May Harvest: Fresh Fruits & Veggies In Season Now!

Hey, produce enthusiasts! May is finally here, and that means a whole new wave of delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables are hitting their peak. Knowing what's in season in May not only guarantees you the best flavors and textures, but it's also a great way to support local farmers and get the most nutrients from your food. So, grab your shopping bags, and let's dive into the amazing seasonal bounty that May has to offer!

Asparagus: The Spring Spear

Asparagus season is in full swing in May, making it the perfect time to enjoy this vibrant green vegetable. Asparagus is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious and delicious addition to your meals. When choosing asparagus, look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips. Avoid stalks that are wilted or have started to open at the tips, as these may be less fresh.

There are countless ways to prepare asparagus, from roasting and grilling to steaming and stir-frying. Roasting asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper brings out its natural sweetness and creates a slightly crispy texture. Grilled asparagus gets a smoky char that pairs well with lemon juice or balsamic glaze. For a quick and easy side dish, steam asparagus until tender-crisp and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a dollop of hollandaise sauce. You can also add asparagus to salads, pasta dishes, and omelets for a boost of flavor and nutrients. If you're feeling adventurous, try making asparagus soup or blending it into a creamy dip. To store asparagus, trim the ends and stand the stalks upright in a glass of water in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh and crisp for several days. Whether you're a seasoned asparagus lover or new to this spring vegetable, May is the perfect time to explore its culinary possibilities. Experiment with different cooking methods and flavor combinations to discover your favorite way to enjoy asparagus at its peak.

Strawberries: Sweetness in Every Bite

Speaking about amazing seasonal bounty, strawberries in May? Yes, please! These ruby-red jewels are at their absolute best this month. Their flavor is intensely sweet, and their texture is perfectly juicy. Forget those bland, pale strawberries you find out of season – May strawberries are a completely different experience. These are perfect for snacking, desserts, and even savory dishes. Look for berries that are bright red, plump, and have fresh green caps. Avoid berries that are dull, bruised, or have mold.

One of the simplest ways to enjoy May strawberries is to eat them fresh out of hand. Their natural sweetness needs no embellishment, but if you're looking for something a little extra, try dipping them in melted chocolate, whipped cream, or balsamic glaze. Strawberries are also fantastic in desserts like shortcakes, pies, and tarts. Their vibrant color and juicy texture add a touch of elegance to any sweet treat. For a refreshing summer drink, blend strawberries into smoothies, milkshakes, or cocktails. You can also use them to make jams, jellies, and preserves to enjoy their flavor year-round. In savory dishes, strawberries can add a surprising twist to salads, salsas, and even grilled meats. Their sweetness balances out the richness of the other ingredients and creates a complex and flavorful dish. To store strawberries, gently rinse them under cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Store them in a single layer in the refrigerator, and consume them within a few days for the best flavor. With their irresistible sweetness and versatility, May strawberries are a must-have ingredient for any kitchen.

Spinach: Leafy Green Goodness

Okay, guys, don't forget your greens! Spinach is another star of May. This leafy green is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritional powerhouse. May spinach tends to be more tender and flavorful than spinach grown in other months. Look for vibrant green leaves that are crisp and fresh. Avoid spinach that is wilted, yellowed, or has signs of damage.

Spinach is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. It can be eaten raw in salads, cooked in stir-fries, steamed as a side dish, or blended into smoothies. Raw spinach adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor to salads, and it pairs well with a variety of dressings and toppings. Cooking spinach reduces its volume and intensifies its flavor. Stir-frying spinach with garlic and olive oil is a quick and easy way to enjoy it as a side dish. Steamed spinach retains more of its nutrients than other cooking methods, and it can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Blending spinach into smoothies is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients without affecting the flavor too much. Spinach can also be added to soups, stews, and casseroles for a boost of vitamins and minerals. To store spinach, rinse it thoroughly and pat it dry. Store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, and consume it within a few days for the best flavor. Whether you're a seasoned spinach lover or new to this leafy green, May is the perfect time to enjoy its fresh, vibrant flavor and numerous health benefits. Experiment with different recipes and cooking methods to discover your favorite way to incorporate spinach into your diet.

Radishes: Peppery and Crisp

Radishes are also in season in May, bringing a peppery and crisp bite to your salads and snacks. These root vegetables are often overlooked, but they offer a unique flavor and texture that can elevate any dish. When choosing radishes, look for firm, smooth roots with fresh green tops. Avoid radishes that are soft, cracked, or have wilted tops.

Radishes can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. Raw radishes add a crunchy and peppery kick to salads, slaws, and sandwiches. They can also be sliced and served with dips or spreads as a healthy snack. Cooking radishes mellows out their flavor and makes them slightly sweeter. They can be roasted, sautéed, or steamed as a side dish. Pickled radishes are a tangy and flavorful condiment that can be used to top tacos, salads, and sandwiches. To store radishes, remove the tops and store the roots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. The tops can also be stored separately in a plastic bag and used in salads or stir-fries. Radishes are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can add a unique flavor and texture to your meals. Whether you enjoy them raw, cooked, or pickled, May is the perfect time to enjoy their fresh, vibrant flavor.

Lettuce: Crisp and Refreshing

For a refreshing crunch, Lettuce is abundant in May, offering a variety of textures and flavors for your salads and sandwiches. From crisp romaine to buttery butter lettuce, there's a lettuce variety for every palate. When choosing lettuce, look for heads that are firm and have vibrant green leaves. Avoid lettuce that is wilted, yellowed, or has brown spots.

Lettuce is most commonly used in salads, where it provides a crisp and refreshing base for other ingredients. It can also be used in sandwiches, wraps, and tacos to add texture and flavor. Different types of lettuce offer different flavors and textures. Romaine lettuce is crisp and sturdy, making it ideal for Caesar salads and wraps. Butter lettuce is soft and buttery, making it a great choice for delicate salads and sandwiches. Iceberg lettuce is crisp and mild, making it a versatile option for a variety of dishes. To store lettuce, rinse it thoroughly and pat it dry. Store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, and consume it within a few days for the best flavor. Lettuce is a simple and versatile vegetable that can add a healthy and refreshing touch to your meals. Whether you prefer it in salads, sandwiches, or wraps, May is the perfect time to enjoy its fresh, crisp flavor.

Other May Goodies

Besides the superstars mentioned above, keep an eye out for:

• Rhubarb: Tart and tangy, perfect for pies and crumbles.
• New Potatoes: Small, tender, and sweet.
• Peas: Sweet and delicious, either shelled or in pods.
• Morels: If you're lucky enough to find them, these mushrooms are a delicacy.

Why Eat Seasonally?

Eating seasonally in May is not just about taste; it's about making smart choices for your health, your wallet, and the environment. Seasonal produce is typically fresher, more flavorful, and more nutritious than produce that has been shipped from far away. It also tends to be more affordable, as it doesn't have to travel as far to get to your local grocery store. Supporting local farmers by buying seasonal produce helps to sustain your community and reduce your carbon footprint. So, make the most of May's bounty by choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

Wrapping Up May's Harvest

So, there you have it! May is bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables that are ready to be enjoyed. By embracing seasonal eating, you're treating yourself to the best flavors, supporting local farmers, and making a positive impact on the environment. Get out there, explore your local farmers' markets, and fill your plate with the deliciousness that May has to offer! Happy cooking, everyone!