As the cold winter days fade out and the sun starts to appear…sort of, it’s time to start thinking about eating more green and seasonal. Here are a few tips for Spring cooking in your new kitchen!

1. THINK GREEN!

Spring is a perfect time too add a bit of colour into your meals, leafy greens such as cabbage and spinach are in season right now. Add a bit of flavour to your dish as well now that fresh herbs are easier to find, or grow your own!

Prepare your greens – once you’ve bought them, wash, cut and store them correctly so they can be eaten at any time – maybe with a nice summery dip! YUM.

2. BUY LOCAL

There are many benefits to buying locally – you know exactly where your produce is coming from, giving back to your community, supporting small businesses, the list is endless! A great reason for buying locally is that it gives you the opportunity to ask questions to the experts, who will know how to utilise produce better than the person who grew them?

Get in early – If you have your heart set on a particular item, make sure you turn up early, in-season fruit and veg are more likely to go within the first hour of the market opening. However, if you’re after a bargain, go in the last hour of the market, most sellers will offer great discounts to avoid going back with loads of compost.

3. WHITE WINE’S A WINNER!

Usually, greens have been a rival of wine due to the bitterness in vegetables, such as asparagus. However, a great white wine that lacks bitterness will heighten your meal and give you that feel good summer feeling!

4. WHIP OUT THE GRILL

As the sun creeps in and the days are getting warmer and longer, it’s time to start getting back to your roots and cooking outside again! Grilling is a simple and easy way to cook your lunches and dinners when it’s nice outside, plus it’s healthier!

Spice it up – traditionally we see grilling as a good excuse for a full-fat, meaty BBQ, but you can mix things up by grilling sandwiches, pizzas or even vegetables!

Now you have our top tips, we’ve picked out a few of our favourite recipes for you to try this Spring.