With 10 weeks left of the year, it’s time to embrace Spring Quarter in every way – even on your plate. Consider these five easy ways to enjoy springtime’s return:
1. Eat something cold.
Nothing says stuck-in-Winter-Quarter like continuing to stock your pantry with cans of soup for quick meals. Try to finish off that chicken noodle, and next time you hit the grocery store, spend some more time browsing the produce and refrigerated sections. Make an easy salad in less time than it takes to boil water and aim to include protein (sliced deli turkey, hard boiled eggs and canned garbanzo beans are all fast options) to make an easy lunch more filling. If you’re anything like me, you’ll continue the cold food trend and enjoy a sunny walk to Red Mango.
2. Experiment with herbs.
Thyme, cilantro, ginger and oregano are just some of the many herbs you can buy pre-washed and ready to go. Incorporating herbs into pastas, meats, salads or anything else you’re cooking can help give simple, uncomplicated dishes more flavor – and let a fresh main ingredient take the spotlight.
3. Embrace color.
Vegetables will be fresher, cheaper and tastier this quarter – don’t miss out. Aim to eat two different colors at each meal as a way to get your daily dose of vitamins and to push yourself to try some new veggies!
4. Don’t abandon citrus.
Oranges and grapefruits may be favorite immune boosters in the winter, but squeezing a lemon over your vegetables, meat, salad or even other fruit can add a welcome burst of flavor to almost any dish. Use a slice of lemon to garnish a dish, or use the zest to add some color and flavor to a plate.
5. Get your greens.
A freeze in Mexico destroyed the early spring fruit crop, but while we wait for an influx of seasonal berries, stock your fridge with the color of the season: green. Artichokes, asparagus, green beans and leafy lettuces like Bibb lettuce and arugula are all thriving (and getting cheaper!). Step away from the iceberg and have a new green for dinner.
