Maybe it had something to do with turning 30, but in the last year I have taken a decidedly more dedicated interest in the health and nutritional value of the foods I consume.
I am someone who likes to be prepared and opts for preventative measures rather than solutions to later problems, so it makes sense that I would take the same interest in my health, both inside and out as I start that aging process. (I know you guys, don’t worry, I recognize how young I still am, I assure you!)
With a deep interest and love for food, seasonal cooking fits nicely with an increased interest in personal health and nutrition, and I’ve decided to share some of that interest with you by starting a new food series- Flavors of the Season.
In this new series, I will choose a few of my favorite seasonal ingredients and share with you a few of my favorite go-to recipes that highlight their flavor and add healthy seasonal nutrients to our diets!
So starting out our year with the Spring Season, my flavors of the season this year are…
Artichokes, Lemons, and Asparagus.
1. Artichokes:
According to Healthline, artichokes boast a huge array of nutrients!
“Artichokes are low in fat while rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Particularly high in folate and vitamin C, they also supply important minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
These delicious thistles come with only 90 calories per cooked cup (170 g) and around 5 g of protein, which is above average for plant-based food.
To top it off, artichokes are also rich in a variety of antioxidants.”
Healthline.com
Artichokes have been not only a food love of mine for a long time, but also a design love as well.
I can’t quite pinpoint why, but artichokes seem to have a high-class elegant look to them that is often used in design, decor and art as well as a delicious and nutritious food.
Artichoke Recipes
Spinach & Artichoke Dip from Sugar Maple Farmhouse
What better way to use artichokes than a creamy and delicious spinach & artichoke dip like this one from Sugar Maple Farmhouse!
Fresh Steamed Artichokes with Butter or Dipping Sauce
My favorite way to eat artichokes is clean and simple – steamed with a little bit of butter sauce.
If you have never cooked or steamed an artichoke before, it may feel a little daunting, but it really is pretty simple! But if you would like some good coaching or instructions, Dani Spies with Clean and Delicious gives a great Artichoke 101 breakdown of all of the basics that is really clear and helpful!
Creamy Artichoke Chicken Marsala and Orzo
This Creamy Artichoke Chicken Marsala and Orzo comes from the talented Tiegan of Half-Baked Harvest (one of my all time favorite food bloggers!) I love that this dish is both hearty and comforting while also somehow feeling light, bright and savory with those delicious artichokes.
2. Lemon
I know lemon technically is an all- season or a winter season fruit depending on where you live, but for me, I prefer orange for Christmas and lemon for spring. Lemons just have such a bright, zesty quality to them which is perfect for the excitement and new life of the Spring season.
Health wise, lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which helps protect our cells from damage and aids our immune system. According to WebMD, Lemons can also help you absorb iron more efficiently, helping to prevent anemia and it may be able to aid in weight management as the pectin fiber found in lemons expands once ingested, helping you to feel fuller longer.
Lemon Recipes
Pasta Al Limone from Bon Appétit
Photo By Chelsie Craig, Food Styling By Kate Buckens, Bon Appétit
I First stumbled upon this lemon pasta recipe a few years back, and every year when I think of lemon, this is the first recipe that comes to mind and the one that I crave time and time again. When I first heard the idea, I thought lemon in pasta? No way those two things go together. But now it’s my favorite pasta flavor hands down! Creamy, bright and comforting, this is the perfect food to celebrate spring while still holding on to the comfort foods of winter.
Creamy White Bean Lemon Pesto Orzo Soup from Half-Baked Harvest
If you live somewhere like I do, where winter likes to linger into spring, some days I still crave warm and comfy cold-weather foods. And this creamy lemon pesto orzo soup hits the perfect spot every time. While it still has all the elements of cozy winter comfort food, the lemon and pesto add bright spring notes that lighten and refresh the whole dish. 1000/10 would recommend!
Honey Lemonade from Julie Blanner
The end of winter and a return to the light and warmth of Springtime warrants a toast! So raise a glass with this deliciously simple Honey Lemonade from Julie Blanner. It’s sure to hit all the right notes!
Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette from Julie Blanner
Nothing says Spring like a light, bright, fresh salad, and this recipe from Julie Blanner with a lemon vinaigrette hits all the right notes for a bright and hopeful Spring.
Lemon Pepper Chicken from Julie Blanner
This Lemon Pepper chicken recipe from Julie Blanner is not only delicious and flavorful, but so quick and easy to put together for those days that feel a little more rushed and chaotic.
3. Asparagus
Asparagus is one of those love it or hate it flavors, probably in part due to its notoriously smelly after effects, but it’s a vegetable that has so much beautiful flavor and as soon as Spring comes around, I always find myself craving it’s nutty and bright accents.
Not only does asparagus taste earthy and delicious, it is also a kitchen sink of beneficial nutrients that your body needs.
According to health.com, Asparagus is rich in antioxidants (which help your body fight damaging free radicals), vitamin E (which strengthens your immune system), saponin protodioscin (which supports reproductive health), inulin (which helps promote a healthy balance of good gut bacteria), folate and folic acid (which helps your body make new cells, especially important during pregnancy, and also helpful in brightening your mood), vitamin k (which is important for bone health and blood coagulation), and it’s also a natural diuretic (meaning it helps flush excess fluids and salt from your body and can help in preventing UTI’s).
Asparagus Recipes
Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastry with Thyme Honey from Half-Baked Harvest
Another fan-favorite from Half-Baked Harvest is these delicious Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastries with Thyme Honey. Perfect as an appetizer, brunch or light meal, these beautiful asparagus pastries are the perfect balance of buttery richness and savory, earthy goodness.
Creamy Asparagus Soup
I still remember the first time my mom made this creamy asparagus soup back when I was in high school and it has been one of my go to spring soups ever since. Warm, comforting, yet bright and savory, it hits the spot every time. When I make it, I like to swap a bit of the cream for some crème fraîche and add just a pinch of nutmeg for a truly warm and earthy spring flavor.
Asparagus Linguine with Breadcrumbs from The Elliot Homestead
One of my favorite home and cooking channels on YouTube, Shaye Elliot’s soothing voice and incredible homemade recipes- using fresh ingredients from her farm and garden- are always an inspiration, both to get into the kitchen and out into the Spring garden! Of course, this asparagus linguine pasta with breadcrumbs is no exception. The perfect comfort food and celebration of early spring, her bold flavors inspire new creativity every time I try them.
I hope that some of these flavors and recipes have inspired you similarly to get into the kitchen and outside to the garden to enjoy the fruits of the season and the richness of seasonal living just a little bit more.
Bon Appétit!
DP
Danielle Peterson 
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