By Anna Nelson –
As winter fades and the days grow longer, something magical happens in gardens and farms across our region: the first tender greens of the season begin to appear. Spring greens like arugula, mesclun mix, spinach, and kale are among the earliest crops to thrive in the cool, damp weather of early spring — and they offer a delicious, nutrient-packed way to welcome the season back to life.
At OtterBee’s Market, we’re excited to currently offer a beautiful selection of fresh spring greens from Ocean Air Farm in Ft. Dick, California. (While we work with a variety of local farms throughout the year, our current spring greens are all coming from Ocean Air — grown just a few miles away and harvested at the perfect moment for flavor, tenderness, and nutrition.)
Nothing beats the vibrant, just-picked taste of springtime greens grown right here on the Wild Rivers Coast!
A Fresh Start for the Season
Spring greens are often the first harvest after a long winter, bringing a welcome burst of color, texture, and vitality to your plate. They’re rich in vitamins A, C, and K, loaded with fiber, and filled with antioxidants that help nourish and energize the body.
Because they’re grown so close to home, our spring greens are fresher than anything shipped in from far away — meaning better flavor, better nutrition, and stronger support for the farmers who help sustain our local food system.
Meet Your Spring Greens
Here’s a closer look at what’s available right now at OtterBee’s, fresh from Ocean Air Farm:
Arugula
Peppery, bold, and full of character, arugula adds a lively bite to salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and more. It pairs beautifully with sweet fruits like pears or strawberries, or creamy cheeses like goat cheese. Try tossing it with olive oil and a splash of lemon for a simple, punchy side dish.
Mesclun Mix
A classic baby greens mix featuring tender young lettuces and sometimes a hint of spicy greens like mizuna or mustard. Perfect for quick salads, this mix brings a balance of sweet, mild, and peppery flavors that capture the essence of spring.
Spinach
Soft, lush, and vibrant, spring spinach is a powerhouse green. Use it raw in salads, blended into smoothies, layered into sandwiches, or lightly wilted into warm pasta dishes. Fresh local spinach has a sweetness and tenderness you just can’t find in store-bought bags.
Kale (Curly Green)
Classic curly kale is hardy yet sweet in the spring. Chop it finely and massage it with olive oil and lemon to tenderize it for raw salads, or sauté it quickly with garlic for a simple, satisfying side dish.
Kale (White Russian)
White Russian Kale has a softer texture and a slightly milder flavor than curly kale. It’s fantastic for soups, stir-fries, and even kale chips. Just remove the stems, chop the leaves, and get creative!
Bonus: Radishes
While technically not a leafy green, fresh radishes are another favorite of early spring. Crisp, peppery, and refreshing, they add a crunchy pop to any salad or crudité plate. Slice them thinly and sprinkle with a little sea salt for a simple, satisfying snack.
Easy and Delicious Ways to Enjoy Spring Greens
Need a little inspiration? Here are some quick ideas to help you make the most of your fresh greens:
- Simple Spring Salad: Toss mesclun mix or arugula with sliced radishes, crumbled feta cheese, and a lemon-honey vinaigrette.
- 5-Minute Greens Sauté: Quickly sauté spinach or curly kale with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of sea salt. Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving.
- Arugula Pizza Topper: After baking your pizza, top it with a handful of fresh arugula tossed lightly with olive oil. It adds a fresh, peppery punch!
- Smoothie Booster: Add a handful of spinach to your favorite smoothie for an easy, nutrient-rich upgrade.
- Kale Chips: Massage curly kale with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 300°F for about 20 minutes until crisp.
- Radish Toast: Spread toasted bread with butter or cream cheese, top with thinly sliced radishes, and sprinkle with flaked salt for a quick and fancy snack.
Why Local Matters
When you buy spring greens from OtterBee’s, you’re doing more than feeding yourself fresh, healthy food — you’re supporting local agriculture, sustainable practices, and a resilient local economy.
Local farms grow with the natural rhythm of the seasons, meaning fewer chemicals, less transportation, and food that’s truly connected to the place we call home.
Plus, fresh greens grown nearby simply taste better — sweeter, crisper, and more vibrant than greens that have spent days (or even weeks) in transit.
A Season Worth Celebrating
There’s something special about the first greens of the year. They mark the return to fresh eating, lighter meals, and vibrant flavors.
So whether you’re tossing a quick salad, building a green-packed smoothie, or roasting radishes for a spring side dish, take a moment to celebrate the season’s bounty.
Pick up some of Ocean Air Farm’s gorgeous spring greens (and radishes!) this week at OtterBee’s Market, and let the taste of spring brighten your table.
And stay tuned — more seasonal favorites like snap peas, herbs, and strawberries are on their way!
