March Is Here!
The weather is changing, and winter is on its way out. Spring is right around the corner, officially beginning on Friday, March 20, 2026. People are spending more time outdoors enjoying sports, gatherings, and the excitement of a new season filled with fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables.
Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. for Daylight Saving Time. You’ll lose an hour of sleep, so be sure to change your clocks before heading to bed.
Purim
The Jewish holiday of Purim begins at sundown on Monday, March 2, 2026, and ends at sundown on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Purim is one of the most joyful holidays on the Jewish calendar, celebrating the ancient story of Queen Esther, who helped save the Jewish people from persecution in Persia. Observed with costumes, laughter, and community gatherings, Purim traditions center around sharing food, giving gifts to friends and family, and donating to those in need. A highlight of the holiday is enjoying festive foods, especially hamantaschen, the iconic triangle-shaped cookies filled with fruit or nut fillings. Melissa’s makes it easy to celebrate with sweet and symbolic offerings like dried fruits, berries, nuts, poppy seeds, citrus, and baking essentials perfect for homemade hamantaschen, gift baskets, and Purim tables filled with joy, abundance, and good fortune.
Drinking wine and alcohol is encouraged on Purim, making it a holiday where people truly let loose. When greeting someone on Purim, one would say “Happy Purim” or in Hebrew, “Chag Purim Sameach” (pronounced KHAG poo-REEM sah-MAY-akh).
Try this delicious hamantaschen recipe from our website!
St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated every year on March 17, is one of March’s most festive and food-forward holidays. Rooted in Irish history, the day honors Saint Patrick, the missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century and remembered for his teachings, the shamrock symbol, and the legendary tale of driving snakes out of Ireland. Today, the celebration is all about parades, gathering with friends and family, and enjoying traditional Irish-inspired foods.
In the United States, where the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration took place in Boston in 1737, tables are filled with classics like cabbage, corned beef, and Melissa’s famous DYPs® (Dutch Yellow® Potatoes), alongside plenty of green foods to match the spirit of the day. Green takes center stage as a symbol of spring, Ireland, and good luck, with leprechauns adding a playful touch.
Melissa’s makes it easy to celebrate with fresh green favorites like cabbage, salad savoy, kale for juicing, romaine and spinach for salads, and steamed artichokes perfect for dipping. And for a little extra luck, keep an eye out for time-honored traditions like wearing green, spotting a four-leaf clover, following a rainbow, or even kissing the Blarney Stone.
First Day of Spring
The first day of spring, which is Friday, March 20, 2026, marks a fresh start, longer days, and the return of vibrant flavors to the table. As the season of renewal begins, Melissa’s celebrates with an exciting mix of fresh fruits and vegetables that capture the best of spring eating. From tender artichokes and crisp asparagus to bright citrus, leafy greens, and colorful root vegetables, spring produce brings lighter, fresher meals back into focus. Whether you are refreshing your weekly menus, hosting seasonal gatherings, or simply enjoying the shift toward warmer days, Melissa’s makes it easy to welcome spring with flavor, color, and inspiration found right in the produce department.
