Spring is a bountiful time of the year when it comes to fresh produce, but it always helps to know exactly what’s in season. If you want to purchase only the freshest, most flavorful fruits and veggies and ensure that they last as long as possible in your fridge, use these helpful tips for understanding spring produce.

1. Artichokes. Whether you use them on pizzas or add them to your salads, artichokes are a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your meals. Their main harvest takes place during the springtime, so look for the ones with close, compact leaves and clean-cut stems.
2. Asparagus. This popular veggie is found in a number of high-end restaurants, but you can easily prepare it at home if you purchase it fresh in the springtime. The thickness doesn’t necessarily indicate tenderness, so don’t overlook thinner or thicker spears at your grocery store.
3. Carrots. While carrots are commonly found in grocery stores year-round, they taste best during the spring season. Only purchase bundles that are firm to the touch for maximum freshness.
4. Leafy greens. Nutrient-rich veggies like chard, kale, and other cooking greens tend to turn bitter during hot summer months, so purchase them in the spring for the best taste.
5. Fennel. If you’ve never cooked with fennel, experiment with this green (a relative of celery) when it comes into season during the warmer springtime.
6. Grapefruit. Create a nutritious breakfast by adding grapefruit, which starts to become plump and juicy in January.

Spring Produce: Your Guide to Picking the Best [Greatist]
What’s in Season? Spring [Fruits and Veggies More Matters]
Fresh Spring Fruits and Vegetables [About Food]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/USDA

Some foods are obviously high in sugar, such as cakes, sodas, and ice cream. But did you know that there are sneaky high-sugar foods that may be sabotaging your diet without you even knowing it? Here are a few foods that are surprisingly high in sugar.

1. Fat-free yogurts. Sure, fat-free yogurts don’t contain fat, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re low in sugar, too! In fact, the majority of low-fat and fat-free yogurts overcompensate by adding quite a bit of sugar to sweeten up the taste. Be sure to check the label on your favorite sweet side, because some 0% yogurts can contain as many as 20 grams of sugar.
2. Marinara sauce. Marinara sauce is often viewed as a healthy alternative to creamy Alfredo sauces, but this savory pasta topping can be packed full of sugars. Beware of store bought cans and jars especially, as they’re the most common culprits.
3. Bread. Even supposedly healthy breads, like whole grain and wheat, can contain about three grams of sugar per slice. Processed breads are usually much higher in sugars than freshly baked options, so opt for a loaf from the bakery or a sprouted wheat bread from the health food store.

6 Surprising Sources of Sugar [Eating Well]
6 Hidden Sugar Mines in Your Diet [Next Avenue]
Sugar: Five Foods Surprisingly High in Sugar [BBC]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Steven Depolo

When you’re about to make a new dish, it helps to know exactly how to interpret each term in the recipe. More than just abbreviations like "tsp." or "oz.," recipes often include phrases like "blanch," "caramelize," and "pickle," making it a little more challenging to know if you're making it correctly. Here are four kitchen terms that you should keep in your arsenal in order to follow a recipe.

1. Blanch (or blanche). This is a term that refers to the process of boiling vegetables or nuts to remove their skins and seal in their flavor. It's often done before canning or freezing.
2. Caramelize. When sugar is heated to higher than 300 degrees, it turns brown and takes on a unique taste—that is, it caramelizes.
3. Pickle. This is a type of fermentation that occurs when vegetables or meats are preserved in brine.
4. Reduce. When a recipe calls for liquid to be reduced, it means to bring it to a rapid boil causing evaporation. This allows it the liquid or sauce to thicken, increasing its volume and flavor.

The Basic Kitchen: Glossary of Cooking Terms [Le Petites Gourmettes]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Better Homes and Gardens]
Cooking Terms [Recipe Goldmine]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Cookery]
Culinary Terms: Food Dictionary and Glossary of Cooking Terms [Culinary Arts at About.com]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Remy Sharp

You’re committed to a healthy eating plan, and your first stop is the local supermarket. Here are a few simple, smart tips to help steer you away from the sweets aisle and toward the fruit and vegetables.

1. Make a list. It may seem obvious, but making a list and sticking to it can work wonders when you actually come face-to-face with your favorite brand of cookies. Include things like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and head for the checkout once every item is checked off.
2. Check the nutrition labels. Even if something is labeled “low-fat” or “all natural,” you should still check the nutrition labels on pre-packaged food items to make sure that there aren’t any unwelcome or unnatural surprises.
3. Purchase at least half whole grains. Replacing only half of your bread or cereal intake with whole grain alternatives can make a big difference in your health. Make sure that these products say “100% whole grain” on the label.
4. Choose healthier dairy products. Switch out your usual full fat milk, yogurt, and cheese with non-fat or low-fat options.
5. Shop for lean meats. Instead of purchasing hamburgers or sausages, go for lean meats like turkey, fresh fish, and skinless chicken breast.
6. Snack smarter. If you love to have snacks on hand, grab a bag of unsalted nuts or some dried fruit for a quick boost.

Try These Tips for Heart-Healthy Grocery Shopping [American Heart Association]
27 Foods to Ban From Your Shopping Cart [Reader’s Digest]
Build a Healthy Diet with Smart Shopping [Nutrition.gov]
Healthy Grocery Shopping [Medline Plus]

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