Here's What's in Season in May with a seasonal produce list you can use as a quick reference guide when you visit your favorite Farmers Market! It's officially May and warmer weather is in full swing here in Austin, Texas. If you don't have a favorite market, here is a guide to Farmers' Markets in Austin.
While some produce is available year-round, many delicious fruits and vegetables are at peak season in early spring to late spring.
As a dietitian, I love visiting the farmers market and seeing what's been harvested that week. Shopping in-season produce is a great way to support local farmers, the environment, and your health! Plus, it gives you a chance to try new and different nourishing recipes using seasonal ingredients which vary depending on the time of year.
Jump to:
- Health Benefits of Seasonal Eating
- Environmental Benefits of Eating Seasonally
- Benefits of Seasonal Eating on the Local Economy
- What's in Season in May in Texas
- Seasonal Recipe Ideas using What's in Season in May
- More Dietitian Recipes
- Interested in Nutrition Education?
- Want more Seasonal Guides?
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Health Benefits of Seasonal Eating
Eating the fruits and vegetables that are in season where you live often means eating them right after they are harvested or picked. This allows them to ripen naturally on the plant until they are ready to eat which ensures peak flavor and nutrition. Freshly harvested fruits and vegetables are higher in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than those that have been transported or sitting on a grocery store shelf for a long time.
Seasonal eating ensures you will get a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Each month brings new options that contain different vitamins and minerals and gives you a nutritional variety throughout the year.
Environmental Benefits of Eating Seasonally
By eating seasonal fruit and veggies, you can decrease your carbon footprint. This is because the transportation process to get produce around the globe uses all different kind of vehicles from shipping trucks to boats. There is a large amount of gas and carbon emissions in the process of the transportation of food.
Benefits of Seasonal Eating on the Local Economy
Purchasing produce at peak season from your local farmers market is a great way to support local farmers and food producers in your area. It also supports the local economy where you live! The money spent there is invested in other small businesses in the community.
Your best bet for seasonal eating is to shop at local farmers' markets. It will vary depending on the weather and environment where you live.
So without further ado, here is a list of Spring produce that it's season in Texas for the month of May
What's in Season in May in Texas
- Fresh Apricots
- Artichokes
- Arugula
- Fresh Asparagus
- Basil
- Beets
- Blackberries and Blueberries will start to come in season at the end of May
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Cantaloupe
- Carrot
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cilantro
- Cucumbers
- Dill
- Endive
- Fennel
- Figs
- Fresh Greens (leafy greens including Spinach, Kale, Lettuce)
- Honeydew
- Grapefruit
- Green Onions
- Green Beans
- Kiwi
- Leeks
- Mango
- Mint
- Nectarines
- Oregano
- Onion
- Papaya
- Parsley
- Parsnips
- Peaches
- Plums
- Potatoes/Sweet Potatoes
- Radish
- Rhubarb
- Sweet Corn
- Squash
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Turnips
- Zucchini
Seasonal Recipe Ideas using What's in Season in May
Let's take a deeper dive into some recipe inspiration using different varieties of fruits and veggies on this seasonal produce guide!
Strawberry Overnight Oats
Last year, I went went strawberry picking with my sister, nieces, and nephew at a local farm. Once we were done, I had more juicy strawberries than I knew what to do with! So I decided to make one of my favorite overnight oats recipes - Strawberry Overnight Oats. If you have some sweet strawberries laying around or see them at your farmer's markets or the grocery store, you have to give these creamy overnight oats a try!
Recipe for Strawberry Overnight Oats
Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe
This Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta is a great side dish to serve with Greek or Mediterranean recipes! It's one of those easy salad recipes you'll come back to again and again because it's full of fresh ingredients and has the best flavor.
Recipe for Greek Salad with Tomato, Cucumber, and Feta
Roasted Carrots & Cauliflower
Both carrots and cauliflower are in season so what better time to roast them up together for a nourishing side dish? This recipe is my favorite way to season them! In the last few minutes of cooking, brighten them up with a squeeze of fresh lemon and parsley. Roast a batch and serve in a Nourish Bowl or with your favorite protein and whole grain.
Recipe for Roasted Carrots and Cauliflower with Fresh Parsley and Lemon
Beet and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese
This beet and arugula salad is one of my favorites when beets are in season! A colorful and vibrant combination of flavor with earthy beets, peppery arugula, and creamy goat cheese topped with a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
Recipe for Arugula and Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Green Smoothie with Cucumber, Apple, and Ginger
An Apple Cucumber Smoothie with Mint is a refreshing way to start your summer days! Add spinach or kale for even more seasonal ingredients.
In Conclusion
Using seasonal produce is a great way to nourish your body, protect the planet, and support local farmers and businesses in your community. Whether you shop at local farmers' markets, a grocery store, or online market, look for some of these fruits and vegetables that are in season in May and get in the kitchen to try out a new recipe! 😊
And remember, if you live in a place without access to seasonal produce, getting the nourishment you need comes first. Eating frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are a great way to add nutrition to your daily intake, too.
References: Texas Real Food, Texas Farmers Market, Farm to Table TX, University of Maryland Medical System, Seasonal Food Guide, WebMD
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