The Beauty of Eating Seasonally, April 2023 Edition!!!  

We’ve all heard it before, eat seasonally!! But why? The answer has multiple facets.

Eating this way, we can become more aware of what is fresh and what is not. The fact is, if we’re eating nectarines in December, chances are they were ripened artificially grown in another region of the world, shipped to your neck of the woods, stored in warehouses, then stored in stores, etc.… Not very appealing. Picking fruits and vegetables that are in season and grown where you reside has many benefits. It connects you to nature and helps you get fresh, naturally grown, and healthy produce. It can also stimulate your local economy.

“So How Do I Know What’s In Season?”

The Vitamin Channel’s got you covered! As a matter of fact, this being April, I am writing about seasonal produce and fruits pertaining to this month. We won’t stop there. This is The Vitamin Channel after all.

We will also briefly describe what makes the vegetable or fruit worth buying and eating.

Having said that, let’s see the goodies this month has for us. Keep this in mind as you read on. First and foremost is your safety.

Please note!!!!

April is a great month for fruits and vegetables! With spring in full swing, you are sure to find all kinds of delicious produce. From asparagus to zucchini, there is no shortage of options for those looking to eat healthier and support local agriculture. But let’s be honest, not all fruits and vegetables are created equal.

Exotic Merchandise

Fruits

1. Durian. This spiky, football-sized fruit is popular in Southeast Asia. Although quite malodorous, (yes, you read that right) many are obsessed with this fruit’s taste profile! I know some people that carry around Durian flavored candy when the real article is not available. Durian is high in fiber and is a good clean, vegan source of protein. It is also a rich source of potassium and vitamin C!

2. Jackfruit. This is a huge, prickly fruit that can weigh up to 100 pounds! Inside, you will find thousands of small, edible seeds that taste like a cross between a pineapple and a banana. But beware: jackfruit is notoriously difficult to cut open, and the sap inside the fruit can leave stains on your clothes! If you are feeling adventurous, try it. Just make sure you have a sharp knife and some spare clothing handy! 

Veggies

1. Kohlrabi. This interesting vegetable resembles a cross between a turnip and a UFO!! It is part of the cabbage family and has a mild, sweet flavor that’s perfect for salads.

April is the perfect month to incorporate some kohlrabi; you might be pleasantly surprised.

2. Fiddlehead Fern. These are the young, coiled fronds of a fern plant that grows in the wild. They have a delicate, nutty flavor that pairs well with butter and lemon. Please be aware: fiddleheads need to be cooked thoroughly before eating, or else they can cause food poisoning. So, embrace your adventurous side and forage for some fiddleheads this April. Just be sure you cook them completely before enjoying.  

The Tried and True Fruits and Veggies Available in April

April is also a great month to try, more typically available fruits and vegetables. There are plenty of delicious and healthy options that are in season this month. For example, asparagus is one of the most popular spring vegetables. It’s tender, flavorful, and goes well with just about anything. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals that are great for your body.

Another great fruit to try this April is the apricot. This small, orange fruit is sweet and juicy, with a slightly tart flavor that makes it perfect for pies, preserves, and snacking. It’s also a reliable source of fiber and vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system and aid in weight management.

Finally, we have the humble radish. These little root vegetables come in all shapes and sizes, from the mild and crunchy white radish to the spicy and colorful watermelon radish. They are a fantastic addition to salads and sandwiches, and they’re packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that can help keep you healthy.

This April is a great month to try a healthy, plant-based diet.

Remember to have fun with your food. After all, that is what makes food such a fun and interesting topic.  Whether you’re a die-hard durian fan or prefer something a little more mainstream, there’s no shortage of options to choose from this April. So why not take a trip to your local farmer’s market or grocery store and see what’s in season? Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite fruit or vegetable that you never would have tried otherwise.

In the end, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of exploring new foods and flavors. So, get out there and embrace the weird and wonderful world of fruits and vegetables, you never know what delicious surprises might be waiting for you!