Seniors need to meet the challenge of maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet even as the warmer weather of the spring season returns. At Senior Helpers Sarasota-Bradenton, we help seniors stay healthy and safe throughout the year. That includes preparing nutritious foods with the added bonus of incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables. Today we will be exploring which local spring vegetables are available to seniors in the area. We will also discuss the health benefits of eating spring vegetables and how seniors can pick, store, and prepare them.
Let's get started!
What Types of Spring Vegetables are Available Locally?
Taking advantage of the local spring season means enjoying plenty of fresh vegetables. Seasonal produce is fresher, tastes better, and buying it helps support local community growers. It is also more nutritious since it is picked at the peak of the season and contains higher levels of antioxidants and vitamins.
Here are some of the vegetables that are in season in the greater Sarasota-Bradenton area:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
- Kale
- Radish
- Lettuce
Health Benefits of Eating Local Spring Vegetables
Eating fresh vegetables is good for everyone but it is particularly beneficial for seniors. In fact, eating a diet rich in vegetables can provide the additional nutrients needed to improve the immune system and reduce the risk of certain diseases. Spring vegetables, more than others, also have plenty of Vitamin A to help improve vision. They also contain Vitamin C, dietary fibers to help with digestion, and potassium, an essential mineral known to aid the muscles and tissues in the body.
How Seniors Can Choose Fresh Produce
Seniors should look for signs of freshness when selecting and buying local spring vegetables. Look for vegetables that are crisp and firm, not soggy or wilted. Make sure to also check for any signs of spoilage, including mold, soft spots, or any visible bruising or damage. Greens, like spinach or lettuce, should not have drooping or brown leaves.
Tips on Proper Storage
Seniors should also store fresh spring vegetables in the refrigerator preferably in a sealed plastic bag or container to help them last longer. Additionally, for the best quality and eating experience, the vegetables should be consumed within a few days of purchasing them.
How to Cook Fresh Spring Vegetables
In fact, there are many different ways to cook fresh spring vegetables. Some popular methods include roasting, stir-frying, steaming, as well as blanching. Roasting helps to bring out the natural sweetness of vegetables and stir-frying is a great way to maintain the texture and nutrient content of vegetables. To retain the full flavor and optimize nutritional value, try steaming or blanching. Blanching cooks vegetables quickly and is one of the best methods for preserving their natural flavor.
Senior Helpers Can Assist with Food Preparation!
Seniors can stay healthy and maintain a balanced diet by taking advantage of local fresh spring vegetables. Choosing, storing, as well as preparing them is easy and straightforward, and the health benefits they provide are numerous.
At Senior Helpers Sarasota-Bradenton, we offer seniors and their families quality in-home supportive care with a personal touch. Contact us today to learn more about our services in Sarasota, Bradenton, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key areas.