I always cook with the freshest ingredients possible. I buy local organically grown vegetables because of the nutrients and of course the rich earthy taste. Living in California has it’s advantages with the wonderful weather we have and to be able to shop open markets all year long. I go every Saturday and Wednesday. I love the change of seasons, (yes we do have that) and the different vegetables that are available at that time. I always get excited when spring comes and sweet peas start to show up at the market along with sweet oranges and grapefruits. Avocados become available and I slice them up in everything, I enjoy them plain with fresh lemon juice squeezed all over and kosher salt. I love salads made with sectioned oranges or grapefruit, fresh herbs such as mint, dill, parsley, basil, avocado, sweet red onions, drizzled with fruity extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice and sea salt. Grilling fresh veggies is my favorite way to prepare them and adding them into pasta dishes along with fresh herbs is a great alternative to sauce. It’s spring time and I thought it would be helpful to look at what is available in seasonal vegetables and fruits for the month of April and May. I’ve included a list for this time of year.
APRIL
Vegetables
- Artichokes
Asparagus
Beets
Broad beans (fava beans)
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Chard
Chicory
Dill
Green onions
Leeks
Peas
Parsley
Rutabaga (end of season)
Romaine lettuce
Spinach
Zucchini - small red and gold potatoes
Avocado *
Clementines
- Lemons
Oranges
Refrigerated apples - Tangerines
MAY
- Vegetables and Herbs:
Asparagus (end of season)
Beets
Broccoli (end of season)
Cabbage
Carrots
Celery
Chard
Chicory
Dill 
- Endive
Fennel leaves
Fresh beans
Immature cucumbers
Immature eggplant
Parsley
Peas
Peppers
Radishes
- Romain Lettuce
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Apricots
Avocado *
Cherries
Immature melons
Loganberries
Raspberries - Rhubarb
- Strawberries
Summer oranges (Valencia) - Apricots
Avocado *
Cherries
Immature melons
Loganberries
Raspberries - Rhubarb
- Strawberries
Summer oranges
Photo’s by Diane Cu, Todd Porter & Cristina
