What’s In Season In May
What's In Season In May? Celebrate spring's flavors with sweet strawberries, tender asparagus, and fresh herbs!
Published: May 4, 2024 · Modified: January 28, 2025 by Jennifer Ryan

Table of Contents
- Exploring the Season's Bounty: What's in Season in May
- Broad Beans
- French Beans
- Asparagus
- Aubergine
- Pak Choi
- New Potatoes
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Rhubarb
- Strawberries
- Avocado
- Greens
- Mushrooms
- Peas
- Artichokes
- Cherries
- Lettuce
- Radish
- Spinach
- Chives
- Blueberries
- Cucumber
- Peppers
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Beetroot
- Celery
As a culinary enthusiast with a passion for seasonal cooking, I’m thrilled to delve into the delightful array of fresh produce that May brings to our tables. In this article, I’ll guide you through the vibrant selection of fruits and vegetables that are at their peak during this bountiful month, offering tips and recipe ideas to make the most of these seasonal treasures.
Exploring the Season's Bounty: What's in Season in May
Broad Beans
May heralds the arrival of tender broad beans, also known as fava beans, with their vibrant green pods and nutty flavor. These versatile legumes are delicious when lightly steamed and tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs, or pureed into a creamy dip for serving with crusty bread.
French Beans
Another delightful addition to May’s bounty is French beans, also known as green beans or snap beans. These slender, crisp beans are perfect for adding a pop of color and texture to salads, stir-fries, and pasta dishes. Try blanching them briefly and serving them with a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish.
Asparagus
May marks the peak of asparagus season, with its tender spears and delicate flavor. Whether roasted until caramelized, grilled to perfection, or simply steamed and served with a squeeze of lemon, asparagus is a versatile vegetable that pairs beautifully with a wide range of flavors and ingredients.
Aubergine
Also known as eggplant, aubergine is a versatile vegetable that shines in May with its glossy purple skin and creamy texture. Try grilling thick slices and serving them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or roasting cubes until caramelized and tossing them with pasta and fresh tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Pak Choi
Pak choi, also known as bok choy, is a member of the cabbage family with tender, crunchy stalks and dark green leaves. This Asian vegetable is perfect for stir-fries, soups, and salads, adding a subtle sweetness and crisp texture to any dish.
New Potatoes
May brings the arrival of new potatoes, with their thin skins and creamy flesh. These young potatoes are perfect for boiling, roasting, or smashing and serving with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chives. Enjoy them as a side dish or incorporate them into salads and stews for added texture and flavor.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another star of May’s produce offerings, with its vibrant green florets and earthy flavor. Whether steamed until tender-crisp and served with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, roasted until caramelized and crispy, or tossed into stir-fries and pasta dishes, broccoli is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that’s perfect for springtime cooking.
Carrots
May brings an abundance of sweet, crunchy carrots, perfect for snacking on raw or incorporating into a wide range of dishes. Try roasting them until caramelized and tossing them with honey and thyme for a delightful side dish, or grating them into salads and slaws for added sweetness and texture.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is another versatile vegetable that shines in May, with its snowy white florets and mild, nutty flavor. Whether roasted until golden and crispy, mashed as a low-carb alternative to potatoes, or pureed into a creamy soup, cauliflower is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
Rhubarb
May marks the peak of rhubarb season, with its tart, ruby-red stalks and tangy flavor. This versatile fruit (yes, it’s technically a vegetable!) is perfect for making pies, crumbles, jams, and sauces, adding a delightful tartness and vibrant color to any dessert.
Strawberries
Last but certainly not least, May brings the arrival of sweet, juicy strawberries, bursting with flavor and perfect for enjoying on their own or incorporating into a wide range of desserts. Whether served with cream, folded into pancakes, or blended into smoothies and sorbets, strawberries are a delicious and refreshing treat that’s synonymous with springtime.
Avocado
Creamy and rich, avocados are a beloved fruit that adds a luxurious touch to dishes in May. Whether mashed into guacamole, sliced onto toast, or blended into smoothies, avocados are packed with healthy fats and nutrients, making them a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
Greens
May brings an abundance of leafy greens, including kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard. These nutrient-rich vegetables are perfect for salads, stir-fries, and sautés, adding a burst of color, flavor, and texture to your dishes. Try wilting them into soups and stews or blending them into green smoothies for a nutritious boost.
Mushrooms
Earthy and flavorful, mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that shines in May. Whether sautéed until golden and caramelized, roasted until crispy, or stuffed and baked, mushrooms add depth and richness to a wide range of dishes. Try them in soups, risottos, pasta dishes, or simply grilled and served as a savory side dish.
Peas
Sweet and tender, peas are a delightful addition to May’s produce offerings. Whether enjoyed raw as a crunchy snack, tossed into salads, or incorporated into soups, stews, and pasta dishes, peas add a pop of color and sweetness to any meal. Try them lightly steamed and served with mint for a refreshing side dish.
Artichokes
With their tender hearts and delicate flavor, artichokes are a springtime delicacy that’s perfect for May. Whether steamed and served with a tangy dipping sauce, roasted until caramelized and crispy, or stuffed and baked, artichokes are a versatile vegetable that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to scrape the tender flesh from the leaves with your teeth for a true taste of spring.
Cherries
Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, cherries are a delightful fruit that’s at its peak in May. Whether enjoyed fresh as a snack, baked into pies and cobblers, or simmered into jams and sauces, cherries add a delightful sweetness and vibrant color to any dish. Try them paired with chocolate for a decadent dessert or folded into yogurt for a refreshing treat.
Lettuce
Crisp and refreshing, lettuce is a staple ingredient in May’s salads and sandwiches. Whether enjoyed as crunchy romaine, tender butterhead, or peppery arugula, lettuce adds a burst of freshness and color to any dish. Try it tossed with seasonal vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette for a light and healthy meal.
Radish
May brings an abundance of crisp, peppery radishes, perfect for adding a pop of flavor and color to salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. Whether enjoyed raw as a crunchy snack, sliced thinly and sprinkled with salt for a simple side dish, or pickled for a tangy condiment, radishes are a versatile vegetable that’s sure to liven up your springtime meals.

Spinach
Tender and nutrient-rich, spinach is a versatile leafy green that’s perfect for May’s salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes. Whether wilted into soups and sauces, sautéed with garlic and olive oil, or blended into creamy dips and sauces, spinach adds a burst of color and flavor to any dish. Try it paired with eggs for a nutritious breakfast or folded into pasta for a hearty dinner.
Chives
With their delicate onion flavor and vibrant green color, chives are a versatile herb that’s perfect for May’s dishes. Whether snipped over salads, soups, and omelets, or blended into creamy dips and sauces, chives add a subtle kick of flavor and a pop of freshness to any dish. Try them sprinkled over baked potatoes or folded into mashed potatoes for a savory twist.
Blueberries
Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, blueberries are a beloved fruit that’s perfect for May’s desserts, breakfasts, and snacks. Whether enjoyed fresh as a snack, baked into pies and muffins, or blended into smoothies and yogurt bowls, blueberries add a delightful sweetness and vibrant color to any dish. Try them paired with lemon for a refreshing dessert or folded into pancakes for a delicious breakfast treat.
Cucumber
Cool and refreshing, cucumbers are a staple ingredient in May’s salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. Whether sliced thinly and tossed with vinegar and herbs for a simple side dish, or blended into gazpacho for a refreshing soup, cucumbers add a crisp texture and subtle flavor to any dish. Try them paired with feta cheese and olives for a classic Greek salad or sliced into ribbons and used as a crunchy wrap for sushi rolls.
Peppers
With their vibrant colors and sweet flavor, peppers are a versatile ingredient that’s perfect for May’s dishes. Whether roasted until caramelized and tender, stuffed and baked with savory fillings, or sliced thinly and tossed into salads and stir-fries, peppers add a burst of color and flavor to any dish. Try them paired with onions and tomatoes for a classic ratatouille or grilled and served as a savory side dish.
Mango
Sweet, juicy, and tropical, mangoes are a delicious fruit that’s perfect for May’s desserts, smoothies, and salads. Whether enjoyed fresh as a snack, blended into mango lassi for a refreshing drink, or diced and added to salsa for a sweet and spicy condiment, mangoes add a delightful sweetness and vibrant color to any dish. Try them paired with coconut for a tropical dessert or folded into quinoa salad for a refreshing side dish.
Pineapple
Sweet, tangy, and tropical, pineapple is a versatile fruit that’s perfect for May’s desserts, drinks, and savory dishes. Whether enjoyed fresh as a snack, grilled until caramelized and served with ice cream, or blended into smoothies and cocktails, pineapple adds a burst of flavor and sunshine to any dish. Try it paired with shrimp for a sweet and savory skewer or tossed into stir-fries for a tropical twist.
Beetroot
Sweet, earthy, and vibrant, beetroot is a versatile root vegetable that’s perfect for May’s salads, soups, and side dishes. Whether roasted until caramelized and tender, grated and tossed with citrus and herbs for a refreshing salad, or blended into soups and dips for a creamy texture and vibrant color, beetroot adds a delightful sweetness and earthy flavor to any dish. Try it paired with goat cheese and walnuts for a classic salad or folded into risotto for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Celery
Crisp, crunchy, and refreshing, celery is a versatile vegetable that’s perfect for May’s salads, soups, and snacks. Whether sliced thinly and tossed into salads and slaws, blended into soups and sauces for added flavor and texture, or served with hummus and other dips for a satisfying snack, celery adds a burst of freshness and crunch to any dish. Try it paired with peanut butter for a classic snack or folded into chicken salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Incorporating these seasonal ingredients into your meals not only ensures that you’re enjoying the freshest and most flavorful produce available but also supports local farmers and promotes sustainable eating habits. So why not head to your local market or grocery store and pick up some fresh veggies? For more food inspiration check out our food holidays list for May, or join us on social media where we share more than recipes.