April Produce Guide

As spring hits its stride, let’s explore how to keep your family nourished, your meals exciting, and your wallet happy during this month of growth! 

Why April’s Produce Aisle is Your Golden Ticket to Savings 

Before we dive into our April all-stars, let’s chat about why focusing on seasonal produce is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow: 

• Budget-Friendly: Seasonal produce is plentiful, which means lower prices and more money left for those April showers… or maybe a new raincoat! 

• Super Nutrient: Fruits and veggies picked in season are at their nutritional peak.  

• Flavorful Food: Seasonal produce just tastes better. It’s the difference between a bland salad and one that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. 

• Earth-Friendly: Less distance from farm to table means a smaller carbon footprint. You’re basically giving the planet a big, green hug! 

Let’s spring into action with April’s seasonal produce!  

April’s Produce: Your Ultimate Guide 

1. Asparagus 

• Money-saving tip: Look for thinner spears – they’re usually cheaper and cook faster! 

• How to use: Roast with olive oil and garlic, grill for a smoky flavor, or shave raw into salads. 

• Frozen option: While fresh is best for asparagus, frozen spears work well in soups and quiches. 

2. Artichokes 

• Money-saving tip: Buy whole artichokes instead of pre-prepared hearts. You get more bang for your buck! 

• How to use: Steam and dip the leaves in melted butter, grill halves for a smoky flavor, or use the hearts in pasta dishes. 

• Frozen option: Frozen artichoke hearts are a great time-saver and perfect for dips or adding to pasta dishes. 

3. Spring Peas 

• Varieties to look for: English peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas 

• Money-saving tip: Buy peas in their pods and shell them yourself. It’s cheaper and makes for a fun family activity! 

• How to use: Eat sugar snap peas raw as a snack, add to stir-fries, or puree into a spring soup. 

• Frozen option: Frozen peas are a freezer staple and often just as good as fresh in cooked dishes. 

4. Spring Onions 

• Money-saving tip: Regrow from scraps! Place the white root end in water and watch it regrow. 

• How to use: Grill whole as a side dish, chop and use as a garnish, or add to stir-fries for a mild onion flavor. 

5. 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. 

Leafy Greens 

1. 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 perfect for dips, adding to lasagna, or mixing into scrambled eggs. 

2. 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. 

3. Swiss Chard 

• Money-saving tip: Use the stems! Chop them and cook like celery for added texture in dishes. 

• How to use: Sauté with garlic as a side dish, add to frittatas, or use in place of spinach in most recipes. 

Fruits

1. Strawberries 

1. Money-saving tip: Buy in bulk when they’re on sale and freeze for later use. 
2. How to use: Enjoy fresh as a snack, add to salads for a sweet touch, or blend into smoothies. 
3. Frozen option: Frozen strawberries are great for smoothies, baking, and making jam. 

Your April Produce Preservation Guide 

Your freezer is your secret weapon for extending the life of April’s bounty. Here’s how to make the most of it: 

1. Blanched Asparagus: Blanch and freeze asparagus spears for easy additions to frittatas and pasta dishes. 

2. Pea Pesto: Blend fresh peas with basil, garlic, and olive oil, then freeze in ice cube trays for instant pasta sauce. 

3. Strawberry Puree: Blend strawberries and freeze in ice cube trays for smoothies or dessert toppings. 

4. 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. 

5. Spinach Cubes: Blend spinach with a bit of water and freeze in ice cube trays for easy additions to smoothies or sauces. 

Money-Saving Magic 

1. Shop the Sales: Check your local flyers and plan your meals around what’s on sale. If asparagus is the deal of the week, it’s time for asparagus soup, grilled asparagus, and asparagus frittatas! 

2. Buy in Bulk: For items with a longer shelf life, like onions, or those you can freeze, like peas and strawberries, buying in larger quantities can save you money. 

3. 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! 

4. 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. 

5. Start a Produce Swap: Get together with friends or neighbors to share the bounty when you buy in bulk. If you buy a big bunch of asparagus, share with a friend who’s gotten a great deal on strawberries! 

6. Learn to Store Properly: Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your produce. For example, store asparagus standing up in a glass of water in the fridge, like a bouquet. 

7. Regrow from Scraps: Some veggies can be regrown from scraps. Try regrowing green onions or lettuce bases in water. 

April Meal Ideas 

Let’s put our April produce to work with these fresh, budget-friendly meal ideas: 

1. Spring Vegetable Frittata 

• Sauté asparagus, spring onions, and spinach 

• Pour beaten eggs over and bake 

• Top with crumbled goat cheese and fresh herbs 

2. Strawberry and Spinach Salad 

• Toss fresh spinach with sliced strawberries 

• Add sliced almonds and crumbled feta 

• Dress with a light balsamic vinaigrette 

3. Creamy Pea and Mint Soup 

• Sauté onions, then add peas and broth 

• Blend with fresh mint and a touch of cream 

• Top with a dollop of yogurt and crispy bacon bits 

4. Grilled Artichoke Halves 

• Steam artichokes until tender, then cut in half 

• Brush with olive oil and grill until charred 

• Serve with lemon-garlic aioli for dipping 

5. Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta 

• Sauté asparagus and peas with garlic and olive oil 

• Toss with pasta and a squeeze of lemon juice 

• Top with grated Parmesan and fresh mint 

Your April Produce Shopping List 

To make it super easy for you, here’s a printable shopping list of April’s seasonal superstars: 

Wrapping It Up 

April’s produce aisle is bursting with affordable, nutritious, and delicious options.  

Now, I want to hear from you! What’s your favorite way to use April produce? Do you have a money-saving tip I didn’t mention? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your ideas and/or questions. Happy cooking and happy saving! 

P.S. If you loved these ideas and want more, don’t forget to check out our April Meal Plan. It’s packed with easy, family-friendly meals that make the most of this month’s seasonal produce. Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you! [Insert link to April Meal Plan]  

Recipes to try in April

• Mango Curry Chicken (Use Papaya Instead of Mango)
• Vegetarian Enchilada Bowl
• Salsa Verde Chicken
• General Tso Chicken
• Chicken Lettuce Wraps