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GIVE YOUR MENU A SPRING MAKEOVER
It ’ s time to get excited about seasonal produce and menu planning in spring , with dietitian Marnie Nitschke .
Congratulations ! You ’ ve made it through another bumpy , lockdown-plagued winter in Victoria . Spring is finally here and this season is all about growth and renewal . As the weather starts to warm up and the days stretch out a little longer , you might find yourself with an extra spring in your step . Another feature of the changing of seasons is that it brings new seasonal produce – and that means shaking things up a bit in the kitchen .
It ’ s time to get excited about these seasonal fruits and vegetables in Victoria :
Spring fruit
} Let ’ s give a warm welcome to berries , which we love for their amazing health properties , vibrant colours and antioxidants , and of course – how delicious they are ; } apricots , cherries and cumquats start to appear ; } bananas are in season all year round , as are grapefruit ; } citrus fruits like oranges , mandarins , lemons and limes are in season .
Spring veggies
} Artichokes are spring newcomers that we haven ’ t seen in a while ;
} Asian greens like choy sum , pak choy and Chinese broccoli are abundant ; } springtime in Victoria means asparagus ; } beans ( including broad beans ) appear ; } beetroot and broccoli are still around ; } we also have cabbage , carrot , cauliflower , chillies and cucumber ; } there ’ s plenty of garlic , leek , onion , spring onion and all lettuce ; � peas , rhubarb , snow peas and potatoes are in season ; � and let ’ s welcome those vibrant and versatile greens – spinach and silver beet .
Spring meal inspiration
I don ’ t know about you , but in winter , my family gravitates to warming , hearty versions of pastas , roasts , soups and stews . I love it when we emerge from winter , thaw out a bit and start to shake things up in the kitchen . Here are some spring menu ideas to give you a bit of seasonal inspiration :
Salads are back on the menu
} Coleslaw , served with chicken tenders , fish tacos , or slow cooked meats . Thinly shaved red and white cabbage ,
4 YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE