There is lots of fresh local produce growing in Nova Scotia this time of year. Vegetables and fruit such as asparagus, peas, spinach, spring turnip, strawberries and rhubarb are available at farmers’ markets across the province. Two of Nourish’s favourites in season items are spinach and strawberries. Both are packed with nutrients to fuel your summer fun and can be used in a variety of tasty recipes in meals and snacks. Let’s take a closer look!

Nutrient Notes

Strawberries are a popular fruit - especially among youth. They are a sweet, nutritious snack on their own or pair perfectly with a salad or smoothie. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. Did you know? Strawberries have more vitamin C than oranges!

Spinach is another great produce item packed with nutrients. Canada’s New Food Guide encourages the consumption of lots of veggies and indicates they should make up about half your plate. Using spinach as a part of daily meals could help you reach that goal in no time!

Recipe Round Up

Strawberries and spinach can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. Raw in a salad, cooked in stir fry, mixed in a smoothie - the options are endless. You can make a salad with spinach and add some strawberries or a smoothie with strawberries and add some spinach- they make a perfect pair! Here’s some inspiration:

Cool down on a hot summer day with these strawberry smoothie pops. Quick, simple and delicious. Filled with strawberries and some additional fruits - they won’t disappoint.

They are the perfect healthy sweet treat for kids or something to share with friends.

Looking for a quick and tasty lunch this summer? This salad in a jar recipe is perfect. Filled with veggies- including spinach- it is the perfect summer salad. Feel free to adapt the recipe to the vegetables you love the most. You can even throw in some of those fresh strawberries!

Salsa your saturday night away with this Strawberry- Apple Salsa! A perfect party treat to enjoy with some friends or family. Chopped apples and sliced berries- and some cinnamon on the side. This one’s a crowd pleaser.

Pick Up that Produce

If you’d like to experience the benefits of these locally grown favorites, Farmers’ Market’s are in full swing this time of year just waiting for you to stop by! Check out this list of NS markets from Market NS to plan your trip.

Have some extra time? There are lots of places to pick your own local strawberries. Invite your friends or family and spend an afternoon supporting a local farm and picking some delicious strawberries. This is a great chance to teach kids about the importance (and fun) in supporting local farmers. End your day of picking with a refreshing strawberry smoothie- guaranteed it will taste better than usual- knowing each one was hand picked and washed with care!

Where can you get started? Click here to find out where you can pick your own strawberries this summer!

Seasonal Spotlight!