spring greens
Young leafy produce
Spring greens are young, leafy vegetables harvested in early spring, typically including tender cabbages that haven't yet formed tight heads, along with other early-season greens like kale, collards, or chard.
In British usage, spring greens specifically refers to loose-leafed young cabbage.
The term emphasizes both the season and the tender, mild character of these vegetables compared to their mature counterparts.
I sautéed the spring greens with garlic and olive oil.
Loose-leafed cabbage relative
- spinachEdible dark green leaves
- chardLeafy green, colorful stems
- arugulaPeppery Mediterranean salad green
- collardsLeafy cabbage relatives
watercress · mizuna · sorrel · lettuce · romaine · mesclun · endive · escarole
Cooked quickly in fat
- wiltedLimp from dehydration
- blanchedMade white by heat
- braisedBrowned and simmered slowly
- steamedHeated by vapor
stir-fried · salad · smoothie · juiced · dressed · massaged · pickled · fermented
Firm and breakable
- tenderSoft or sore
- vibrantFull of life, intensity
- dewyCovered in condensation
- garden-freshNewly harvested and vibrant
unwilted · succulent · sprightly · young · delicate · mild · sweet · peppery
Essential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- antioxidantsSubstances counteracting oxidative damage
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
- ironElement twenty-six
calcium · folate · potassium · magnesium · phytonutrients · healthful · wholesome · nourishing
kale
Loose-leafed cabbage relative
- spinachEdible dark green leaves
- chardLeafy green, colorful stems
- arugulaPeppery Mediterranean salad green
collards · watercress · mizuna · sorrel · lettuce · romaine · mesclun · endive · escarole · frisée
sautéed
Cooked quickly in fat
steamed · stir-fried · salad · smoothie · juiced · dressed · massaged · pickled · fermented · kimchi
crisp
Firm and breakable
garden-fresh · unwilted · succulent · sprightly · young · delicate · mild · sweet · peppery · seasonal
vitamins
Essential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- antioxidantsSubstances counteracting oxidative damage
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
iron · calcium · folate · potassium · magnesium · phytonutrients · healthful · wholesome · nourishing · low-calorie
- greensspinach, kale, lettuce, arugula, chard
- British producecarrots, potatoes, cabbage, peas, onions
- leafy greensspinach, kale, curly kale, lettuce, chard
- seasonal cookingtomato season, citrus season, stone fruit, turkey dinner, pumpkin pie
- Spring Foodsasparagus soup, pea soup, fava beans, grilled asparagus, fiddleheads
- brassicasbroccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts
green, spring, greens, springy, springs, springtime, greenery, sprung, springing