Spring is in full swing in the New Jersey and New York area, and local farms are finally waking up with vibrant, flavorful produce. Whether you're shopping at a farmer’s market, joining a CSA, or looking to eat more seasonally at home, May is a fantastic time to start incorporating fresh fruits and veggies into your meals. Here’s what’s in season right now in our region:
🌱 Fresh Vegetables
1. Asparagus
One of the first vegetables to pop up in spring, asparagus is tender, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile. Roast it, grill it, or toss it in a salad.
2. Spinach
Leafy and nutrient-dense, spinach thrives in cooler spring temperatures. Use it fresh in salads or sautéed with garlic for a quick side.
3. Arugula
This peppery green is perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a pizza topping. It grows well in spring and fall.
4. Lettuce
Crisp, refreshing lettuce varieties- like romaine, butterhead, and red leaf- are plentiful in May. Mix and match for a colorful salad.
5. Radishes
These bright, crunchy root vegetables add a spicy kick to dishes. Try them raw, pickled, or roasted.
6. Kale
Yes, it’s still kale season! The tender spring harvests are milder and less bitter than the heartier winter versions.
7. Spring Onions & Scallions
Sweeter and milder than mature onions, these are excellent for salads, stir-fries, and garnishing just about anything.
8. Rhubarb
Though technically a vegetable, rhubarb is most often used like a fruit. Tart and tangy, it pairs beautifully with strawberries in pies, jams, and crisps.
🍓 Early Fruits
1. Strawberries (Late May)
The star of late spring! Local strawberries begin ripening toward the end of May. Juicy, fragrant, and sweet- get them while they’re fresh and in abundance.
🧺 Tips for Shopping Seasonal Produce
Visit Farmers Markets Early: Produce can sell out quickly, especially strawberries and asparagus.
Join a Local CSA: Community-supported agriculture shares give you weekly boxes of freshly harvested produce.
Ask What’s Local: Even at grocery stores, some items may be sourced from nearby farms.
🥗 Easy Recipe Idea: Spring Veggie Bowl
A quick seasonal dish you can throw together in minutes:
Sauté asparagus and spring onions in olive oil.
Toss with baby spinach and cooked quinoa.
Add sliced radishes and a handful of arugula.
Top with a soft-boiled egg and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette.