Green Child Magazine Spring 2013 | Page 47

What’s In Season |by Louise Goldberg RD CSP LD CNSC As the ground starts to thaw, gardens are in transition with the end of Winter’s hearty produce and the beginning of delicate Spring fruits and vegetables. The good news is that even if you live in an area where the thaw hasn’t started yet, you still have access to a wide variety of crops that are in season from somewhere within our great country. Oranges Eating oranges are a great way to tell your tastebuds Spring has arrived. They are an excellent source of Vitamin C and fiber. While winter is known as prime citrus season, different varieties of oranges peak at different times and the navel orange is actually sweetest in March and April. Their juicy fresh flavor is delicious in a simple fruit salad or even mixed into smoothies. Spinach This green leafy vegetable is in season during the cold months through early Spring. It is very high in vitamins and phytonutrients - the special compounds in food that protect your eyes, fight cancer and decrease inflammation in your body. Toss raw leaves with fresh berries, almond slices, feta cheese and raspberry vinaigrette for a quick meal or sauté and pack into a crustless quiche. 47