It’s hard to stay healthier and nutritionally balanced in the winter, so now that spring is here and summer is coming soon, it’s time to change things. It’s easy to not eat as much fresh produce in the winter because of availability of fruits and veggies in some places, as well as carb-centric holiday menus. During the spring and summer months, it’s cheap and easy to get fresh food at the local farmer’s markets. Since these fruits and vegetables are usually grown locally, you’re reducing your environmental footprint by buying them. They’re also more likely to be organic than most store produce.

Foods in season to buy for your senior this spring

Here are 6 foods your elderly parent is going to love, along with some ideas on how to prepare each one. You can talk to a professional caregiver from elderly home care for more ideas on meal planning and other help your loved one might need at home.

1. Radishes: this classic spring vegetable is crisp and very rich in fiber. Make sure to add radishes to dishes gradually, because too much at once in a person’s body who isn’t used to them might cause an upset stomach.
2. Fava beans: if your elderly parent remembers the days of boiling these beans and serving them with a glob of butter, that isn’t the best way to eat them. Boiling actually strips away the nutrients. They’re better served sautéed in some olive oil. You can cook them with steamed rice and spices for a flavorful dish.
3. Mint: this herb is perfect for the warming weather. It helps with stomach aches and nausea, which is common among seniors. You can add it fresh or dried to a salad or mix it into some plain yogurt with diced cucumbers and use that as a sauce for chicken or beef.
4. Strawberries: as one of the sweetest fruits, strawberries can be the perfect choice for seniors who have a sweet tooth. They’re packed with vitamin C which can help heal bruises from falls faster. It’s easy to add this delicious fruit to oatmeal or any dessert.
5. Asparagus: this awesome spring veggie is rich in antioxidants that protect against cancer. Since it’s usually harvested in spring instead of summer, it’s a perfect pick for your next trip to the market. You can add it chopped, raw to salads or roast them in the oven with some olive oil, garlic and salt for a healthy “French fry”.
6. Peas: these veggies are the best thing to feed a senior who needs some help with reducing inflammation. Put away the memories of hating peas as a child, because you’re going to want to add these to chicken salad and soups.