Seasonal Culinary Delights from Your Backyard

When the seasons shift the look of our backyards changes as well. If you have the chance to garden in your backyard every change in temperature gives you a chance to grow tasty fresh ingredients that can really change how you cook. How about we explore the different seasons and see what tasty things we can find growing in your backyard?

**Feelings of Spring**

When winter starts to fade away the bright colors and tastes of spring begin to show up. This time of year brings fresh beginnings and your garden is part of that. Fresh asparagus shoots break through the ground and add a nice earthy flavor to your meal. Asparagus goes really well with a basic lemon and butter sauce making it a perfect side dish for spring.

Leafy greens such as spinach and arugula do really well in the cool spring weather and they have a bit of a peppery taste that makes for great salads. Give them a mix with some sharp goat cheese and dried tomatoes for a fancy but easy spring dish.

**The Plenty of Summer**

When summer arrives there is a lot of fresh produce and the backyard gardener has plenty to show for their efforts. Tomatoes that soak up the sun taste really sweet and strong in a way you just won't get from the ones at the store. A Caprese salad made with fresh tomatoes basil and mozzarella really shows what summer tastes like.

Zucchini and yellow squash grow really well in the heat and their flavors are great for grilling or roasting. You can even turn them into noodles for a healthier take on pasta.

Fall Gathering

When summer ends and the coolness of fall arrives your garden offers a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Pumpkins and winter squash really shine this time of year. Their sweet and nutty taste makes them great for warm soups and filling casseroles.

Root veggies such as beets and carrots bring a nice sweet flavor and bright colors to fall dishes. When you roast them until they are nice and brown they can be a great side dish or you can mix them into a smooth risotto that feels like fall.

**Winter Supplies**

Winter can be tough for gardening but there are still chances for people who like to cook outside. Greens like kale and collards taste sweeter after a frost which makes them great for stews and casseroles.

Old flavors from earlier seasons still stand out in winter. Pickled cucumbers and canned tomatoes bring back memories of the summer harvest. Using these stored items can add a touch of summer to a dull winter day and make plain meals feel special.

When you get into the flow of the seasons in your backyard, you are doing more than just growing food. You are enjoying the changing seasons and making your meals better with the best ingredients you can find. If you have been gardening for a long time or if you are new to it there are tasty things waiting for you just outside your home that can help you make meals that are full of flavor and happiness.