The new month brings with it more sunshine and more delicious fruits and veggies. This is my handy produce guide to what’s in season in March.
March is officially springtime; the days are longer, the temperature’s warmer – and there are plenty of delicious things that have come into season. Consider March’s seasonal produce as a transition between the hearty vegetables of the winter and the brighter options of the new season.
Much of the produce in season in March carries over from February, with a few new additions that are better suited to the Spring palate. So, let’s get the lowdown on March fruits in season and March vegetables in season.
What Produce Is in Season in March
Citrus
For March fruits, the kings of the citrus remain as they were in February. Some oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines will still be in season. Even though the days are warming up, it’s always good to have this seasonal fruit on hand to boost your immunity and pack you full of goodness.
Other Fruit
If you’re asking what fruits are in season in March that aren’t citrus – you’re in luck. The spring brings with it new fruits for our fruit bowls. And though these are available all year round, avocados are one of the best fruits in season in March.
Avocados are a great source of plant-based, healthy fats and have become an incredibly versatile ingredient. Use alongside other fruit in season for March to keep plenty of vitamins coming into your diet. Avocados can have quite a hefty carbon footprint when sourced out of season – so this March produce is best enjoyed now!
Brassicas and Leafy Greens
Arugula – Otherwise known as garden rocket or rocket salad, arugula’s peppery taste makes it a welcome part of an early spring salad, included in a sandwich or used as a garnish. Of all the vegetables in season in March, arugula is the best for side dishes, as a stir fry, or incorporated into lunches with garlic and lemon.
Broccoli (and Broccolini) – After a late winter growing season, broccoli and broccolini finally come into season in March. Just in time to try boiling it upside down – and see if the viral TikToks work – or trying it in this delicious stir fry.
Chard – Swiss Chard – perhaps the most fickle of the March vegetables – is a superfood when it comes to leafy greens and packed full of Vitamin C. If you don’t like spinach, this is perfect for a healthy side dish.
Spinach – This March in-season produce that can be used in virtually any dish comes into its own in the middle of the month, alongside other leafy greens like watercress and mustard greens. Great for salad season!
Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts – It’s the end of the season for these winter staples, so enjoy them while they’re fresh!
Cabbage and Kale – Like other leafy greens, cabbage, and kale come fully in season this month and are a great substitute for other veggies best left behind for the winter.
Root Vegetables
Beets, Carrots, and Parsnips – Many of these vegetables are available all year round. But when it comes to March produce in season, these three are reaching the end of their seasonal freshness. We associate them with hearty winter soups and stews, so March is the last month to enjoy them at their best.
Sweet Potatoes – The same can be said for sweet potatoes. They’re at the end of their freshness, so should be enjoyed for the last time this month. If you have too many, you’ll be happy to hear they’re very versatile – and not just for savory dishes! Check out my favorite recipes here.
Other
Artichoke – Perfect for roasting and dipping, artichokes are kings of March produce, starting their season this month. We start to see vegetables that are lighter and more complex in taste – a great reflection of the changing seasons.
Leek – they are great to add to soups, stews, and other recipes. You can also make a simple side dish by grilling or roasting them.
Spring greens like Spring Onion and Green Garlic are in peak season. Spring onions start their fresh season in March and make a great substitute for hefty yellow or white onions in cooking or salads. Similarly, green garlic – with its mellow flavor – will have survived the winter frost and be ripe for the picking. These are great options for lighter dishes without sacrificing any of the flavor.
Asparagus – An excellent source of Vitamin K, asparagus will have just completed its annual harvest and be flooding the shelves in March. Like other March produce in season, asparagus is part of the spring vegetable group. I’m sure you’ll love roasted asparagus.
Some Recipes Using the Best of March Produce
So, how can we use what’s in season in March in the kitchen and eat seasonal? Here are some of my favorite recipe ideas:
Simple Arugula Salad
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Easy Garlic Sauteed Spinach
More Spinach Recipes and Chard Recipes
How to Cook Artichoke
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Potato Leek Soup Recipe
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce
If you try any of these March recipes with March fruits and veggies, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
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