With the early onset of warm weather, it’s easy to start thinking about the festivities of the upcoming months. With Spring comes Easter, Passover, Earth Day, Cinco de Mayo, and of course, Mother’s Day. Spring is a great time to move the fun outdoors and start to highlight the yummy fruits and vegetables that are in season this time of year. When produce is in season it tastes its best, giving us our best shot at getting our little food critics to try- and enjoy- new foods. Below are a few of my favorite Spring fruits and veggies and some kid-friendly ways to prepare them.
1. Asparagus: This veggie, high in fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K is super versatile. It can be battered, stuffed in protein such as chicken , or roasted. With its fun shape (Trees? Swords?) and availability in shades of green, white, and purple, kids can help create a dish that offers nutrition paired with creativity.
2. Rhubarb: Speaking of colorful fruits and veggies, this bright pink vegetable has a tart flavor so it’s typically mixed with sweet fruits for dessert. If you have a budding baker, introduce rhubarb the classic way- with a lesson on homemade rhubarb and strawberry crisp.
3. Mango: This Springtime fruit is actually the most widely consumed fruit in the world, and with its high vitamin C content combined with sweetness it’s a no-brainer for families. At the grocery store, have your kids smell the mangoes- the sweeter, the riper! Then, cut them at home to eat fresh or enjoy it grilled for a better for you dessert!
4. Lettuce: Haven’t gotten your little one to stop picking the green stuff out of sandwiches and burgers? Lettuce is its most flavorful and crisp right now. Packed with folate, this superfood is excellent for brain health. Just remember, the darker the better! Try this kid friendly colorful salad!
5. Strawberries: Still looking for a way to get your kids to eat salad? Look no further. Add these sweet bursts of nutrition to a salad (or just about anything) to entice your child to try new foods Pro tip: Pairing a new food with a known and loved food increases the chances that your child will try it.
Until next time… eat well!
Emily
Emily Craft, RDN, CSP, LDN is an in-store nutritionist for Giant Food. Emily has her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware and completed her Dietetic Internship through Sodexo in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Emily’s background is in pediatrics and weight management and she loves helping families come together to enjoy healthy, delicious meals. For more information, go to https://giantfood.com/live-well/health-and-wellness/nutritionists/.
