I am a self proclaimed localvore.

What is a localvore you ask? Our friend Wikipedia defines localvore as “a person interested in eating food that is locally produced, not moved long distances to market. The locavore movement in the United States and elsewhere was spawned as interest in sustainability and eco-consciousness became more prevalent.”

Because I eat local, I eat with the seasons. Yes, I still go to the food stores and buy produce that is not local to my area, like bananas and avocados, but if it is grown local, I eat it when it is in season. I am proud to say I have not bought a super market berry in over a year… Which means I am counting down the days until the first strawberries arrive in June!

In all honesty though, I have found that although I do miss a few things, berries mostly, I don’t even notice produce that I am missing from my diet. When corn is in season, I eat so much of it that I’m looking forward to the Fall squashes that arrive shortly after the corn dries up. I fill up on apples, squashes, and other Fall delicacies until the Winter root crops arrive. Just as I’m getting sick of carrots, turnips, and potatoes, low and behold the Spring crops start coming in. It’s a continuous cycle that leaves you feeling full and satisfied. Barbara Kingsolver describes this process nicely in her book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. If you are interested in eating seasonally, I would highly recommend reading her personal narrative of eating nothing but local food for an entire year.

This past weekend was the last of the indoor farmer’s markets in my area, and I was able to get some delicious Spring produce that I’ve been waiting all Winter for. Fresh greens, Spring dug parsnips, rhubarb, and one of my favorite vegetables – asparagus.

As I was washing the asparagus and prepping to place it on the grill, I kept saying, “Look at how beautiful this asparagus is! It’s so beautiful!” Not only was it beautiful, it tasted so so good…. There’s just something about the first bite of asparagus of the season. Yes, I think it’s safe to say I’m a complete food weirdo.

Now feast your eyes on this beautiful leafy green….

That’s right – spinach! Popeye was onto something with this nutritious vegetable.

I also picked up some lettuces….

And kale, of course…. For my recent posts on kale click here and here.

I also picked up some yummy Spring dug parsnips that I used in a sweet potato soup (recipe to come soon!)….

And last but not least, I purchased some rhubarb. I’ve never bought or prepared rhubarb before, but I’m sure I can find some yummy recipe to make….

Last weekend was the last of the indoor farmer’s markets, which can only mean one thing – outdoor markets are opening up this week! Woohoo! For those of you who are in the Southern NH area, Exeter Farmer’s Markets will be held on Thursdays, Portsmouth Farmer’s Markets will be held on Saturdays, and Newburyport Farmer’s Markets are on Sundays. STARTING NOW!

For other Farmer’s markets in the NH and ME Seacoast area, check out Seacoast Growers Association and Seacoast Harvest. If you live elsewhere, check out Local Harvest to find a Farmer’s market near you.

Happy shopping and eating!

What is your favorite Spring produce?

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