Make it Springy

Spring Produce

Hopefully you are beginning to see the signs of spring – warmer weather (and the occasional rainfall), budding trees, and blossoming flowers. April is the perfect time to start thinking about gardening and planting produce. Depending on where you live, the last frost either just has—or is about to—set in. This means that many spring and summer produce can soon be planted.

April also marks the first month we start to see some of our favorite spring produce ripe for the picking. Whether you are a gardening aficionado or just love to frequent your farmers’ market, you should start to see some fresh produce cropping up in local gardens nearby.

Head to our Homegrown Resource Page for helpful gardening tips and tools like our Spring Produce Guide. In this guide, you will find a compilation of 15 veggies and herbs, along with facts about when they’re in season and what to look for. Give it a read, and then “make it springy” with some of our fresh recipes shown below.

1. Artichoke
2. Arugula
3. Asparagus
4. Broccoli
5. Cabbage
6. Carrots
7. Cauliflower
8. Garlic
9. Herbs
10. Spring Onions
11. Peas
12. Radish
13. Rhubarb
14. Spinach
15. Potatoes

https://potatorolls.com/recipes/pea-pesto-crostini

Use those fresh peas from your garden in this delicious springy spread, over toasted slices of potato bread! Just blend together peas, garlic, parmesan, olive oil, and a little salt and pepper, and voilà! – you have a bright, fresh hors d’oeuvre to serve at your next spring party.

https://potatorolls.com/recipes/grilled-asparagus-subs

Asparagus is quite possibly the most iconic April produce. While it may be available in some stores year-round, fresh asparagus tends to have a shorter growing period, reaching its peak freshness in mid-April. Take advantage of the month by making these grilled subs with fresh asparagus, feta cheese, raisins, scallions, and homemade smoky French dressing on Martin’s Hoagie Rolls.

https://potatorolls.com/recipes/honey-rhubarb-brown-betty

Rhubarb is a wonderful spring vegetable (yes, vegetable) that brings plenty of color to your table. It is perfect in baked dishes like pies, crisps, or this brown betty recipe. Paired with honey to counter its tartness, the rhubarb really shines through in this delicious dessert. Hint: top this with a scoop of ice cream for a perfect evening treat.

https://potatorolls.com/recipes/spinach-artichoke-dip

Swap out the pre-packaged veggies for fresh spinach and artichoke in this classic appetizer. It will take a bit more work to cook and prepare the artichoke hearts, but you will sure notice the difference in flavor! Add the artichoke hearts to fresh wilted spinach, a blend of cheeses, mayo, lemon juice, and some spices, bake in the oven, and you have yourself a homegrown masterpiece!

Get printable recipe cards for these four recipes at our Homegrown Resource Page!