There is nothing like eating veggies that are in season. Here are seven seasonable, reasonably priced, extra flavourful, and nutritional veggies you should definitely have in your kitchen this spring:
How to select: Look out for firm, plump, and straight green spears that snap easily when bent and avoid asparagus with wet, slimy, or smelly tips.
Nutritional claim to fame: Good amount of vitamin A (to help your eyes and bones), B (to keep you energised), C (to keep the doctor away), and iron (for your blood).
Pairs well with: Butter, cheese, eggs, lemon, olive oil, pasta / rice, seafood and tomato.
How to select: The best artichokes are deep green and come with tightly packed, crisp leaves that should squeak when pressed together.
Nutritional claim to fame: A bit of potassium (to help regulate blood pressure and strengthen those muscles) and vitamin A.
Pairs well with: Garlic, herbs, lemon, nuts, olive oil and white wine.
How to select: Choose ones with plump, unblemished, and bright green pods that are velvety to the touch.
Nutritional claim to fame: Good source of vitamins A and C, as well as niacin (which improves cholesterol and supports proper brain function) and iron.
Pairs well with: Artichokes, chives, lettuce, mint, salmon, scallions, scallops, shrimp and tarragon.
How to select: Look out for a deep green or green / purple color, tightly closed buds, and crisp leaves.
Nutritional claim to fame: Loaded with vitamin C (125 grams = your daily intake).
Pairs well with: Balsamic vinegar, butter, cheese, chicken, chilli peppers, garlic, lemon, pasta and sausage.
How to select: You want green beans that are tender, crisp, well-shaped, and smooth. Velvety skin is a positive sign that they were freshly picked.
Nutritional claim to fame: Chock-full of vitamins A and C.
Pairs well with: Almonds, bacon, butter, dill, lemon, olive oil, orange, pine nuts, walnuts, tarragon and tomatoes.
How to select: The ideal radish? Fresh, bright, firm, tender, crisp and unblemished. Greens should be fresh and perky.
Nutritional claim to fame: Loaded with vitamin C, fibre, and isothiocyanates (compounds that are shown to be effective against certain cancers).
Pairs well with: Chives, lettuce, mild fish, mint, scallions, scallops, smoked salmon and butter.
How to select: Choose bunches with firm, white stalks topped with crisp, green leaves. Avoid ones with signs of spotting, limp stalks, or discolouration.
Nutritional claim to fame: 125 grams of pak choi packs in 64 percent of your daily recommended value of vitamin K (to help build strong bones and protect your heart).
Pairs well with: Beef, chicken, chilli peppers, ginger, pork, rice, seafood, sesame oil, shiitake mushrooms and soy sauce.