From microgreens to fresh garlic and herbs, look to spring produce for menu inspo
- Follow what’s in seasons to add the freshest produce to your pizza menu.
- Garlic, herbs, mushrooms and onions all grow in spring.
- Follow the USDA’s Seasonal Produce Guide to stay on top of what crops are in season.
From green grass to budding trees, the first signs of spring are all around us. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, that means garlic, herbs, peas, spinach and other leafy greens aren’t far behind.
There are many ways to incorporate spring produce into your pizzeria menu – one of the easiest of which is to top a menu staple with fresh greens. Pizza Today contributor Audrey Kelly of Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garage serves up the perfect example with a recent recipe, which calls for asparagus, spring onions, fresh peas and pea shoots:
Spring Greens Pizza by Audrey Kelly
Buying Local
In 2014, locating farmers markets and seeking out locally grown produce was not as commonplace as it is today. Yet Jeff Freehof, then-owner of Georgia-based pizzeria The Garlic Clove, was at the forefront of the tide. In his article for Pizza Today, Freehof implores pizza operators to think beyond fresh tomatoes when considering toppings.
His sentiment rings just as true today, as he says, “The community – your customer base – loves to support local businesses that support local businesses.” To that end, we have compiled some recipes that utilize the bounty we can find locally from spring into summer.
Spring Pizza Recipes
Spring Blossoms by Leah Scurto
Fresh Lemon, Manchego and Artichoke Pizza by Chris Decker
Prosciutto and Pea Greens Pizza by Chris Decker
Asparagus, Mushroom and Shallot Cream Pizza by Chris Decker
Arugula, Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella Pizza
Summer Pizza Recipes
Summer Squash Salad Pizza by Audrey Kelly
Summer of Corn Pizza with Peach Chimichurri by Audrey Kelly
Arugula on Pizza
Finally, if you aren’t yet convinced that greens belong atop a well-constructed pizza, Kelly is back with a convincing argument that arugula is the gateway leaf. Looking to cut through salt, spice or heavy cheese? Arugula to the rescue. Don’t believe us? Read what she has to say for yourself.
