Spring's here
by Lydia Cox
This article was originally published in March 2011
There’s nothing like spotting that first crocus pushing its way through the soil to give you a little extra spring in your step. March brings the promise of new growth, warmer days and if we’re lucky, maybe even a little sunshine. It’s time to start thinking about walks in the park, what you’ll grow in your garden this year, and opening your windows to let in a little fresh breeze.
Welcome the first day of spring
Why not celebrate the arrival of spring on March 20 by making spring rolls? These small bites of freshness are the perfect way to get excited for the abundance of fresh produce on the horizon while also providing a fun activity in the kitchen. Check out our recipes for Fresh Spring Rolls with Almond-Ginger Dipping Sauce and Por Pia Sod (Fresh Vegetable Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce).
Cook up corned beef for St. Patrick’s Day
While this traditional meal is more American than Irish — many historians believe corned beef and cabbage was adopted by Irish immigrants living in New York at the beginning of the 20th century — it’s still a delicious, hearty way to mark the holiday on March 17. You’ll find all-natural corned beef in PCC stores from Garrett County Farms that’s free of preservatives, nitrates and nitrites. Check out a recipe for an Oven-baked Corned Beef Dinner. If you like, wash it all down with Guinness, a favorite Irish brew available in our beer cooler.
Run or walk in the Can Do 5K/10K
Get outdoors and support a great cause by participating in the Can Do 5K/10K Run and Walk on March 26 in Bothell. The race benefits Northwest Special Families, an organization dedicated to helping families of children with special needs, and PCC is proud to be the official fruit sponsor. Beginners will enjoy the 5K run/walk or the 1-mile walk, and serious runners can take on the 10K course. The PCC Kid Picks Mobile also will be on site to provide a fun taste-testing for young ones. For more info or to sign up, visit cando5k.org.
Coming into season
California-grown, organic asparagus graces us with its presence near the end of March. Relish the first stalks of the season by sautéing them in brown butter, adding some to pasta, or making a roasted asparagus soup. Stay tuned for local asparagus in April, grown by Inaba Farms in Wapato, Wash.
Savor the sweetness of an organic Ataulfo mango. Grown in Mexico, its bright-orange flesh is like pure candy. Enjoy as a snack or add to salsa or salads for an extra boost of flavor, color and vitamin C.
Last chance
Last chance for organic French breakfast radishes and organic Chioggia beets.