This is the first installment in our new series "In Season at the Farmers Market" where we will do just that -- explore what is in season at the moment.

This month, greens are king.  Used for thousands of years in medicines and salads, many greens, such as kale and collards, are now fresh to market.

Dr. Rosemary Rodibaugh, professor and extension nutrition specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said “fresh” is the key word when using greens.

“To get the best nutritional value from them, use within a day or two of bringing them home,” she said.

Once home, store the unwashed greens in plastic bags in the coldest part of the fridge. Washed greens can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days.

What's great about greens is that they're super-healthy. Greens are high in vitamin A and vitamin C and are also fair sources of calcium.

Purchasing tips

  • All greens are best when they are very young and tender.
  • Kale should be crisp, green and clean.
  • Collard greens should have broad, flat, dark green leaves.
  • Spinach has dark green spade-shaped leaves and shouldn’t be wilted or slimy.
  • Mustard and turnip greens should be fresh, tender, crisp and a good green color. Choose smaller leaves that are 6-12 inches long.
  • Seed stems can be an indication that the leaves will be tough.

For more information, including storage and preparation tips, as well as nutritional information and recipes, download the Arkansas Fresh fact sheet on greens here.

Farmers markets open to get your greens:

Argenta Farmers Market, 6th and Main Streets, North Little Rock: Saturday (April 6) is the start of the market's new season. From 7 a.m. - noon, the public can peruse the various vendors selling tons of artisan goods and fresh produce, including greens. It's on the River Rail Trolley route with an abundance of free parking, making it easy to get in and out! Call (501) 993-1234 for more information.

Hillcrest Farmers Market, in front of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock: The year-round farmers market, which will be open 8 a.m. - noon Saturday (April 6), will have a large variety of goods and produce, especially greens. There will be several vendors selling greens at the market, including Kelly Carney or North Pulaski Farms, Bob Barnhill of Barnhill Orchards, Tara at Rattle's Garden and Little Rock Urban Farming. The market will also have three vendors selling vegetable and herb bedding plants ready for spring and summer gardens. For more information, click here.

In Season at the Farmers Market is a monthly series where we will be showcasing veggies and fruits that are in season at moment, offering purchase and preparation tips and a listing on where they'll be available area. Information is provided by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.