Celebrate St. Patty’s Day with In-Season Greens!

St. Patrick's Day is this weekend, and Double Up Arizona is celebrating with some of our favorite in-season greens! It’s the perfect time of year to explore different types of greens like spinach, Swiss chard, kale and much more. Look for these delicious and nutritious greens at your neighborhood farmers market, and Double Up on your favorite ones for an extra special St. Patty’s Day! 

Spinach
Spinach makes a great addition to so many meals and snacks. Smoothies and pasta alike get a boost of flavor and nutrients from this versatile leafy green. Spinach has a mild flavor both fresh and cooked, so most palettes can enjoy this friendly green. 
 
Tip:Put some spinach in your smoothies alongside your favorite in-season fruits. The flavor of the fruit usually covers any taste the spinach has! 
 
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard grows really well in Arizona, so when it’s in-season this green is packed with flavor and freshness. Since it is so widely available during this time of year, it’s usually affordable and abundant. Swiss chard has a great firmness to it, making it a perfect green to cook with. Stir fry, eggs, and casseroles can all get an extra boost of vegetables and crunch when Swiss chard is added.
 
Tip:Wash, chop, and throw into dishes in the last few minutes of cooking to get the best flavor and texture. 
 
Turnip Greens
Turnip greens are attached to the turnip, a potato-like vegetable. This is great because you are getting two uses out of one veggie. Use the turnips any way you would use a potato. Try them mashed, boiled, steamed or any other way you like. The greens from the turnips can be used raw or cooked. 
 
Tip:Add raw turnip greens to your salad for more variety. For cooked turnip greens, try sautéing chopped onions and garlic with oil. Add the greens and ¼ cup of water, cook for 3-5 minutes, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and enjoy!
 
It’s a perfect time to stop by your favorite market to Double Up on leafy green vegetables. You can learn more about the benefits of seasonal eating in this blog. Stock up on these festive varieties, and enjoy your St. Patty’s Day!