Spring has officially arrived, and with the month of May, a lot of new fruit and vegetables will be gracing our tables. So, what’s in season in the UK in May? Read on to find out.
There are many reasons to eat seasonally – first, the taste. Imagine eating a Caprese salad in the summer with a scarlet red juicy tomato, or a turnip and potato soup in the winter; so warm and comforting. Nature knows how to provide the best products exactly when we need them. Seasonal fruits or vegetables will always have a better flavour than something shipped from the other side of the world or grown in a greenhouse.
Another good reason to eat seasonal produce is the cost. Fruits and vegetables in season tend to be a bit more affordable than the rest of the products, and, even more importantly, they are also better for the planet. Eating local produce following the seasons can save a lot of energy and have a lighter environmental impact. Not to mention, you will be helping your local farmers and your community as a whole.
The month of May brings quite a few show-stoppers, like asparagus to enjoy with goat cheese and some freshly squeezed lemon juice, new potatoes to grace our Sunday lunches during the Spring and watercress for that last evening soups to enjoy while wrapped up in a blanket before it gets too hot – just to name some of our favourite recipes! But our absolute favourite has to be strawberries. We can’t wait for chocolate-covered pieces of heaven, soft sponge cakes coated in fruit, homemade jams and cheeky drinks filled with our favourite seasonal products.
Below, we listed the fruits and vegetables that are in season in the UK in May and our favourite recipes to make this month.
Table of Contents
Fruits in season in the UK in May
- Rhubarb
- Strawberries
- Elderflowers
Vegetables in season in the UK in May
- Artichoke
- Asparagus
- Aubergine
- Beetroot
- Chicory
- Chillies
- Lettuce
- Marrow
- New Potatoes
- Peas
- Peppers
- Radishes
- Rocket
- Samphire
- Sorrel
- Spinach
- Spring Greens
- Spring Onions
- Watercress
Herbs in season in the UK in May
- basil
- chervil
- chives
- coriander
- lovage
- mint
- oregano
- parsley
- rosemary
- sage
- sorrel
- summer savoury
- tarragon
- thyme
Note that this list is not exhaustive and may vary depending on the specific region of the UK. Additionally, weather patterns can impact the exact timing and availability of these fruits and vegetables.
Fruit: our favourite recipes to make with what’s in season in the UK May
Vegetables: our favourite recipes to make with what’s in season in the UK May
- Cheesy spinach & artichoke dip
- Asparagus cream pasta
- Aubergine parmigiana
- Beetroot & red onion tarte tatin
- Pear, chicory & blue cheese salad
- Spicy meatballs with chilli black beans
- Sticky pork lettuce wraps
- Spanish stuffed marrow
- New potatoes and asparagus frittata
- Pea & ham soup
- Mediterranean turkey-stuffed peppers
- Crunchy radish & tomato salad
- Egg & rocket pizzas
- Sea trout with samphire, potted shrimp & lemon
- Pappardelle with sorrel butter & pine
- Creamed spinach
- Spring green fattoush
- Thai prawn, ginger & spring onion stir-fry
- Watercress risotto with goat’s cheese
These are our absolute favourite recipes to make during the month of May. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram if you make one or if you come up with one yourself – we are always searching for more inspiration!
Pictures: Taryn Elliott / Martin Cheung /Lisa Fotios
