Seasonal Spotlight: Greens

Spring is the perfect time to find fresh leafy greens in Nova Scotia, like lettuce, kale, spinach, arugula, swiss chard and even dandelion leaves! Greens are one of the most diverse vegetables to enjoy: they can be eaten raw in a salad, sandwich or smoothie, or they can be cooked into pastas or soups.

Any way you prepare them, greens (particularly dark green leafy vegetables) can be a great source of fibre, antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and various other vitamins and minerals.

What to keep in mind when looking for greens:

When buying leafy greens at the store or your local farmer’s market, look for vibrant colour and a crisp, fresh texture. Avoid greens that are yellowed around the edges, browning, limp or slimy.
Remember to clean greens well before consuming to ensure that you remove any traces of pesticides, dirt or bacteria. Rinse them under the tap or swish them around in a bowl of clean water, and then pat dry with paper towels or air-dry in a salad spinner.
Store greens in a sealed bag or other container in the crisper drawer of the fridge. For delicate greens like spinach, spread leaves out on paper towel in a single layer and loosely roll it up before storing.

If growing your own leafy greens, May is the perfect time to start and they often grow quite quickly! Lettuce can be ready to harvest in just 40 days. Greens that are ready to pick, just like the best greens to choose at the store or market, are vibrant in colour and have a crisp texture.