Hey, we love root vegetables, but right now we’re ready for some fresh green produce. It’s Spring!
Spring not only brings longer days and warmer weather but also a bounty of fresh produce that invigorates all of us. In the Produce Department, and in our home kitchens, anticipation runs high as we eagerly await the arrival of seasonal gems like asparagus, fava beans, fiddleheads, and ramps.
Spring is a time of renewal, and nothing encapsulates this spirit more than the vibrant green hues and delicate flavors of the season’s produce. So we’re asking that age old questions, which spring green are you?
Asparagus, with its tender stalks and earthy sweetness, is a beloved springtime delicacy that inspires a multitude of culinary creations. Whether roasted, grilled, or gently steamed, its versatility knows no bounds, lending itself to dishes ranging from salads to pastas to savory tarts. If you identify most strongly with asparagus then you’re likely a popular social butterfly with lots of friends and a vast array of interests.
Photo by amirmasoud on Unsplash
Similarly, fava beans (aka broad beans) burst onto the scene with their delicate taste and creamy texture, inviting experimentation in the kitchen. From simple yet satisfying bean salads to more elaborate dishes like fava bean risotto or pureed fava bean spreads, these legumes add depth and richness to springtime fare.
If you identify most strongly with favas then you’re likely a sophisticated type with lots of time on your hands (for peeling tiny beans) and an elevated palate.
Are you a fiddlehead stan or a ramps diehard? Which wild spring green is your ride or die?
For the adventurous palate, fiddleheads and ramps offer a taste of the wild, foraged from Ontario’s lush forests and riverbanks. Fiddleheads, the tightly coiled shoots of the ostrich fern, boast a unique flavor reminiscent of asparagus and artichokes with a hint of mossiness. If you identify most strongly with fiddleheads then you’re likely someone who marches to the beat of their own drum, has an adventurous palate and value time spent alone in nature.
The versatile and wild ramps have a pungent, garlicky flavor, and add a bold kick to everything from omelets to pestos. If you identify most strongly with ramps then you’re a confident leader who’s at home in front of a crowd. You’re confident in the kitchen and not afraid to experiment.
There you have it. Your personality as determined by delicious spring produce!
Beyond their culinary appeal, what makes these seasonal ingredients truly special is less what they say about us, and more about the sense of connection they foster with the land and the changing seasons. As we eagerly await their arrival, we’re reminded of the cycles of nature and the joys of cooking with ingredients at the peak of their freshness and flavor.
