Spring is in the Air & Popping Up on OGC’s Dock
It’s been a cold, wet winter, but with the official March 20th milestone just a couple of days away, we’re ready to proclaim — it’s spring!
Despite a slow start for Northwest crops, there are still options popping up from growers in Oregon and Washington. And, with a little help from our friends in California and Mexico, while we wait for the Northwest to catch up, spring displays can confidently be built to attract eaters and inspire seasonal meals.
Here are some tasty organic items that spell spring!
Artichoke
Wooed by flowers? These thistle buds are one way to romance a sweetie. Supply is steady out of California, making it a great time to encourage eaters to incorporate artichokes into grocery hauls.
Asparagus
Lawns aren’t the only thing pushing this time of year! This grass is currently available from Mexico, with the California crop coming on soon and harvest expected from Northwest growers by May.
NW Green Garlic
Available now from the Northwest, these tender garlic stalks are all the rage at popular restaurants and in the kitchens of eaters in the know. Flavorful and easy to prepare, shoppers can substitute Green Garlic in recipes that call for mature cloves.
NW Pea Tendrils
Bunches of tasty Pea Tendrils are currently available from the Northwest. Sure to excite shoppers in the know, they’ll elicit curiosity from others making this a great opportunity to establish a fan base. An attractive and tasty topper for seasonal risotto, these tendrils lend a level of fancy’ish to any dish.
Radishes
Colorful bunches of red and Easter Egg radishes are available now from California, with the first trickle coming from the Northwest next week. Stay tuned for more radish news.
NW Sorrel
The striking appearance of this Northwest-grown green paired with its bright, lemony flavor makes Sorrel a treat for the eyes and taste buds. Unique in that it can be used either as an herb or as greens, encourage shoppers to stir Sorrel into soups, marinades and dressings or balance its pronounced flavor by pairing with subtly flavored lettuce in a salad. Available now, don’t miss your chance to bring in this beauty!
Sugar Snap Peas
Currently available from Mexico, with the California season starting shortly, these sweet and crunchy pods will find their way into shoppers’ snacks, stir-fries, salads and more.
Coming Soon!
NW Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Isn’t PSB usually here by now? You’re not wrong. Cold and rain have delayed this year’s crop, and it looks like April will bring us the good purple stuff!
NW Rhubarb
Like PSB, Northwest rhubarb fields were under snow just a few short weeks ago. Look to mid-April before we see the first of these crimson stalks.
Looking to stay up to date on all things spring? Bookmark OGC’s Spring Has Sprung webpage for the latest and greatest on organic spring offerings. Happy vernal equinox!