Spring is here and brings with it a zest for life and all things natural. Help guests celebrate the season by creating dishes that highlight all Spring has to offer. You can surely incorporate the well-known symbols of this time of year – the egg or rabbit. But, there are also many produce options that are ripening around the country.
Some notable culinary stars of Spring include:
- Apricots
- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Avocadoes
- Carrots
- Chives
- Fava Beans
- Fennel
- Leeks
- Mangoes
- Morels
- Peas
- Pineapple
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Watercress
If these ingredients don’t currently have a home on your menu, consider incorporating one or two into existing dishes. Those you regularly use some of these foods can embrace the energy of the season by cooking them in new ways. Grab your chef coat and give guests a taste of the season with a meal they’ll never forget.
While any fresh, local ingredient can be featured at any meal and in any course, there are a few key ways to showcase the bounty of spring.
- Soups and Stews: Feature several ingredients at the same time with a fresh Spring Stew while there is still a chill in the air. Highlight an individual food with a focused soup.
- Add a Sauce: Fresh, local produce is often best suited to standing alone. Their flavor is sufficient without a lot of fuss, but a light sauce or dip can enhance the experience.
- Dessert Substitutes: Many desserts are versatile in that any fruit can be substituted in. Look for ways to dress up standard desserts with in-season produce.
Any good chef understands the value of seasonal ingredients. Find out what’s in season near you by visiting a farmer’s market or using an online tool like Sustainable Table’s Seasonal Food Guide. The rest is up to your imagination and knowledge of flavor profiles.