March Seasonal Produce List for Meal Planning
For budget-conscious family meals, a new list of March's seasonal produce is circulating. Top picks for fresh flavor include cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, parsnips, and purple sprouting broccoli, along with seafood like crab and mussels and proteins like spring lamb.
Eating seasonally is not only more affordable due to the larger supply, but it also means produce is harvested at its peak for better flavor and higher nutritional content. Shopping for these items at local farmers' markets supports the Fremont-area economy and reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance food transportation. Fremont residents have several year-round farmers' markets to choose from, including the Kaiser Fremont Farmers Market on Thursdays, the Niles Farmers Market on Saturdays, and the Irvington Farmers' Market on Sundays. These markets provide direct access to fresh, local produce and other goods. Cabbage and cauliflower are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, known for containing a compound called sulforaphane. This compound is believed to help prevent DNA damage and may reduce the risk of cancer progression. While both are nutritionally similar, cauliflower offers more dietary fiber, and red cabbage can have eight times more antioxidants than green cabbage. Leeks are nutrient-dense, providing vitamins A, C, and K, and may help reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar levels. Parsnips are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Together, they offer a wide range of vitamins and minerals beneficial for overall health. While some lamb is available year-round in California, milk-fed spring lamb typically becomes available around Easter. The state's mild spring weather and varied geography allow for high-quality feed, contributing to the tenderness and flavor of California lamb. The commercial Dungeness crab season in the Bay Area has faced recent delays, with the season opening shifting from November into January due to factors like whale migration. As of late January 2026, the commercial fishery was declared open statewide, though some gear restrictions may apply.
