Written by Jaz Popa
It has been another long, Michigan winter, however, spring has finally sprung! This means sunshine, warmer weather, longer days, but most importantly, fresh Michigan produce! Due to the cold weather in Michigan during the winter, fresh produce is very hard to grow. However, once spring hits, there are many things that can be grown in Michigan. This produce that can now be grown is called in season.
Fresh produce that is in season has many pros. It is often cheaper than other fresh produce because it is easier to grow, more abundant, and does not take as many resources to get to your local grocery store since it can be grown locally. It is often also more delicious because it was grown under optimal conditions and closer to the grocery store you purchase it from! Fresh, in season produce can also contain more nutrients than when it’s out of season because it is ripened longer on the vine. Check out one of our earlier posts about eating seasonally to get more information on why eating seasonally is so amazing! Find it here.
Some things that are in season during springtime/ early summer in Michigan are:
Rhubarb
Strawberry Rhubarb
Photo and recipe by Cookie and Kate
Strawberries
Chocolate Strawberry French Toast
Photo and recipe by Cooking Matters
Asparagus
Snap Peas
Sautéed Radishes and Sugar Snap Peas with Dill
Photo and recipe by Bon Appetit
Greens (such as turnips, collards, kale, chard)
Pasta, Greens, and Beans
Seared Greens
Greens with Carrots
Lettuce
HEALTHY ASIAN CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS
Photo and recipe by As Easy as Apple Pie
Spinach
Onions
Healthy French Onion Soup
Photo and recipe by A Sweet Pea Chef
Radishes
Turnips
Baked Turnip Fries
Photo and recipe by A Spicy Perspective
Try these delicious and healthy recipes to use up that spring seasonal produce you have!
Check out this list to see all of the produce that is in season in Michigan throughout the entire year!
If you do need to buy produce that’s out of season, try buying it canned or frozen. It will often be much cheaper and just as delicious and nutrient dense because it is packaged at peak ripeness. Just be sure to watch out for added salt or sugar.
Now, head to your local grocery store or framer’s market to explore all of the beautiful, in season produce that Michigan has to offer!