The weather here in Minnesota is giving me some serious emotional whiplash, friends! Going on about two months strong and I’m pretty sure some deep intense therapy will be needed after our first winter back in the Midwest. I thought I suffered from being bipolar, but this weather is clearly proving me wrong, haha!

Whew, sorry! Had to get that off my shoulders a bit! But I’ve been assured that this winter has been very mild compared to others, so I will count my blessings where I can! Of course the crazy warm days we have experienced so far are getting me very excited for springtime. I’m overflowing with excitement to get into the gardens and start playing, which by far beats the small deck garden I’ve had the last few years. Oh, it’s going to be amazing, yet extremely emotional at the same time.

You see, the gardens I’m referring to were my mom’s. She was an incredible gardener and loaded the house with more gardens than I know what to do with. Gardening is not my dad’s favorite thing, so the landscaping and gardens have gone a bit awry, since her passing.

I was able to tackle a few things when we moved back last October, but this year I have some fun plans in mind to get everything looking beautiful again, in memory of her! First and foremost will be an epic vegetable garden packed with herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc! Oh, it’s going to be so good, but a ton of work! Keep an eye out, because I will be posting a ton of photos of the progress and projects!

With all of this talk about gardening and fresh produce, I’m excited to hit up the farmer’s markets or gather whatever comes out of my own gardens and get down and dirty in the kitchen. We may still have a few months until we are bursting at the seams with all of this healthy fresh produce; there are still some great options available at the markets to cook with. Eating the seasons doesn’t have to stop once winter hits! I promise!

Here are a few of the great offerings that are at it’s freshest mainly here in the Midwest. For all of my friends in the south or California, your options are a bit more vast (I’m forever jealous!) 

Asparagus

Asparagus is your go-to for iron, calcium, fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K. It helps with cancer, diabetes, hangovers, depression and improves digestive health.

Check out these great recipes using asparagus:

Thai-Scented Asparagus Soup by Fig Test Kitchen via Food 52

Shaved Asparagus Pizza by Smitten Kitchen

Caramelized Fennel Asparagus and Chive Quiche by Eat Your Beets

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast by I Wash You Dry

Pistachio Crusted Asparagus with Feta by Joy the Baker

Beets

A rich source of iron, folate and vitamin C. Beets help cleanse the liver, purify the blood, reduce the risk of birth defects and lubricate the joints. Beets are also a great anti-inflammatory and immune booster. Eating beets can also help improve your stamina, which is great for athletes!

Check out these great recipes using beets:

Smoky Vegan BBQ Beet Burgers by Blissful Basil

Pink Power Detox Smoothie by Oh She Glows

Beet and Rye Panzanella by Bon Appetit

Roasted Beet & Feta Biscuits by Take a Megabite

Just Beet It Vegan Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake by Blissful Basil

Horseradish

Horseradish is a great source for dietary fiber, vitamin-C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc. It helps detoxify the liver and bladder, relieve sinus pressure, clear bronchitis and coughs, relieve water retention and increase blood flow. Horseradish has powerful antioxidant and antibiotic properties, as well.

Check out these great recipes using horseradish:

Creamy Mashed Horseradish Cauliflower by A Healthy Lifestyle for Me

Crispy Artichoke Hearts with Horseradish Aioli by Health Starts in the Kitchen

Fat-free Horseradish Cream Sauce by Vermont Creamery

Purple Potato Bites with Horseradish Creme Fraiche and Caviar by Viktoria’s Table

Caraway + Horseradish Broccoli Quinoa Salad by The First Mess

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is great for digestive health and weight loss due to dietary fiber and low calories. Great source of glucosinolates with is known to enhance the body’s antioxidant functions. The nutrients and high amounts of Vitamin C in Kohlrabi is great for improving the circulatory and immune system, as well. 

Check out these great recipes using Kohlrabi:

Shaved Kohlrabi with Mint, Tahini, and Pistachios by Bon Appetit

Kohlrabi Salad with Cilantro and Lime by Feasting at Home

Kohlrabi and Bok Choy Pizza by Local Kitchener

Zucchini Kohlrabi Carrot Fritters with Herb Yogurt Sauce by Kara Lydon 

Fresh Mozzarella and Roasted Crostini with Crispy Lemons and Shallots by Food 52

Meyer Lemon

Like most citrus, Meyer lemons are packed with vitamin C which helps with immunity. They are also beneficial for protecting against heart disease, cancer and the aging process due to their antioxidant properties.

Check out these great recipes using Meyer lemons:

Blood Orange and Meyer Lemon Salad with Sherry Vinegar by A Life of Little Pleasures

Meyer Lemon Hummus by UpRoot Kitchen

Meyer Lemon Rosemary Bread – Baked in a Dutch Oven by Sweet Cayenne

Shrimp with Meyer Lemons, Capers, and Fried Sage Leaves by Delish

Whole Grain Olive Oil-Poppy Seed Loaf with Meyer Lemon Glaze by A Beautiful Plate

Oysters

Surprisingly oysters has some great benefits such as aiding with weight loss, boosting immune functions, increase bone strength, increase tissue repair and growth, and improves vision. It also helps to reduce the plaque that can build up on the artery walls, therefore improving heart health.

Check out these great recipes using oysters:

Veracruzan Seafood Cocktail by Saveur

Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters by Garlic & Zest

Orange, Candied Onion and Mint Mignonette, for Oysters, by Saveur

Oysters with Chilli, Ginger and Rice Wine Vinegar by Jamie Oliver

Cucumber & Jalapeno Oyster Shooter by Charleston Magazine

Spinach

Spinach basically does your entire body good! It’s low calories but bursting with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Spinach is high in insoluble fiber which is important for digestive health and soluble fiber with regulates blood sugar. Rich in potassium, iron, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, K and B.

Check out these great recipes using spinach:

Skinny Spinach Lasagna by Pinch of Yum

Colorful Beet Salad with Carrots, Quinoa and Spinach by Cookie + Kate

Homemade Spinach Wraps with Chopped Greek Salad by Katie at the Kitchen Door

Sweet Potato Crusted Spinach Quiche by Sweet as Honey

Harvest Buddha Bowl with Lemon Tahini Dressing by Spoonful of Flavor

Turnips

Turnips can be a great replacement for potatoes. High in vitamins, K, A, C, E, B1, B3, B5, B6, B2 and folate. A great source of phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Turnips help to regulate metabolism, prevent bone disease, boost the immune system, prevent cancer, increase circulation, support detoxification and optimize digestion.

Check out these great recipes using turnips:

Roasted Baby Turnips with Dijon-Shallot Vinaigrette and Tarragon by Food 52

Roasted Turnip, Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad by The Food Gays

Beet and Turnip Gratin by Kitchen Konfindence

Sweet Turnip and Carrot Soup by In Fine Balance

Savory Chinese Turnip Pancake by the Woks of Life

With love from my kitchen to yours,

To find out what’s fresh in your neck of the woods, check out Sustainable Table. I’m obsessed with their site and it has loads of info on each produce item, as well.