are one of my favorite seasonal treats. Their crisp texture and peppery bite make them perfect for a simple, no-fuss appetizer that truly lets their fresh flavor shine. This classic French preparation pairs them with creamy butter and flaky sea salt for an effortlessly elegant snack or quick and easy appetizer.
Ingredients:
1 bunch of fresh French breakfast radishes (or any small radish variety)
2 tablespoons high-quality unsalted butter, softened
Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon or fleur de sel)
Optional: Fresh baguette slices for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the radishes – Trim the tops, leaving a small portion of the greens attached for easy handling. Rinse well and pat dry.
Spread the butter – Using a knife or small spoon, spread a thin layer of butter onto each radish.
Sprinkle with sea salt – Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over the buttered radishes.
Serve & enjoy! – Eat them as is, or pair them with a slice of fresh baguette for a perfect bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Takes just 5 minutes to prepare
Showcases the natural flavor of fresh radishes
