As the days grow longer and the temperatures get warmer, it's time for seniors to stock their kitchens with some of the delicious local spring vegetables the season has to offer.
Here's a guide to finding the best local spring produce, and to selecting, storing, and preparing it for optimal nutrition.
The Benefits of Eating Local Spring Vegetables
Eating local seasonal produce can have many nutritional, environmental, and economic benefits. In fact, when it comes to nutrition, spring vegetables are often fresher than those grown outside of the season, as they haven't traveled far and have had less time sitting on shelves. This can also mean the retention of more nutrients within the vegetables, making them a healthier option.
Environmentally, local produce also requires less packaging, which results in less waste ending up in landfills. Plus, transporting the vegetables to processing centers and supermarkets uses less fuel. This, in turn, results in fewer fossil fuels released into the atmosphere.
Economically, buying locally grown vegetables supports regional producers and can often be less expensive than buying imported produce.
Shopping Tips for Seniors
Want to know where to get the freshest spring veggies? Seniors can try several options like Farmer's markets, co-op food markets, community-supported agriculture programs (CSAs), and regional chain stores. When choosing quality vegetables, seniors must look for well-shaped vegetables with a bright, fresh color. These vegetables must also be free from bruises, tears, or blemishes.
Storing Local Spring Vegetables
Want to know how to store your bounty? Freezing is the best way to preserve vegetables' nutritional value. Some veggies such as peas, spinach, and asparagus are freezable without any pre-cooking preparation. However, seniors must briefly blanch other vegetables like broccoli, kale, and radishes before freezing.
Tips for Preparing Spring Vegetables
Use the lowest amount of heat to retain as many nutrients as possible. Quickly sauteeing, roasting, grilling, and steaming are some of the best cooking methods, as they require less heat and cooking time than boiling, and they don't leach out valuable nutrients.
Popular Spring Vegetables
There are several tasty spring-harvest vegetables, and these are among the most nutritious (and delicious!)
- Asparagus is a tender and sweet vegetable that can be enjoyed raw, steamed, roasted, sautéed, or grilled.
- Peas are nutritious and are easy to add to a variety of dishes, either raw or cooked.
- Radishes are a crunchy and spicy addition to salads and sandwiches.
- Spinach is also packed with nutrients. Seniors can easily add it to smoothies, salads, pasta dishes, and omelets.
- Broccoli is a great source of vitamins and minerals and is ideal for steaming, roasting, or stir-frying.
- Kale also known as a "superfood" is best sauteed. If seniors are adventurous, they can try making baked kale chips!
We Can Help with Shopping and Food Prep!
Eating local spring vegetables offers a variety of benefits for seniors in Bucks County, Southampton, Bensalem, Langhorne, Morrisville, and Levittown areas. With a little help from Senior Helpers of Yardley's professional in-home care providers, seniors can enjoy the best of their area's fresh produce.
For more information on our in-home senior care services, contact us today!