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Chicago Health Coach Mike Ockrim is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialst (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a Certified Personal Trainer with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) that will engage you in functional movement training programs, nutrition and cooking education, and sleep improvement plans to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Four Tips to Select the Freshest Spring Produce

Spring is a wonderful season to enjoy a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. By selecting the freshest options, you can ensure that you are getting the most nutritional value and flavor from your produce. Here are some tips to help you choose the best spring produce:

  1. Shop at your local farmers market or co-op: Locally grown produce is often picked at its peak ripeness and has a shorter time between harvest and sale, meaning that it retains more nutrients and flavor. By shopping at a farmers market or co-op, you can support local farmers and get the freshest produce available.

  2. Look for bright, vibrant colors: Fresh fruits and vegetables should be brightly colored, indicating that they are ripe and full of nutrients. For example, ripe strawberries should be bright red, and asparagus should be a vibrant green color.

  3. Check for firmness and texture: When selecting fruits and vegetables, you should feel for firmness and a smooth texture. Avoid produce that is soft, mushy, or has blemishes, as this may indicate that it is overripe or starting to spoil.

  4. Smell for freshness: Fresh produce should have a pleasant, mild aroma that is indicative of its ripeness. If produce has a strong or unpleasant odor, it may be past its prime.

Some of the best spring produce options include strawberries, asparagus, artichokes, peas, spinach, and radishes. These options are not only delicious, but also pack a nutritional punch, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support a healthy diet.

In conclusion, choosing the freshest spring produce is important for getting the most nutritional value and flavor from your fruits and vegetables. By shopping at your local farmers market or co-op, looking for vibrant colors, checking for firmness and texture, and smelling for freshness, you can ensure that you are selecting the best options for your spring meals.

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