Something that I enjoy doing is going to my local farmers' market. There are tons of reasons why (like it's good for the environment, a great way to support local farmers and the prices are unmatched), yet one of the main ones is because of how fresh the produce seems to be; especially during the spring and autumn seasons. Well, since spring is upon us (can you believe it?), I thought that now would be just a good of a time as any to share some of the fruits and veggies that are in season during this time of the year.
Specific foods that you should definitely cop because they will be more delicious and filled with more nutrients than any other time which is why eating things when they are in season (whether they are in the store when they are out of season or not) really is the way to go. Are you ready to pull out your grocery list and jot a few of these down? Let's do it.
1. Cherries are in season from May to August.
Without a doubt, one of my favorite fruits is cherries. Well, cherries when they're in season because otherwise, they taste too watery or they feel too mushy. Anyway, as far as health benefits go, cherries are good for you because they contain a good amount of protein, fiber, Vitamin C, and potassium. They are also rich in antioxidants as well as have anti-inflammatory properties in them. Not only that, but if you're looking for a fruit that will keep your heart healthy, improve arthritis-related symptoms and fight free radicals that can lead to aging, cherries will have your back in this area too.
Something else that's cool about cherries is, that since they have melatonin in them, they are a low-calorie snack that you can enjoy before turning in at night. Also, since they've got the plant compound phytoestrogens in them, cherries are great for menopausal women if you're looking for a natural way to heighten the estrogen levels in your system.
Try This: Northwest Cherry Salsa Recipe
2. Carrots are in season from May to sometimes December.
Whenever I know I'm low in fiber and I want something light to snack on, I'll get some bite-sized carrots. Fiber aside, carrots also have Vitamin B6 and K, potassium, biotin, and beta-carotene (an antioxidant that your body converts to Vitamin A). Some awesome things about the health benefits of carrots are they do everything from lower your cholesterol levels and support your eye health to help to keep your skin glowing as they boost your immunity.
Try This: Sauteed Carrots Recipe
3. Mangoes are in season from May to September.
Stringiness aside, hands down, one of my favorite fruits is mangoes. And yes, I can definitely tell the difference between what one is like when I have it in season and when I attempt to eat one out of season (the latter? Please avoid it at all costs). It's kind of crazy how something so sweet can be filled with so many different nutrients yet mangoes are a really good source of fiber, protein, Vitamin C, copper, and folate. Mangoes also have vitamins A, B5, E, K, potassium, manganese, and magnesium in them.
Thanks to their antioxidants, this is another food that is great for your immune system. The Vitamin C in them will help you to produce collagen which gives your hair and skin more "bounce" and youthfulness. Since mangoes contain prebiotic fiber, they're good for your gut health and, if you happen to be diabetic, this fruit is one you can enjoy without any fear or guilt because its average glycemic index is somewhere around 51. 51 and lower is a glycemic food that diabetics are typically able to eat.
Try This: Thai Mango Salad Recipe
4. Scallions are in season from late March to August.
Scallions are a vegetable that comes from the allium (onions, garlic, shallot, leeks, chives) family. If you've never had them before, they basically taste like onions except much milder. Scallions contain protein, plant fiber, folate, and vitamins A, B, C, and E. If you're looking for the kind of food that will strengthen your heart, improve your bone health, lessen period discomfort and even hinder the growth of cancer cells, look no further than this veggie. And when are scallions in season? From late March to August but it is at its peak during the spring season.
Try This: Chinese Scallion Pancake Recipe
5. Pineapples are in season from March to July.
When it comes to Vitamin C's RDI (recommended dietary intake) in pineapples, it really is off the charts. You can get a whopping 131 percent with each serving. Pineapples also have 76 percent of the manganese that your system needs along with fiber, protein, and respectable amounts of Vitamin B, folate, potassium, and magnesium. The antioxidants in pineapples have a great reputation for reducing oxidative stress. Their digestive enzymes can make digesting food a lot easier on your body.
Believe it or not, pineapples can fight bodily inflammation (including arthritis thanks to the protein-digesting enzyme bromelain that's in it) and they're an immune-boosting fruit that totally has your back if you're looking for something delicious that can actually help you to lose weight.
Try This: Grill-Roasted Pineapple Recipe
6. Artichokes are in season from March to May.
I'm assuming that the way most of us are familiar with artichokes is spinach and artichoke dip. Well, every time you indulge in some, you're taking in a ton of fiber and protein, for starters. Artichokes are also a veggie that has vitamins C and K, folate, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron in them. If you're looking for food that will help to lower your cholesterol levels while also helping to regulate your blood pressure, artichokes can totally make that happen.
Something else that's great about this vegetable is the antioxidants cynarin and silymarin are beneficial in boosting the health of your liver (which is always a good thing). If you've got IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), artichokes can bring you some relief. They also contain cancer-fighting properties and the folate that's in them can reduce the inflammation that is associated with allergies.
Try This: Roasted Artichokes Recipe
7. Apricots are in season from May to July.
Did you know that the other name for apricots is Armenian plums? They're a fruit that is smaller than a peach and tastes a lot like a plum. Anyway, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium, calcium, beta carotene, fiber, and protein are what apricots are a pretty good source of. If you want a type of food that will protect your skin from damaging sun rays, will promote good gut health, has non-heme iron in it (iron that comes from plant-based foods), strengthens bones, and boosts your metabolism, bite into an apricot. You won't regret it.
Try This: Apricot Lemon Iced Tea Recipe
8. Peas are in season in April.
Peas and rice are bomb. And while a lot of us tend to get peas from a can, they do taste different when they are fresh, in season, and still in the pod (via your produce section). And when are peas in season? During the spring, and in April to be exact. What makes peas amazing is that they are a good source of zinc, protein, fiber, vitamins A, B, C, and E as well as antioxidants, iron, and phytonutrients (plant chemical compounds). They're great for your health because the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are good for your eyes, plus they help to regulate blood sugar levels. Not only that but the nutrient coumestrol can protect you from getting stomach cancer and, if you're looking to increase your man's sperm motility, peas are down for doing that too (if they're snow peas, that is).
Try This: Green Pea Dip Recipe
9. Strawberries are in season from April to June.
I'm gonna be honest. Something that irks the mess outta me is seeing strawberries in the produce section year-round. I don't care if the national strawberry season is supposedly every month but December or not, I'm rocking with the deep south farmers who say strawberries are in season from the spring through the summer (you can definitely taste the difference—big time!).
One reason why I think it's fitting that strawberries are at their best during the warmer months is that they contain 91 percent water, so they can definitely keep you well-hydrated. This is a fruit that also has fiber, antioxidants, manganese, folate, and potassium in them. Snack on some if you want to protect yourself from heart disease, regulate your blood sugar, boost your immunity, improve your vision, reduce inflammation, strengthen your immunity or keep the elastin in your skin longer.
Try This: Ricotta and Strawberry Toast Recipe
10. Dandelion greens are in season from March to June.
While virtually all dark leafy greens are good for you, various ones are at their best during different times of the year. Take dandelion greens, for example. Spring is when you can get the most potent combination of its vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, along with iron, calcium, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. The bioactive compounds in these kinds of greens will help to reduce bodily inflammation, its chicoric and chlorogenic acids will help to keep your blood sugar levels under control, plus dandelion greens contain other properties that help to reduce cholesterol levels, lower your blood pressure, keep your liver healthy, support healthy digestion, keep you regular and protect your skin from sun damage. So, if you want to try a different kind of greens than spinach, kale, or collards, consider dandelion. It will literally do your body good.
Try This: Pasta with Dandelion Greens, Garlic, and Pine Nuts Recipe
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
Ananda Lewis Clarifies Why She Didn't Get A Mastectomy & Says She's Doing 'Better' After Stage IV Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis received a lot of backlash from online critics after sharing she decided to forgo a double mastectomy. But there's more to the story.
Ananda was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2019, and during a recent round table discussion with CNN's Stephanie Elam and Sara Sidner, she revealed that she decided not to get a double mastectomy and, now, she has stage IV cancer.
Following that interview, she clarified why she did not get the surgery. “The circumstances were not conducive to surgery because my tumor wasn’t aggressively growing at the time, and then COVID hit,” Ananda told The Epoch Times.
She opted for a cryoablation treatment instead, which uses extreme cold to destroy the cancer cells.
Another thing the 51-year-old wanted to clarify was whether she was dying. She said she is not. “Nothing happened. Today, I am fantastic. I may have felt like I was dying in February, but I’m not dying, and I’m definitely doing better than I was last October,” she said.
She is focused on taking care of herself and getting a "good 20 more years out of this body." She follows a keto diet and avoids alcohol, white flour and white sugar.
During the CNN roundtable discussion, the mother of one shared that she had an integrative approach to her treatment, which included traditional medicine and homeopathy methods such as red light therapy.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” she said.
“I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,” she continued. “Looking back on that, I go, ‘You know what? Maybe I should have.’
Ananda also admitted that she wasn't prioritizing early detection, such as getting mammograms. The former talk show host's mom also had breast cancer and chose to go the conventional route, which influenced her to go a non-traditional route.
As a content creator, Ananda uses her social media to inform others on the things she's learned about obtaining good health such as toxic items to through out of your pantry and the many benefits of water.
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