How to Eat in Season: May & Summer Produce Guide
There’s something special about seasonal eating. Not only does it taste better, but it’s better for your health, your wallet, and even the planet. When you eat what’s naturally growing in your region during the current season, you’re giving your body the freshest, most nutrient-dense foods available—and in May and throughout the summer, that means a whole rainbow of delicious fruits and vegetables!
As a registered dietitian, I love helping people reconnect with food in simple, meaningful ways—and seasonal eating is one of the best places to start.
🌿 Why Eat Seasonally?
Eating in season isn’t just trendy—it’s rooted in real benefits:
✅ Better taste & texture: Foods that are in season are picked at peak ripeness, which means more flavor and freshness.
✅ More nutrition: Produce that travels fewer miles and is grown naturally has a higher nutrient content.
✅ Lower cost: Seasonal produce is more abundant, which often makes it more affordable.
✅ Eco-friendly: Eating locally and seasonally reduces transportation emissions and supports sustainable agriculture.
🥬 What’s in Season in May?
May marks a transition from spring into early summer, and it's the perfect time to enjoy:
Leafy greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine
Asparagus – high in fiber, folate, and prebiotics
Radishes – crisp, peppery, and great for digestion
Peas – sweet, fiber-rich, and perfect in salads
Strawberries – rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
Rhubarb – tart and tangy, often paired with strawberries
Spring onions & scallions – mild and versatile for cooking
🍑 What’s in Season for Summer?
As we move into June, July, and August, summer produce comes in full swing. This is the season of juicy fruits, vibrant veggies, and fresh flavors:
Tomatoes – rich in lycopene and vitamin C
Zucchini & summer squash – light, versatile, and hydrating
Cucumbers – perfect for hydration and gut health
Bell peppers – loaded with antioxidants and crunch
Berries – blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and more
Melons – cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon = hydrating + refreshing
Corn – sweet, fiber-filled, and fun to grill
Peaches, nectarines & plums – juicy stone fruits full of fiber and vitamins
🍽️ Easy Ways to Eat More Seasonal Foods
Visit a local farmers’ market: The best place to find what’s in season near you—and often cheaper than the grocery store.
Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture): Get a box of seasonal produce delivered to your door or local pickup spot.
Plan meals around what's fresh: Start with the produce, then build your meals around that.
Keep it simple: Raw veggies with hummus, fruit salads, roasted seasonal veggies, or grilled summer fruits—easy and delicious!
🧡 Seasonal Eating = Nourished Living
Eating seasonally doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your whole diet. It’s about being more mindful of what nature is offering right now—and enjoying the variety and freshness it brings.
Whether you're tossing fresh strawberries into your yogurt, grilling zucchini on the BBQ, or whipping up a big summer salad full of color, ea
