We have officially made it into the thick of spring when the weather across the country for many begins to officially warm-up and layer on more culinary inspiration. With warmer weather comes fresher meals, straying from the hearty stews and soups of winter and leaning into bright dishes that lean into the freshest produce in season.
What’s in season now?
Seasonal produce may differ depending on where you’re located in the United States, your typical climate, and the growing conditions present in your region. We’re here to offer some inspiration to continue to embrace your seasonal eating journey. We’ve rounded up some produce that’s in season in May, along with some recipes and ideas to spark some inspiration for your culinary adventures this month.
Cherries
Throughout late spring and most of the summer, you’ll find cherries at their peak. Cherries, undoubtedly, are a versatile fruit, equally as delicious by themselves as a snack, added into your favorite smoothie for an added dose of vitamins and nutrients, or accompanying just about any dessert your heart (and stomach) desire. Of course, we know and love cherries for their antioxidant properties, but studies have shown that they may reduce blood pressure, enhance recovery after exercise, and improve sleep.
Are you looking for inspiration? This super skin smoothie recipe combines the nutritional power of cherries with other skin-healthy foods for a quick and easy beverage perfect for any spring day. For those with a sweet tooth, take this vegan cheesecake recipe and swap out the strawberry topping with cherries for spring take on this holiday dessert.
Onion
Oh, onions, our fragrant vegetable friends. These veggies are a staple in almost every kitchen and can be used in too many recipes to count, whether you’re serving them up raw or sautéed to perfection. Onions, which also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, may also help improve our heart, bone, and gut health.
Are you looking for inspiration? Diced up yellow onions are a welcome addition to any mirepoix as a quintessential recipe base or for the next occasion you need caramelized onions; white onions are the perfect addition to add raw to your next sandwich or chopped up into a fresh salsa; and red onions diced round out fresh guacamole, salad, or sliced to make some pickled onions. So take them for a spin in this huevos rancheros recipe or these soul-warming black-eyed peas.
Microgreens
Microgreens are incredibly versatile plants in that they can grow all year round, practically as long as they are indoors and in direct sunlight. From late spring to early autumn, the weather remains in prime growing conditions, allowing microgreens to thrive outside to provide nutrient-dense greens no matter the season or your housing situation. In addition, microgreens are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, similar to those in more mature greens.
Are you looking for inspiration? If you fancy an avocado toast, microgreens sprinkled on top can become another layer of nutrients. They can also be added to your usual salad mix, including this lentil summer salad, or a garnish to your delectable dinner, including this pan-seared ginger salmon.
Tomatoes
Get them while they’re fresh! Tomatoes are generally in season (again, depending on your locale) May through October. These veggies fall under the nightshade vegetables, serving as a source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. They are also a major source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
Are you looking for inspiration? Tomatoes are the base of every good homemade pasta sauce, whether it was passed down from generation to generation or is starting with you in your kitchen. Use this sauce on your homemade pizza, or serve it between layers of this veggie-filled forza lasagna. Slice them up to add to a fresh sandwich or your turkey burger, dice them as another addition to your salad, or roast them with some olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, balsamic vinegar, hot pepper flakes…wherever your flavor preferences lie!
