10 Tips to Make It Fresh

Here are 10 great tips from  Cooking Light to help you make your meals delicious and fresh.

1. A sprinkling of chopped herbs or a squeeze of citrus enlivens just about any dish.
2. Many farmers' markets open in the spring, so take advantage of their local offerings.
3. Ask your fishmonger what seafood is in season, arrived recently and hasn't been frozen.
4. Create your own low-sodium convenience products; cook and freeze dried beans or roast bell peppers when you have extra time.
5. Minimally processed chicken, beef and pork have pure taste and minimal salt.
6. Combine fresh vegetables with starches for intriguing side dishes--cubed zucchini stirred into rice, for example.
7. Start a container garden of herbs or tomatoes on your patio or windowsill.
8. Most spring produce fares best when it is cooked only a few minutes, leaving its crisp snap intact.
9. Shop once or twice a week for fresh meats or fish to keep quality high.
10. Eating a variety of colorful produce leads to a healthful diet, so fill your plate with more fruits and veggies.