April Produce: Best Fruits and Vegetables to Eat This Month - Dr. Axe
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April Produce: What Are the Best Fruits and Vegetables to Eat This Month?

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April produce

As we transition from March produce to April produce, more and more spring vegetables and fruits become widely available.

April is a fantastic month for fresh, flavorful produce with spring officially in full swing. Seasonal fruits and vegetables in April are not only at their peak in taste, but also provide a variety of nutrients that support overall health.

Eating in-season produce means you get the best flavors while benefiting from the freshest ingredients, particularly spring fruits and veggies.

So what are the best fruits and vegetables available in April? Below we highlight some of the most nutritious options and share ideas on how to use April produce in delicious ways.

What produce is in season in April?

This brings an abundance of fresh April produce, including vibrant fruits and crisp vegetables. Whether you’re shopping at your local farmers market or grocery store, here are 20 fruits and vegetables in season this month:

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1. Apricots

Apricots are sweet and juicy April fruits that are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C beta-carotene and fiber. These sweet, golden-orange fruits offer support for healthy skin and vision.

Research has revealed that apricots support eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration and may aid digestion due to their fiber content.

2. Artichokes

Nutrient-dense with a delicious, meaty texture, artichokes are rich in antioxidants and great for liver health.

Artichokes are packed with fiber, folate and antioxidants. They possess liver-supporting properties, thanks to compounds like cynarin, which may aid in detoxification and digestion.

3. Asparagus

A springtime staple, asparagus is rich in fiber and folate, along with vitamins A, C and K. It supports detoxification and gut health thanks to its prebiotic fiber content.

Researchers have noted that asparagus may support digestive health and cardiovascular function due to its high fiber and antioxidant content.

4. Carrots

Carrots are great raw or cooked. These sweet, crunchy vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A and benefits both skin and eye health.

Studies have revealed carrots support vision health and may protect against age-related macular degeneration.

5. Cherimoyas

Creamy and custard-like with a tropical flavor, cherimoyas are high in vitamin C, B6 and fiber, and they promote immunity and digestion.

Known as the “custard apple,” the cherimoya’s antioxidant properties may help reduce oxidative stress and improve heart health.

6. Fava beans

A plant-based protein source with iron and folate, fava beans have a creamy texture and are some of the healthiest legumes to eat.

These beans can help support muscle maintenance and metabolic health. They also contain L-dopa, a precursor to dopamine, which may aid brain function.

7. Guavas

Packed with vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants to support immune health, guava is perfect for smoothies and snacks.

Guavas have been shown to support immune function and reduce inflammation. They also contain lycopene, which may play a role in cancer prevention.

8. Kumquats

Kumquats are citrus fruits with edible peels and a tart-sweet taste. Those edible peels mean bonus fiber and flavonoid antioxidants.

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Kumquats also are a great source of vitamin C and may help lower cholesterol levels.

9. Lemons

Ideal for freshening up recipes and boosting flavor, these citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and citric acid, which help support immune function and improve iron absorption. Their high antioxidant content may also protect against oxidative stress.

10. Lettuce

A must-have for fresh, crisp salads, lettuce is low in calories but high in water content and fiber. Research has suggested that certain lettuce varieties contain anti-inflammatory compounds that support overall health.

11. Mangoes

Tropical, juicy, and packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene and fiber, mangoes promote gut health and may support immune function. They also contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

12. Oranges

Juicy and refreshing, oranges are rich in vitamin C, fiber and flavonoids. Several studies have highlighted their role in reducing oxidative stress and promoting heart health.

They’re great for snacks or juice.

13. Peas

Sweet and tender, peas are excellent in fresh dishes.

These small but mighty legumes are rich in protein, fiber and vitamin K. They play a key role in muscle maintenance and satiety, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.

14. Pineapples

Sweet and tangy, pineapple is great for fresh or cooked dishes.

This tropical fruit contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and reduces inflammation. Pineapples are also a great source of vitamin C and manganese, supporting immune function and bone health.

15. Radishes

Peppery and crisp, radishes are perfect for salads and garnishes. They possess anti-inflammatory capabilities and are great for digestion.

Radishes are high in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. They also contain glucosinolates, which support liver detoxification and may have anticancer properties.

16. Rhubarb

Technically a vegetable but often treated as a fruit in desserts, rhubarb is high in calcium and magnesium, making it great for supporting bone health.

It’s also rich in vitamin K (another bone-strengthening nutrient) and fiber, and rhubarb has anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, according to research.

17. Spinach

Loaded with iron, folate and vitamin K, spinach is a versatile green known for its role in supporting red blood cell production. Studies also link spinach to improved cognitive function and reduced inflammation.

18. Spring onions

Spring onions on the mild side, perfect for adding a fresh bite. Also known as green onions, these vegetables contain sulfur compounds that may support heart health and have antimicrobial properties.

They also provide vitamin C and folate.

19. Strawberries

A spring favorite, strawberries are loaded with folate, potassium and antioxidants, like anthocyanins and vitamin C. Studies have linked strawberries to improved cardiovascular health and reduced inflammation.

20. Swiss chard

A nutrient powerhouse with earthy, slightly bitter leaves, Swiss chard is especially good for bone support since it’s full of magnesium and vitamin K. It is also high in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium.

Swiss chard also may help regulate blood sugar levels and support heart health.

Best April vegetables and fruits to eat

What fruit is in season in April?

  • Strawberries
  • Pineapple
  • Papayas
  • Oranges
  • Mangos
  • Limes
  • Lemons
  • Kumquats
  • Kiwi
  • Guavas
  • Grapefruit
  • Cherimoyas
  • Cherries
  • Avocados
  • Apricots
  • Apple

What vegetables are in season in April?

  • Watercress
  • Turnips
  • Swiss chard
  • Sunchokes
  • Spring peas
  • Spring onions
  • Spring garlic
  • Spinach
  • Shallots
  • Rhubarb
  • Radishes
  • Radicchio
  • Purple sprouting broccoli
  • Parsnips
  • New potatoes
  • Mushrooms
  • Lettuce
  • Leeks
  • Kale
  • Horseradish
  • Fennel
  • Fava beans
  • Endive
  • Cucumbers
  • Chicory
  • Chard
  • Celery root
  • Celery
  • Cauliflower
  • Carrots
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Beets
  • Asparagus
  • Artichokes
  • Arugula

How to use April produce

With so many fresh options available, there are countless ways to enjoy April’s seasonal fruits and vegetables. Here are some ideas to make the most of April produce:

  • Salads: Toss together fresh greens like lettuce, spinach and Swiss chard with sliced strawberries, radishes and a citrus dressing.
  • Smoothies: Blend mango, guava and apricots with yogurt for a refreshing drink.
  • Grilled or roasted vegetables: Roast asparagus, carrots and artichokes with olive oil and herbs for a flavorful side dish.
  • Stir-fries: Add fava beans, peas and spring onions to a quick stir-fry with tofu or chicken.
  • Baking: Use rhubarb and strawberries to create a delicious spring pie or crumble.
  • Soups: Make a light, spring-inspired soup with peas, asparagus and fresh herbs.
  • Citrus-flavored drinks: Use kumquats, lemons and oranges to make refreshing infused water or homemade lemonade.

Conclusion

  • April is a wonderful time to enjoy a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
  • From sweet strawberries and juicy apricots to nutrient-dense asparagus and Swiss chard, there’s something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to April produce.
  • Incorporating fresh, in-season produce into your meals not only enhances flavor ,but also provides essential nutrients to support your health.
  • Take advantage of what April produce has to offer by trying new recipes, exploring farmers markets and enjoying the best nature has to offer this season!

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