Written by Elizabeth Rietz

Depending on where you live, spring may or may not have arrived. It may only be the evening sunlight that gives a hint of spring. Whether you are officially in the season or anticipating it, I’ve compiled a quick guide of the early spring vegetables that are ready to enjoy along with recipe ideas:

Artichokes
How to buy: Select ones with tight buds and a thick, firm stem attached.
How to eat: Steam / grill / roast / shave raw on a salad
Grilled Artichokes
How to store: Sprinkle a little water on artichokes and keep them in a bag for three to five days. Once cut, add a squeeze of lemon to prevent discoloration.

Asparagus
How to buy: Look for tight, compact heads and firm stalks.
How to eat: Steam / grill / roast / raw; Snap off the ends when prepping
-Asparagus, Peas & Basil
-Brush with olive oil and fresh lemon and grill until soft.
How to store: Keep standing upright in a few inches of water in the refrigerator.

Carrots
How to buy: Purchase carrots with a deep orange color. If tops are still on, look for fresh looking ones.
How to eat: Steam / roast / raw
-Steamed Carrots with Mint
-Brush carrots with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and roast in 400 degree oven until golden brown
How to store: Store in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to two weeks.

Fava Beans
How to buy: Check inside the pod to ensure they are firm and plump.
How to eat: Boil / sauté
-Fava Beans and Pancetta
How to store: Keep pods in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Cooked fava beans will keep for five days at the most.

New Potatoes
How to buy: Look for potatoes that are free of blemishes. Avoid buying green-looking ones.
How to eat: Boil / roast / bake
-Roasted New Potatoes
How to store: They will keep for several weeks in a cool, dark place. Higher temperatures cause sprouting and shriveling.

Peas
How to buy: Check the pod and look for peas that are bright and firm. Avoid tough-looking pods.
How to eat: Steam / sauté
-Sauté frozen peas and add to pasta dishes
How to store: Store in the refrigerator and keep in pods until you cook them.

Sugar Snap Peas
How to buy: Select bright and firm pods without blemishes.
How to eat: Boil / sauté / eat raw
-Enjoy sugar snap peas with hummus.
-Fresh Green Peas and Sugar Snap Peas in Sesame Dressing
How to store: Keep in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. Can be frozen for up to one year.

Happy Spring!