15 Spring Players That Lead Secret Lives As Superfoods

Quick! What's a superfood? Maybe blueberries, kale, and avocados come to mind? But what about asparagus, artichokes, and fennel? Yep, they're nutritionally dense superfoods, too. Now that fresh springtime produce is cropping up, we're unmasking 15 top seasonal favorites that are superfoods in disguise. Some will be familiar, and some might be new to you. Every pick includes recipes to help you enjoy them at their best.

1. Artichokes

Superfood Superpowers

When it comes to antioxidants, artichokes outrank many other foods we usually think of first, such as blueberries and dark chocolate. Artichokes are high in fiber and folic acid, they can soothe an upset tummy, and help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol. They also support brain, liver, and bone health, and help balance blood pressure.

Favorite Fixes

• Artichokes
• Herbed Grilled Artichokes
• Garlic Sauteed Artichokes
• Get tips to prep and cook artichokes, and find more artichoke recipes.

2. Arugula

Superfood Superpowers

Aka "rocket," this spicy green is rich in cancer-fighting phytochemicals, as well as folic acid, vitamins A and C, and ranks way up there for vitamin K. Ounce for ounce, arugula delivers more calcium than spinach.

Favorite Fixes

3. Asparagus

Superfood Superpowers

These harbingers of spring pack plenty of fiber and vitamins A, C, E, and K, along with a powerful detoxifying compound called glutathione that helps break down carcinogens. Eating plenty of asparagus could help you stay mentally sharper as you age, and you might even avoid vicious hangovers. And that whole thing about asparagus making your pee smell bad? It's all down to a harmless sulfuric compound.

Favorite Fixes

• Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms
• Simply Steamed Asparagus
• Get tips for buying and storing asparagus, plus five easy ways to cook asparagus.
• Find more asparagus recipes.

4. Broccoli Rabe

Superfood Superpowers

A cross between broccoli and Chinese kale, this leafy hybrid vegetable also goes by a host of other names, including broccoli raab, rapini and Chinese broccoli. Eat the stems, leaves, and florets to get a solid dose of antioxidants and vitamins C, K, and A.

Favorite Fixes

5. Fava Beans

Superfood Superpowers

Also knows as broad beans, favas are high in protein to keep you strong, and fiber to keep your cholesterol in check. Along with an alphabet of vitamins, fava beans contain a substance called L-dopa, associated with supporting muscle function.

Favorite Fixes

• Green Risotto with Fava Beans
• Vegan Fava Bean Salad
• Foul Medammes (Spicy Fava Bean Dip)
• Learn more about prepping and cooking fava beans, and get more fava bean recipes.

6. Fennel

Superfood Superpowers

Anise-scented fennel bulb has been useful in the kitchen and for medicinal purposes since ancient times. High in fiber and potassium to keep your heart going strong, it also contains an aromatic essential oil called anethole that's proven to fight fungus and bacteria.

Favorite Fixes

7. Leeks

Superfood Superpowers

Leeks share the antioxidant properties of the rest of its allium genus (think garlic, onions, etc.) as well as heart- and liver-friendly enzymes.

Favorite Fixes

• Creamy Salmon and Leek Pasta
• Low Carb Cauliflower Leek Soup
• Sauteed Carrots and Leeks
• Learn more about buying and storing leeks, and find more leek recipes.

8. Nettles

Superfood Superpowers

One person's weed is another person's cup of tea. Such is the case with nettles. Full of a range of vitamins, plus calcium for bone health, nettles are also used to detoxify your body and even soothe premenstrual discomfort.

Favorite Fixes

9. Peas

Superfood Superpowers

English peas, snow peas, and sugar snap peas may be different in form and flavor, but they're all excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eat your peas for healthy bones and balanced cholesterol.

Favorite Fixes

10. Purslane

Superfood Superpowers

This tiny, lemony succulent grows like a weed and packs more omega-3 fatty acids than some fish oils. It's also an excellent source of vitamin A, rivaling many green leafy vegetables.

Favorite Fixes

11. Radishes

Superfood Superpowers

Sharp, peppery radishes come in lots of colors and sizes, from tiny globes to giant white daikons. Vitamin C: check. Antioxidants: check. Folates, minerals, detoxifying agents: check, check, and check.

Favorite Fixes

12. Ramps

Superfood Superpowers

Also known as wild leeks, this member of the allium family is loaded with vitamin A for healthy teeth, bones, and skin. Ramps have antioxidant vitamin C, plus selenium and chromium. They're not around long, so grab them up when you see them.

Favorite Fixes

13. Rhubarb

Superfood Superpowers

These super-tart stalks carry loads of vitamins A and K, as well as B-complex vitamins. The gorgeously ruffled leaves are not edible, just in case you were wondering.

Favorite Fixes

• Aunt Norma's Rhubarb Muffins
• Tangy Rhubarb Salsa
• Rhubarb Strawberry Crunch
• Did you know? Rhubarb also has a savory side.
• Learn all about prepping and cooking rhubarb, and find more rhubarb recipes.

14. Romanesco

Superfood Superpowers

When cauliflower marries broccoli, gorgeous romanesco happens. Its flavor is more cauliflower-like, but a bit nuttier. Like its parents, romanesco carries a full range of good-for-you properties like vitamins A, C, and K, plus folate, fiber, and antioxidants. And it looks like it came from outer space.

Favorite Fixes

• Roasted Romanesco
• Actually, you can cook romanesco the same way you would cook cauliflower or broccoli.

15. Strawberries

Superfood Superpowers

Low-cal, low-carb strawberries fight inflammation and deliver a big dose of vitamins A, C, and E. Antioxidants? Strawberries have plenty. BTW, Strawberries dipped in dark chocolate gives you a double dose of antioxidants.

Favorite Fixes

Find more recipes for strawberries, and discover the simple trick that helps fresh berries stay fresh longer.

Related

• Find more top-rated superfood recipes.
• Learn what to eat to keep your gut healthy.