What is in season in right now? This April Seasonal Produce Guide shows you what is in season, the nutritional value and our favorite ways to prepare them!
Are you wondering what produce is in season in April? This month has many of the same seasonal produce from last month like lemons, limes, Grapefruit and Tangerines. Asparagus, mushrooms, potatoes, avocado and cauliflower. It also has some new additions like radishes, peas and leafy greens.
Here you will find all of the seasonal produce for other months including the best ways to cook them and some of my favorite recipes. Don’t forget to check back every month to keep your kitchen seasonal.
Asparagus
I have asparagus on my own garden and every spring I have an abundance. It is easily the most common vegetable on our table this time of year. Asparagus is naturally low in calories and jam packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Asparagus is often roasted, but there are many ways to prepare it that are equally delicious. This Asparagus Cheddar Quiche is the epitome of Spring. Some of my other favorites include:
Leafy Greens
Many different varieties of leafy greens are in season through the winter and spring months. Some of these include collard greens, spinach leaves and kale. I personally have love planting collard greens in my winter garden because they are such a hearty plant they are able to survive the unpredictable Tennessee winters.
These greens are an excellent addition to any diet. They add vitamins, minerals and and fiber to your diet without adding tons of calories. In addition to traditional salads you can cook these greens in a variety of ways listed below:
Citrus: Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Grapefruit, and Tangerines
Lemons are one of the few ingredients that are equally delicious in both sweet and savory recipes. Lemons are naturally high in Vitamin C and have been known to improve skin quality, promote hydration and weight loss. Adding lemon and herbs to water makes it extra refreshing.
- Keto Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Strawberry Limeade Fruit Pizza
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Keto Lemon Chia Seed Pudding (two flavor options)
One orange as nearly an entire day’s worth of Vitamin C. It also folate and calcium rich and is excellent eaten raw as a snack or cooked. Try the Ginger Grilled Orange recipe below, it will blow your mind! Orange juice also works great in savory recipes like Asian marinades or salad dressings.
- Ginger Grilled Oranges
- White Chocolate and Macadamia Orange Bread (gluten free)
- Fruit Spice Tea
- Sesame Orange Chicken Skewers
Broccoli
We all know how versatile broccoli is. It is an excellent snack rich in vitamin A and C, it is naturally low in carbs and calories. This cold weather crop is one of my go to side dishes. It can be eaten raw, or in a salad, but it is equally delicious roasted, grilled or sautéed.
- Sausage Broccoli Cheddar Foil Packs
- Lemon Broccoli Penne
- Keto Broccoli Cheese Bites
- Garlic Butter Salmon and Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner
- Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
- Vegan Broccoli Salad
- Stir Fried Broccoli and Red Peppers
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are low in carbs and calories. With a mild earthy flavor mushrooms take on the flavor of whatever you season or stuff them with. There are many varieties of mushrooms, all having their own characteristics but my personal favorite are portobello mushrooms. Marinate them in your favorite steak marinade and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side and you have a great meatless dinner! Some other favorites are:
- Mushroom Swiss Chicken
- Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Mushrooms
- Crab and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
- Healthy Mushroom Breakfast Tacos
Cauliflower
Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked. It is low in calories as well as net carbs. Cauliflower has spiked in popularity in recent years because of it is very versatile and has become a low carb alternative to potatoes or rice. Some easy cauliflower recipes are listed below.
- Keto Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
- Keto Shrimp and Grits (the “grits” are made from cauliflower)
- Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Leeks
Leeks are an under used ingredient in my opinion. A cousin to the better known and used green onion, leeks add tons of flavor to any dish. Leeks look very similar to green onions, but larger. The white stalk like portion is the edible portion of the plant. This vegetable pairs very well with potatoes, my favorite way to use them is in the breakfast pizza recipe below.
- Crispy Breakfast Pizza with Cheddar and Leeks
- Slow Cooker Potato Soup (packed with hidden veggies!)
Cabbage
Cabbage is one of my most favorite vegetables of all time. It is incredibly versatile, it is great grilled, sautéed, baked, or even loaded into casseroles. Cabbage is naturally low in calories and carbs. This makes it an unsung hero for those following a low carb or keto diet. It is rich in Vitamin C. It also has an incredibly mild taste allowing it to take on the flavor of whatever dish you put it in. And bonus, it is very easy to grow and always budget friendly.
- Low Carb Cheesy Cabbage Casserole (one pan and insanely delicious)
- One Pan Sausage and Cabbage Casserole
- Keto Sausage and Cabbage Foil Packs
- Low Carb Cabbage and Beef Soup (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts were my only winter garden hold out this year. These tiny wonders are one of my favorite cold weather crop vegetables. Brussels Spouts can be shredded and eaten raw as a salad or slaw. They are incredibly delicious when roasted until crispy as well. But the best way to have your sprouts is on a bed of shrimp and grits, check out my favorite recipe below.