Here in North Florida we experience beautiful year round weather and a plethora of tropical produce. In March there are many options for produce that is in season, such as:

Picture credit: Fresh From Florida

• Vegetables:

  • Bell peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Celery
  • Cucumbers (March)
  • Eggplant
  • Cauliflower
  • Lettuce
  • Mushrooms
  • Radishes
  • Snap peas
  • Spinach (March)
  • Squash

• Fruit:

  • Oranges
  • Grapefruit
  • Carambola (starfruit)
  • Papaya
  • Guava
  • Strawberries
  • Tangerines
  • Tomatoes

• Legumes and Tubers:

  • Potatoes
  • Corn
  • Peanuts

Eating seasonally not only helps to support small and midsize local farms but it also helps you to select the produce with the best flavor and reduce your carbon footprint. Selecting produce that is in season ensures that your are eating fruits, vegetables and legumes that have been picked at their peak which will contain their highest vitamin and mineral content.

When you choose local produce, you are not only reducing the food miles it takes to get that carrot to your plate but you are selecting fresher, more flavorful produce to energize your healthy cooking!

Did you know that the average carrot travels 1,838 miles to reach your plate?! Its is not uncommon for your favorite fruit or vegetable to travel 1200-2000 miles to reach you. Support your local farmers and learn more about local fare within your state or neighboring ones to reduce the miles and time it takes your food to get from the farm to your fork.