I remember going out during a cool spring morning with our sleepy, jammy-wearing boys, picking some peas and eating them right out of the pod, savoring each crisp and sweet morsel, and picking a few for our boys to try. Seeing their faces light up after their first bite of a cool, crisp pea, I knew I had them hooked. I also knew they were getting vitamins and minerals their bodies need to stay healthy! Did you know that green peas are high in vitamin C, protein, and fiber?
Spring is a time to start planting your garden. Cooler weather-tolerant plants include lettuce, spinach, and peas. If possible let your kids be part of the planting process. The magic of a seed becoming a plant with the right loving touch is not only cool for your kids to see but also a way to entice them to eat it. Let them dig in the dirt, help water the seedlings, and get muddy. A wonderful article on kid-friendly spring gardening projects is found at https://farmflavor.com/lifestyle/9-creative-spring-gardening-projects-for-kids/
If you cannot start a garden try to shop for produce that is in season. Bring your kids along and let them help pick the produce. Once you arrive home, don't hesitate to wash some of the produce and let your kids try it right away. This can help them keep excited about the produce they just picked. A few more examples of fresh spring produce include asparagus, artichoke, peas, strawberries, watercress, mushrooms, and radishes. Shopping for seasonal produce in your area can help reduce the amount of energy and fossil fuel used to transport food from different regions of the world. We can prevent the production of 5-17 times less carbon dioxide by eating local produce. Buying local seasonal produce can also help support local farmers and your local economy.
Enjoy your Spring Bounty!
Ben