Seasonal Eating: April Edition
As April ushers in the vibrant hues and fresh flavours of spring, it's the perfect time to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals. Embracing these ingredients not only enhances the taste of your dishes but also supports local agriculture and sustainability. Here's a guide to some of the best seasonal foods to include in your April meal plan, along with meal ideas to make the most of them.
Rhubarb
Why it’s great: Rhubarb has a fun pink colour and a tangy taste. When paired with sweet fruits, it makes delicious treats, and its natural tartness balances out sugary flavours.
Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas:
Pink Rhubarb Ice Lollies – Blend rhubarb with strawberries and a splash of orange juice, then freeze in lolly moulds. This provides vitamin C, which supports immune function.
Rhubarb & Ricotta Cake - I am partial to a Rhubarb and Ricotta cake from Gail’s, so decided to recreate it at home. I’m not sure Gail’s includes ginger in their recipe but I added it as I love the flavour combination!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
450g rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 1.25cm pieces
265g granulated sugar, divided
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
115g unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tsp ground ginger (I used minced ginger!)
2 large eggs
240g plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
250g ricotta cheese
For the Crumb Topping:
130g plain flour
50g brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
55g unsalted butter, melted
Method:
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease a 23x33cm baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Rhubarb Mixture: In a bowl, combine the rhubarb pieces with 85g of sugar, ginger and the lemon juice. Set aside to macerate.
Cake Batter: Cream the softened butter with the remaining sugar and lemon zest until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then add half the ricotta and continue in this pattern until both are completely incorporated.
Assemble the Cake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Distribute the rhubarb mixture over the batter in a single layer.
Crumble Topping: For the topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the rhubarb layer.
Baking: Bake for 60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
Cooling and Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the cake out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
Asparagus
Why it’s great: Asparagus is packed with vitamins and fibre to help little tummies stay happy. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste, and its soft texture when cooked makes it easy for kids to eat.
Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas:
Cheesy Asparagus Fries – Toss asparagus in olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and bake until crispy. Serve with ketchup or ranch for dipping.
Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese – Blend steamed asparagus into a cheese sauce and mix it into macaroni and cheese. This adds extra fibre and vitamins without altering the familiar flavour.
Radish
Why it’s great: Radishes are crisp and peppery, making them fun to eat, especially when paired with dips or crunchy toppings. Their bright colour can make meals more visually appealing for kids.
Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas:
Rainbow Veggie Wraps – Slice radishes thin and roll them up with cheese and hummus in a soft tortilla. This adds crunch, fibre, and vitamin C to an easy-to-eat snack.
Crunchy Radish Chips – Slice radishes, toss with olive oil and bake until crispy.
Watercress
Why it’s great: Watercress has a mild, fresh taste that pairs well with other flavors, making it easy to mix into meals without overpowering them. It’s also one of the most nutrient-dense greens available.
Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas:
Super Green Smoothie – Blend watercress with banana, apple, and yoghurt for a creamy, naturally sweetened drink packed with vitamins and minerals.
Cheesy Watercress Omelette – Mix chopped watercress into scrambled eggs with cheese. This combination provides protein, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients for growth
Spring Onions
Why it’s great: Spring onions have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that adds depth to meals without being overpowering. They also blend well into a variety of dishes, making them easy to introduce to kids.
Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas:
Cheesy Quesadillas – Sprinkle chopped spring onions inside a cheese quesadilla for a mild, flavorful twist that boosts vitamin C content.
Mini Egg Muffins – Mix spring onions into mini egg muffins with cheese and ham. These provide a balance of protein and healthy fats for sustained energy.
Spinach
Why it’s great: Spinach is mild and blends easily into meals without kids noticing. Spinach is an excellent source of iron, which supports oxygen transport in the blood, and vitamin A, which is essential for vision and immune health.
Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas:
Green Monster Pancakes – Blend fresh spinach into pancake batter to create naturally green pancakes without altering the taste. This increases iron and vitamin A intake.
Hidden Veggie Pizza – Mix chopped spinach into pizza sauce before spreading it on homemade pizzas. This boosts the nutritional value of a kid-favourite meal without making it too noticeable.
