March is Nutrition Month and this year the theme is Ingredients for a Healthier Future. The goal is to show people how nutrition can help create a healthier future for people, but also for the planet. One of those ingredients is making sustainable food choices, like sourcing local fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are full of health benefits and when they are local they reduce our carbon footprint and encourage our producers. Let's see together what are the spring arrivals in Quebec and some of their health benefits.nté.
In May
At the beginning of May, the fiddleheads are the first to emerge from the ground. The latter are rich in carotenoids with antioxidant properties and vitamin C, which contributes to the maintenance of immune function (See the article:Antioxidants and their best food sources).
Then, in mid-May, the fields saw the first asparagus and radishes appear. Asparagus is rich in folate, a vitamin that plays an important role in fetal development. They also contain vitamin K, involved in blood clotting, and fructo-oligosaccharides, a type of prebiotic. As for radishes, they contain sulfur compounds, which could have a protective effect against certain cancers.
Finally, the month of May ends with the arrival of lettuce and rhubarb. Lettuce contains phenolic compounds, whose antioxidant properties contribute to cardiovascular health (For those with a problem of hypertension, see the article:High blood pressure: how to control it and the DASH diet. As for rhubarb, it is rich in insoluble fiber, which helps prevent constipation (See the article:Constipation in adults).
At the beginning of June
The month of June heralds the end of spring, but also the arrival of a wide variety of herbs: coriander, parsley, basil, dill, chives, mint, oregano, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, sage, bay leaf. Fine herbs are ideal for adding flavor to your dishes or for flavoring your water.
The beginning of June is also the time when Napa cabbage and green onions grow. Napa cabbage, also called Chinese cabbage, is distinguished from other cabbages by its elongated shape and large size. It is part of the cruciferous family, which has been linked to the prevention of certain cancers. As for green onions, they are particularly rich in vitamin K, a vitamin that promotes the process of blood clotting and bone formation.
Finally, it is also at the beginning of June that the very first field strawberries arrive. These juicy, sweet red berries are rich in polyphenols, including ellagic acid, an anti-cancer compound.
Spring
During this nutrition month, take the time to celebrate the arrival of spring by cooking more often with fruits and vegetables from Quebec, a beneficial gesture for your health and that of the environment.
References
- https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/NutritionMonth.aspx
- https://www.dietitians.ca/DietitiansOfCanada/media/Documents/Resources/NM22-ActivityGuide-FR-FINAL.pdfutm_source=website&utm_medium=frguide&utm_campaign=nm_20222
- https://mangezquebec.com/en/arrival-calendar/
- https://www.jaimefruitsetlegumes.ca/en/food/fiddlehead/
- https://www.jaimefruitsetlegumes.ca/en/food/asparagus/
- https://www.jaimefruitsetlegumes.ca/en/food/radish/
- https://www.jaimefruitsetlegumes.ca/en/food/lettuce/
- https://ici.radio-canada.ca/mordu/ingredients/21/chou-nappa
- https://www.jaimefruitsetlegumes.ca/en/food/green-onion/
- https://www.jaimefruitsetlegumes.ca/en/food/cabbage/
- https://www.jaimefruitsetlegumes.ca/en/food/strawberry/