What’s In Season In March

As a passionate advocate for seasonal cooking, I’m excited to share with you the bounty of delicious ingredients that March brings to our tables. In this article, I’ll delve into the vibrant array of produce available during this month and provide some mouthwatering recipe ideas to make the most of these seasonal treasures.

What's in Season in March: A Guide to Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients

Papaya: A Taste of the Tropics

Let’s start with papaya, a sunny tropical fruit that hails from the Americas. When selecting papayas, look for fruits with smooth, firm skin and an even yellow tone. These beauties are not only delicious on their own but also shine in both sweet and savory recipes. Try substituting papaya in your favorite dishes or pairing them together for a delightful flavor combination. One of my go-to recipes is a sweet and spicy papaya and mango salsa, perfect for adding a tropical twist to grilled meats or sandwiches.

Swede: A Versatile Root Vegetable

We also have swede, a versatile and buttery root vegetable that belongs to the same family as turnips and cabbage. With its yellow flesh and earthy flavor, swede is perfect for swapping into recipes where you would use potatoes.

Mushrooms: Earthy and Versatile

Mushrooms are another star ingredient in March, offering a wide range of varieties to experiment with in the kitchen. From giant Portobello mushrooms to delicate chanterelles, the possibilities are endless. One of my go-to recipes is cheesy and creamy mushroom pasta, perfect for this time of year.

Pineapple: Tropical Sweetness in Every Bite

Adding to the tropical theme of March, pineapple is another delightful fruit to savor during this season. Originating from tropical regions, pineapples are known for their sweet and tangy flavor profile, making them a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. When selecting a pineapple, look for fruits with firm skin and a sweet aroma at the base. Incorporate pineapple into your cooking for a taste of the tropics—whether you’re grilling it for a caramelized topping on burgers and pizzas, blending it into refreshing smoothies, or using it to add a tropical twist to salsa or salads.

Cabbage: Crunchy and Nutrient-Packed

Cabbage is a versatile cruciferous vegetable that’s abundant during the month of March. With its crunchy texture and mild flavor, cabbage can be enjoyed raw in salads, slaws, and wraps, or cooked in soups, stews, and stir-fries. Choose cabbage heads that are firm and heavy for their size, with crisp leaves and no signs of discoloration or wilting. One of my favorite ways to enjoy cabbage is in a hearty coleslaw with shredded carrots, apples, and a tangy dressing. Alternatively, try braising cabbage with onions and apples for a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats.

Asparagus: A Springtime Delicacy

Asparagus is one of the quintessential vegetables of spring, with its delicate flavor and tender texture making it a favorite among many. Look for firm, bright green spears with tight tips when selecting asparagus at the market. Asparagus can be enjoyed in a variety of ways—whether grilled, roasted, steamed, or sautéed. For a simple yet elegant dish, try roasting asparagus with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest until tender and caramelized. You can also incorporate asparagus into pasta dishes, frittatas, salads, and risottos for a burst of freshness and color.

Onions and Shallots: Kitchen Staples

Of course, no list of seasonal ingredients would be complete without mentioning onions and shallots. These versatile alliums are a staple in many kitchens and serve as the base for a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re caramelizing them until golden and sticky to serve with your, Easter leg of lamb or indulging in refreshing spring salad, onions and shallots are sure to add depth and flavor to any meal.

Spring Onions: Versatile and Flavorful

Next up, we have spring onions, which are less bitter than other alliums and boast a fresh, peppery flavor. Don’t toss out those green tops—they add a milder taste than the white bulbs and can elevate a wide range of dishes. One of my favorite ways to use spring onions is in a stir fry, where they are shredded into fine ribbons and tossed in a sticky sauce for a burst of flavor. It’s a deliciously savory treat that’s sure to impress.

Garlic: A Staple in Every Kitchen

We also have garlic—a staple ingredient in cuisines across the globe. With its mellow sweetness when cooked, garlic adds depth and complexity to a wide range of savory dishes. Whether you’re indulging in a Sunday roast or making a simple pasta, garlic is sure to take your cooking to the next level.

Broccoli: Nutrient-Rich and Versatile

March also brings us the vibrant green goodness of broccoli. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re roasting it until caramelized and crispy, tossing it into a stir-fry with your favorite protein, or steaming it until tender and serving it as a simple side dish, broccoli adds a delicious and nutritious element to any meal.

Watercress: Peppery and Refreshing

For a burst of peppery flavor, look no further than watercress. This vibrant green leafy vegetable is at its peak in March and adds a refreshing bite to salads, sandwiches, and soups. Try tossing watercress with citrus fruits and toasted nuts for a refreshing salad, or layering it onto sandwiches for a zesty kick. You can also use watercress to add a pop of color and flavor to soups and stews, or even blend it into a vibrant green pesto to drizzle over pasta or grilled vegetables.

Artichokes: Tender and Delicious

Artichokes are another seasonal delight to look forward to in March. With their tender hearts and meaty leaves, artichokes are a delicious addition to salads, pastas, and dips. Try steaming artichokes until tender and serving them with a creamy garlic aioli for dipping, or tossing them into a hearty pasta dish with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. You can also roast artichoke hearts until golden and crispy, or marinate them in olive oil and herbs for a flavorful addition to antipasto platters.

Fennel: Anise-Flavored and Versatile

Last but not least, we have fennel—a versatile vegetable with a distinctive anise flavor. Fennel bulbs are at their best in March and can be enjoyed raw in salads, roasted until caramelized and tender, or sautéed until golden and fragrant. Try shaving fennel thinly and tossing it with citrus fruits and olives for a refreshing salad, or roasting fennel wedges until caramelized and serving them as a flavorful side dish. You can also use fennel to add depth and complexity to soups, stews, and braises, or even pickle it for a tangy and crunchy addition to sandwiches and charcuterie boards.

Coconut: Creamy and Delicious

Coconut—a versatile ingredient that adds a fresh tropical flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re using coconut flesh to create a crunchy salad or whipping coconut milk into a thick creamy smoothie, coconut is sure to transport your taste buds to paradise.

Rosemary: Fragrant and Flavorful

Rosemary, with its fragrant aroma and robust flavor, is another standout ingredient in March. Traditionally associated with roast lamb and savory dishes, rosemary can also lend its unique flavor to cocktails too.

March offers a bounty of fresh and flavorful ingredients that are sure to inspire your culinary creations. From the tropical sweetness of papaya to the earthy richness of mushrooms, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So why not head to your local market or grocery store and pick up some of these seasonal treasures? Your taste buds will thank you! For more food inspiration check out our food holidays list for March, or join us on social media where we share more than recipes.