March Produce Guide
As we teeter on the edge of winter and spring, let’s explore how to keep your family well-fed and your wallet happy!
Why March Madness Should Extend to Your Produce Game
Before we dive into our March MVPs (Most Valuable Produce), let’s chat about why focusing on seasonal goodies is great for your budget and health:
- Budget-Friendly: Seasonal produce is abundant, which means lower prices and more cash left in your pocket!
- Nutrient Rich: Fruits and veggies picked in season are at their nutritional peak.
- Full Flavor: Seasonal produce just tastes better. Period.
- Earth-Friendly: Less distance from farm to table means a smaller carbon footprint.
Now, let’s tip off with March’s seasonal superstars!
March’s Produce: Your Ultimate Guide
1. Leafy Greens
As the earth wakes up, so do our leafy friends. March is prime time for these nutrient powerhouses.
Spinach
- Money-saving tip: Buy fresh spinach in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it yourself for use in cooked dishes.
- How to use: Use as a base for salads, wilt into pasta dishes, or blend into smoothies for a nutrient boost.
- Frozen option: Frozen spinach is a freezer staple. It’s perfect for dips, adding to lasagna, or mixing into scrambled eggs.
Arugula
- Money-saving tip: Grow your own! Arugula is easy to grow in containers and grows quickly.
- How to use: Toss in salads for a peppery kick, use as a pizza topping, or blend into pesto.
Lettuce
- Varieties to look for: Romaine, Butterhead, Red Leaf
- Money-saving tip: Buy whole heads instead of pre-washed bags. It’s cheaper and lasts longer!
- How to use: Create a DIY salad bar at home, use large leaves as low-carb wraps, or grill romaine hearts for a unique side dish.
2. Cruciferous Veggies
These mighty veggies are still going strong in March, offering a punch of nutrition and flavor.
Broccoli
- Money-saving tip: Use the whole plant! The stems can be peeled and eaten raw or cooked.
- How to use: Roast florets for a crispy side dish, add to stir-fries, or puree into a creamy soup.
- Frozen option: Frozen broccoli is great for quick stir-fries or adding to casseroles.
Cauliflower
- Money-saving tip: Buy a whole head instead of pre-cut florets. It’s cheaper and stays fresh longer!
- How to use: Roast whole for a dramatic presentation, rice for a low-carb alternative, or mash for a creamy side dish.
- Frozen option: Frozen cauliflower is perfect for smoothies (adds creaminess without the flavor) or for making cauliflower rice.
Brussels Sprouts
- Money-saving tip: Look for Brussels sprouts still on the stalk. They’re often cheaper and stay fresh longer.
- How to use: Shred raw for salads, roast with balsamic for a caramelized side dish, or sauté with garlic and lemon for a quick veggie fix.
- Frozen option: Frozen Brussels sprouts are great for roasting. No need to thaw – just toss with oil and seasonings and pop in the oven.
3. Root Vegetables
As we transition to spring, grab these hearty veggies while you still can!
Carrots
- Money-saving tip: Buy whole carrots instead of baby carrots. They’re cheaper and last longer!
- How to use: Roast with honey for a sweet side dish, shred for salads, or blend into smoothies for added nutrition.
- Frozen option: Frozen carrots are great for soups and stews. No chopping required!
Parsnips
- Money-saving tip: Parsnips can be used as a cheaper alternative to potatoes in many recipes.
- How to use: Roast with other root veggies, puree into a soup, or try them mashed as a unique side dish.
Radishes
- Money-saving tip: Don’t toss the greens! Radish tops are edible and great in salads or pesto.
- How to use: Slice thinly for salads, roast for a milder flavor, or pickle for a zesty condiment.
4. Spring Onions
These early alliums are here to add a punch of flavor to your spring dishes.
Leeks
- Money-saving tip: Use the whole leek! The dark green parts are great for making stock.
- How to use: Use in place of onions in soups, sauté and add to quiches, or grill for a smoky side dish.
Green Onions (Scallions)
- Money-saving tip: Regrow from scraps! Place the white root end in water and watch it regrow.
- How to use: Chop and use as a garnish, add to stir-fries, or grill whole as a side dish.
5. Citrus Fruits
March marks the end of citrus season, so grab these vitamin C powerhouses while you can!
Grapefruit
- Money-saving tip: Use every part! The zest can flavor dishes, the juice can be frozen, and the flesh is perfect for snacking or adding to salads.
- How to use: Enjoy halved for breakfast, add segments to salads, or use the juice in marinades.
Lemons
- Money-saving tip: Freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays for easy portioning in recipes.
- How to use: Use the zest in baking, squeeze over fish or chicken, or add to water for a refreshing drink.
Your March Produce Preservation Guide
Your freezer is your secret weapon for extending the life of March’s bounty. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Leek and Potato Soup Base: Sauté leeks and potatoes, then freeze in portions. Just add broth when ready to eat!
- Broccoli Florets: Blanch and freeze broccoli florets for easy additions to stir-fries and casseroles.
- Citrus Juice Cubes: Freeze lemon and grapefruit juice in ice cube trays for easy flavoring of drinks and dishes.
- Carrot Top Pesto: Don’t waste those carrot greens! Blend into a pesto and freeze in small portions.
- Spring Onion Butter: Blend chopped spring onions with softened butter, roll into a log, and freeze. Slice off coins to add instant flavor to dishes.
Money-Saving Magic
- Shop the Sales: Check your local flyers and plan your meals around what’s on sale. If broccoli is the deal of the week, it’s time for broccoli soup, stir-fries, and roasted broccoli sides!
- Buy in Bulk: For items with a long shelf life, like carrots and onions, buying in larger quantities can save you money. Just make sure you have proper storage space.
- Embrace Imperfection: Many stores offer discounted produce that’s slightly blemished but still perfectly good to eat. These “ugly” fruits and veggies are your ticket to savings!
- Consider Frozen: For out-of-season items, frozen can be more affordable and just as nutritious. This is especially true for berries and other summer fruits you might be craving.
- Start a Produce Swap: Get together with friends or neighbors to share the bounty when you buy in bulk. If you buy a big bag of lemons, share with a friend who’s gotten a great deal on carrots!
- Learn to Store Properly: Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your produce. For example, store leafy greens with a damp paper towel in a bag to keep them fresh longer.
- Regrow from Scraps: Some veggies can be regrown from scraps. Try regrowing green onions or lettuce bases in water.
March Meal Ideas
Let’s put our March produce to work with these transitional, budget-friendly meal ideas:
- Spring Greens Frittata
- Sauté spring onions and spinach
- Pour beaten eggs over and bake
- Top with crumbled feta and a sprinkle of lemon zest
- Roasted Broccoli and Lemon Pasta
- Roast broccoli florets until crispy
- Toss with pasta, lemon juice, and zest
- Top with grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes
- Carrot and Parsnip Soup
- Sauté carrots, parsnips, and leeks
- Blend with broth and a touch of cream
- Top with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs
- Grapefruit and Arugula Salad
- Toss arugula with grapefruit segments
- Add sliced avocado and toasted almonds
- Dress with a honey-citrus vinaigrette
- Brussels Sprout and Radish Slaw
- Shred Brussels sprouts and thinly slice radishes
- Toss with a creamy, tangy dressing
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish
Your March Produce Shopping List
To make it super easy for you, here’s a printable shopping list of March’s seasonal superstars:
Wrapping It Up
March’s produce aisle is a treasure trove of affordable, nutritious, and delicious options.
Eating seasonally doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It’s about making small, smart choices that add up to big savings and big flavors. And hey, if you try a new veggie and it doesn’t work out, no worries! Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works for you and your family.
Do you have a money-saving tip I didn’t mention? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your ideas and start a conversation.
