Are you ready to welcome the vibrant colors and flavors of spring? As the weather warms up and the flowers start to bloom, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the season’s freshest fruits. From juicy berries to tangy citrus, spring offers delicious and nutritious options for a fruitalicious fix. 

Not only are spring fruits bursting with flavor, but they are also packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These nutrients play a crucial role in boosting our immune system, improving digestion and promoting overall health. So, why not make the most of this season and incorporate these delicious fruits into your diet?

First up, we have strawberries, the quintessential spring fruit. These ruby red gems are not only sweet and juicy but are also a great source of vitamin C and manganese. Add them to your morning oatmeal, blend them into a smoothie or top them over a bowl of yogurt for a refreshing and energizing start to your day. 

Next on the list is vibrant and tangy citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits. These fruits are rich in vitamin C and are known for their immune-boosting properties. Squeeze some lemon juice over your salad, make a batch of fresh orange juice or use grapefruit slices to add a zesty twist to your chicken or fish dishes. 

Another delicious spring fruit is the apricot, which is a good source of vitamin A, potassium and fiber. These juicy fruits are perfect for snacking, but they can also be used in savory dishes. Add them to a salad with some goat cheese and balsamic dressing for a burst of sweet and tangy flavors. 

Last, but not least, we have the versatile and flavorful mango. This tropical fruit is loaded with vitamin C, folate and fiber. Use it to make a refreshing mango salsa, blend it into a smoothie or add it to your favorite stir-fry for a burst of tropical sweetness.

Others to add for your fruitalicious fix: Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Cherries, Peaches, Plums, Nectarines, Figs, Grapes, Mulberries, Pawpaws and Persimmons. Opt for shopping at local farmers’ markets and co-ops to support the local economy and get the best of fresh, local produce.

Spring Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

1 cup strawberries, washed and sliced

1 cup mango, peeled and diced

1 cup apricots, washed and sliced

1 cup orange segments

1 T honey

1 T lemon juice

¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the strawberries, mango, apricots and orange segments.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lemon juice.
3. Pour the honey-lemon mixture over the fruit and gently toss to coat.
4. Garnish with chopped mint leaves and serve chilled.

Mixed Berry Sparkling Water 

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh mixed berries 

Sweetener such as agave nectar, stevia or honey

Lime juice, fresh or bottled 

Sparkling water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring water, fresh fruit and sweetener to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the fruit softens. 
2. When cool, press fruit through a mesh strainer into a bowl with the rounded side of a spoon. 
3. Add lime juice, about ½ T at a time. 
4. Spoon two tablespoons to ¼ cup berry mixture into eight-ounce drinking glasses. 
5. Just before serving, top with ice cubes and pour sparkling water over the ice. 
6. Garnish with fresh fruit or sprigs of rosemary.

Recipe adapted from: spiritedandthensome.com/mixed-berry-sparkling-water-recipe

Embrace the joys of spring and the bountiful harvest of seasonal fruits. With these fruitalicious options and a dash of creativity, you can make every meal a colorful and delicious affair. Happy spring and happy eating!