May Seasonal Produce Guide
If you’re wondering what’s in season in May, this May Seasonal Produce Guide has a complete list of seasonal fruits and vegetables that are readily available this month. You’ll also find plenty of recipes to utilize this vibrant collection of spring produce!

May brings an abundance of fresh, vibrant produce that’s perfect for the fresh salads and lighter spring-inspired meals that I’m craving.
Whether you’re hitting up your local farmers market or just want to know what’s in season in May, this produce guide is here to help.
This May Seasonal Produce Guide will provide you with a list of fruits and vegetables at their peak, like juicy strawberries, crisp snap peas, tender greens and asparagus.
Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to find fresh apricots, cherries and even rhubarb in your area this month too. If so, I’ve included a variety of delicious recipes below to help you make the most of these fresh ingredients.
Why eat in-season produce? Eating seasonally has many benefits as produce will have better flavor and more nutritional value as its fresher and it doesn’t require long storage or transport.
It’s also more affordable as the produce is typically grown and produced locally, which also means it’s more sustainable and you’re supporting local farmers.
The bottom line is that out of season produce is typically imported, which means you’re paying shipping costs, and it’s not as fresh tasting and has lost some of its nutritional value during storage.
Let’s dive into all the goodness that this month has to offer!
See last month’s April Seasonal Produce Guide for a list of produce that might still be available in your area.
What’s in season in May
Below is a list of the fruits and vegetables that are in season during the month of May. This list may vary depending on where you are located.
May seasonal fruits and vegetables
Legumes
- Fava beans. Also known as broad beans, fava beans are a spring delicacy that’s worth a little effort. The beans require double shelling, first from the large green pods, then from their skins. The beans are bright green with a creamy, buttery texture that’s so special. See my post how to cook fava beans for step by step instructions. I also have a collection of fava bean recipes that’s worth checking out!
- Green beans. Also called string beans, green beans are eaten whole, pod and all. They have a crisp, tender texture, mild earthy flavor and subtle sweetness. They’re wonderful cooked in salads and soups, or sautéed for side dishes or in stir fries.
- Peas. Snap peas, snow peas and English peas are all in season this month. They’re great in stir fries, salads, risotto and more!
Root vegetables
- Beets. Known for their deep, vibrant colors such as red and purple to gold and even striped. They have an earthy, sweet flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. Don’t toss the beet greens as they are edible and packed with nutrition.
- Carrots. There’s nothing carrots can’t do. They’re sweet and crisp, great for dipping, eaten raw in salads, an fabulous in soups and stews. They can also be grated and added to cakes and muffins for moisture and flavor.
- New potatoes. Freshly harvested young potatoes that haven’t matured, with a thin, delicate skin and creamy texture. They’re lower in starch and higher in moisture, and are perfect roasted, or boiled for potato salads and more.
- Radishes. Crisp and peppery in flavor, and perfect raw in salads or roasted. See my produce guide and collection of radish recipes for more information on varieties and ways to use them.
Greens and alliums
- Garlic. A pungent, aromatic bulb known for its bold flavor. It adds depth of flavor to savory dishes, whether raw, roasted, or sautéed. It has slightly spicy, sharp taste when it’s raw, but the flavor mellows and becomes sweet when it’s cooked.
- Green onions. Fresh and crisp with a mild onion flavor. They are great raw in salads and slaws or cooked in stir fries. The green scallions also make a great garnish for baked potatoes and chili.
- Greens. Arugula, kale, spinach and Swiss chard are all packed with nutrition and great sautéed, used in soups and salads.
- Leeks. Mild, oniony flavor makes any dish special. Add them anywhere you would use onion such as soups, pasta or even roast them for a tasty side dish. See my produce guide and collection of leek recipes for more information on varieties and ways to use it.
- Shallots. Similar to onions and garlic, but with a milder, sweeter flavor and a hint of garlic flavor. They have a delicate flavor that works beautifully in raw applications such as dressings and salads, and they also add great depth to sauces, sautés, and roasted dishes.
Other vegetables
- Artichokes. One of spring’s finest vegetables. They take a bit of prep, but they are fantastic steamed and served with aioli, added to pasta salads, or even roasted.
- Asparagus. While green is the most common, asparagus also comes in white and purple varieties. It’s great shaved raw and added to salads, or roasted, grilled or sautéed.
- Mushrooms. Extremely versatile and great for sautéeing, stuffing, adding to risotto, pasta dishes and serving raw in salads.
- Rhubarb. This is a vegetable that’s used like a fruit in baking, jams and more. The stalks are long and bright red, with a fibrous texture and tart flavor when it’s raw. Cooking it mellows it’s tart flavor. See my collection of rhubarb recipes to find out more about it!
Fruits and Citrus
- Apricots. This stone fruit variety is small, orange and fuzzy, with a tart sweet flavor that has floral notes. It’s perfect for eating as-is, using it in jam or baking projects.
- Cherries. If you’re lucky enough, cherries will be in season in your area this month. These juicy stone fruits come in popular varieties like Bing (deep red) and Rainier (yellow with blush tone). They’re great in salads, smoothies, jams and of course pies!
- Citrus. Grapefruit, lemons and limes are fresh and vibrant. Squeeze them and use their juices in savory dishes, salad dressings, cocktails, desserts and more.
- Pineapple. Tropical fruit with sweet, tangy and refreshing flavor. It’s great grilled, added to fruit salad and smoothies, and also work in cocktails and in savory recipes.
- Strawberries. Warmer areas will definitely see strawberries this month. They’re sweet, juicy and perfect in salads, smoothies, baked goods or as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal and more.