Seasonal produce to enjoy

One way to welcome spring is to bring some of it into your diet. As it’s getting warmer, we will finally be getting some fresh, sometimes even locally grown(!), fruit and vegetables on supermarket shelves. Here are some of our favorites and how to eat them: 

• Herbs – among the first fresh products to arrive at supermarkets are salad herbs like parsley and mint. You can use them in salad dressings, top your dishes with them, or even add them to your drinks, making a perfectly spring-y lemonade;
• Sorrel or dock – a spinach-like green with a distinctly sour taste, this one is a staple in soups and pirozhki (typically combined with eggs and onions). Though you can also try adding it in a salad to give your taste buds some new experiences;
• Radish – speaking of salads, the crispy and colorful radishes will add a nice vitamin-filled crunch; and if you combine it with sour cream, cucumbers, and some salt, you’ll know why locals love this simple salad combo so much;
• Asparagus – if you are feeling fancy, try steamed or fried asparagus as a side dish. Though on the pricier end, when in season it can be more affordable; it’s also easy to cook and packed with nutrients and fiber;
• Apples – in late March, the first apples of the new season will be arriving on the shelves. It feels more spring-like to enjoy them fresh or add them to yogurt or cottage cheese, but you can also explore the famous Russian apple pie, sharlotka.

Spring joys

After a long, quieter time of hibernation, we're finally getting back warmer weather, longer days, snow-free pavements, and blossoms and fresh greens pushing through. All this means one thing – and that’s springing back into your routine:

• Early-spring outings. For when the spring isn’t yet in its prime, the best locations to get the taste of things to come are gardens and greenhouses (e.g., tropical paths at St. Petersburg Botanical Garden) and other “evergreen” locations in the city. Then, once they’re fully ready for the new season, you can hit the big parks; and, surely, getting “lost” in the city’s streets is always a classic, go-to pastime – you can find more route recs under this tag;

• Spring cleaning. This is also an excellent time for cleaning – your home, wardrobe, and all kinds of devices. If you don’t know how to tackle the big spring clean, you’ll find all you need to get started here and here. 

However, it’s not just the natural world that shakes off its winter slumber – city life, too, springs back to life. Here’s what to anticipate in the coming months:

• Terraces and seasonal drinks (late April). As the weather gets better, the culture of eating outside and enjoying iced drinks is back in; celebrate the new season with our team’s ideas for seasonal foods and drinks;
• Fountains (April-May). Apart from the local parks and gardens, there’s a grand opening of the fountains in Peterhof that’s totally worth visiting;
• Cherry and tulip blossoms (early May). The now-traditional tulip festival takes place at Yelagin Island for two weekends in a row, and the sakura blossom season can be enjoyed across the city (see the spots here);
• Outdoor festivals and celebrations (May). The spring lineup includes Night of Museums, Icebreaker Festival, Smelt Festival, City Day, and more. 

What’s missing? A themed playlist! Find our team’s top spring-sounding tracks in this story.

Staying healthy and safe 

Although spring is a time of joy and nonchalance, there’re some safety precautions to keep in mind. The warmth may take some time to settle in as the city sheds its winter coat, and that’s why you need to stay extra vigilant.

• First, always check the weather forecast. Before heading out, pay attention to not only temperature and possible precipitation, but also to wind speed. If you're going to be close to water, like the Gulf of Finland or the Neva River, it can really affect your sense of warmth.
• When choosing your outfit, focus on waterproof materials and the layering principle. If you want to put on your favorite light trench coat instead of something heavy, start with a lightweight base layer and add a mid-layer like a sweater or cardigan. Accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves can both style your outfit and protect you on rainy and windy days. And if you don’t have waterproof items yet, consider grabbing a lightweight umbrella or a plastic raincoat.
• Remember to look up… and down. Walking in spring can feel like an adventure. The task is not slipping on ice and letting no icicle fall on you. Walk slowly and wear shoes with non-slip soles. If you see snow or ice on a roof, take an extra moment to cross the street to a safer side.
• Spring is also when many allergen-producing plants bloom, leading to symptoms like watery, swollen eyes, runny noses, sneezing, dry coughs, rashes, and itching. If you know you have allergies, stock up on antihistamines in advance.