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What’s In Season? May Produce Guide

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By Cookie and Kate

My May produce guide is finally here! Citrus is on its way out, as are cool-weather crops like cabbage and beets. Berries will start showing up in southern states soon. Growing seasons vary around the country so your best bet is to visit a farmers’ market and see what your local growers have to offer.

Thanks again to Becky for letting me base this resource on her “Eat Seasonal” monthly seasonal produce lists. You can download her free screensaver for May produce over here. For more seasonal inspiration, follow my boards on Pinterest!

Asparagus

asparagus

Asparagus is really only worth eating in the springtime. It’s lovely with lemon and mint. Shaved asparagus is great in salads and roasted asparagus makes a perfect springtime side dish. Asparagus elsewhere:

 

Avocado

avocado

Good gracious, how I love avocado. Avocado on toast is almost impossible to beat, but it’s also a fantastic addition Mexican meals and fresh green recipes of any kind, really. The avocados you’ll find in stores now are probably from Mexico, where avocados are in season year-round, but California avocados are starting to come around, too. Avocado elsewhere:

 

Beets

Beet chips by Minimalist Baker

I’m slowly changing my tune about beets. I like them raw in salads (like this one and this colorful quinoa salad!) and even in my juice. I’m still learning to appreciate roasted beets, though. Beets are tremendously earthy and can be eaten fresh, cooked or roasted. Some, like the golden variety, are pretty sweet. Beets elsewhere:

 

Broccoli

broccoli

As it turns out, broccoli is totally irresistible once roasted with olive oil and sea salt. Like all brassicas, broccoli goes great with garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes and other bold flavors. Select small, tightly packed florets with minimal brown spots. Broccoli elsewhere:

 

cauliflower

cauliflower

Cauliflower: Trendy since 2012, good for you since forever! Roasting cauliflower with olive oil and sea salt transforms the cruciferous vegetable from bland to French fry irresistible. You can also pulse raw cauliflower in the food processor to give it a rice- or couscous-like texture. I was skeptical about cauliflower crust pizza, but it can actually be pretty good! Cauliflower elsewhere:

 

Greens

greens

Thank goodness for spring greens. You might be able to find local arugula, spinach, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard and/or watercress now, depending on where you live. I love them every which way: in salads, as pesto, tossed in pasta and sautéed with garlic. Greens elsewhere:

Herbs

kale

Fresh herbs often make the dish. Although they’re available year round at stores, now might be a good time to plant your herb garden. Herbs that are coming into season now include chervil, chives, dill, scallions, sorrel and thyme. Herbs elsewhere:

Kale

kale

We all love kale, and for good reason! It’s tremendously good for you and totally delicious, given the right preparation. Chop kale for stir-fries or a side of greens (sauté in olive oil and garlic), or massage it with a dash of salt for salads (see any of my kale salads for further instruction), or lightly coat roughly chopped kale with olive oil and roast it for kale chips. You can also blend kale into smoothies or juice it. Kale elsewhere:

Leeks

leeks

I’ve cooked with leeks before, but they haven’t made it to the blog yet. Leeks are related to onions and garlic and have a mild, oniony flavor. They grow in bundled “leaf sheaths” that look similar to celery stalks. You probably won’t want to cook with the dark green parts, which are pretty tough. They’re pretty difficult to clean because dirt gets in between the sheaths. Here’s how to clean them. Leeks elsewhere:

 

Mango

mango

Mangos are like tropical peaches and they are awesome. They can seem a little tricky to work with at first, but you just slice off one-third of each side, longways, from the top down, then dice the mango like you would an avocado. Mango elsewhere:

Mushrooms

mushrooms

Mushrooms are weird. They’re fungi! Edible, earthy mushrooms can be eaten raw, cooked, and so forth. They pair well with garlic, shallots, olive oil, pepper, dry red wine and herbs like flat-leaf parsley, chives, rosemary, tarragon and thyme Mushrooms elsewhere:

Peas

peas

I’m so glad I gave peas a chance. Peas get sweeter with a little heat, but they don’t need much more than that. They go great with a little butter and salt, maybe with some garlic or mint, too. You might be able to find sugar snap peas around now, too. Peas elsewhere:

Radishes

radishes

How I love radishes! Raw, chopped radishes lend a spicy crunch to salads and makes a great garnish for fresh Mexican meals. I often prefer radishes to raw red onion, which can easily overwhelm other raw ingredients. Whole, raw, spicy radishes served with butter and flaky salt are an incredibly simple and delicious appetizer. I also love pickled radishes, but the verdict is still out on roasted radishes. Radishes elsewhere:

Rhubarb

rhubarb

Hooray! Rhubarb season is here! Rhubarb is an oddball vegetable related to buckwheat. Rhubarb tastes more sour than sweet and pairs marvelously with strawberry. Rhubarb leaves can be high in oxalic acid, so don’t eat them (and keep them away from your dog, too!). Rhubarb elsewhere:

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Easy, restaurant-worthy meals for busy days

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(Feature Impact) When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. If you’re juggling work, chores, errands, hobbies, studies, a social life, caretaking or the other million-and-one things keeping your schedule full right now, the idea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked meal might sound exhausting or downright impossible.

In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don’t skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups – like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait – you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won’t even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.

If you’re craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household’s tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.

To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.

For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.

Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet

Prep time: 1 minute

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1-2

  • 1          Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup
  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 8          ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1          tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4       teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1          tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
  1. Heat rice according to package directions.
  2. In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return shrimp and stir to combine.
  4. Garnish with parsley. Squeeze lemon wedge over top, if desired, and serve.

Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu to make vegetarian.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 18 minutes

Servings: 2

  • 1          Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
  • 1/2       pound ground turkey or pork
  • 1          cup coleslaw mix
  • 1          garlic clove, minced
  • 2          tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1          teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
  • 1/2       teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2       cup fried wonton strips
  • 2          tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
  1. Heat rice according to package directions.
  2. In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
  4. Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.

Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice.

   

SOURCE:

Minute Rice

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EDIBLES

Convenient, crave-worthy school day recipes for kids

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(Feature Impact) During the rush of back-to-school season, parents need quick, efficient options to encourage healthy foods for their families without fielding moans and groans. That means choosing simple recipes that feature nourishing fruits, vegetables, proteins and healthy fats while still boasting kid-approved textures and flavors.

Keeping high-quality fresh produce in your kitchen, like Dandy Celery from Duda Farm Fresh Foods, means you’ll be ready to whip up nutritious yet convenient lunches, after-school snacks and dinners at a moment’s notice.

This Ants on a Log Salad recipe is a deconstructed mix-and-eat twist on a classic childhood favorite, while the Quick-Pickled Celery and Egg Salad elevates traditional egg salad into a fresh, tangy filling for sandwiches and wraps. Both recipes are creamy, crunchy and craveable with a well-balanced mix of nutrients to satisfy the appetites of busy families.

“Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Nichole Towell, senior director of marketing and new product development at Duda Farm Fresh Foods. “During the busy back-to-school season, simple choices like keeping fresh celery on hand can make it easier to build wholesome snacks and meals throughout the week. Its crisp texture, refreshing taste and versatility make it a favorite for families looking for easy ways to add more vegetables to their day.”

Find more easy school-day recipe ideas at DudaFresh.com.

Ants on a Log Salad

Total time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1

  • 1          apple, chopped
  • 2          stalks Dandy Celery, chopped
  • 3/4       cup non-dairy yogurt
  • 2          tablespoons raisins
  • 1          tablespoon peanut butter
  1. Chop apple and celery into small, evenly shaped, bite-sized pieces. Add apple and celery pieces, yogurt, raisins and peanut butter to jar and shake well to combine or mix together in bowl. Serve.

Quick-Pickled Celery and Egg Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 3

Quick-Pickled Celery:

  • 1/3       cup hot water
  • 2/3       cup white vinegar
  • 1          tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1          teaspoon salt
  • 1/2       teaspoon whole peppercorns
  • 1 1/2    cups sliced Dandy Celery, cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 3 celery ribs)
  • 1          sprig fresh dill

Egg Salad:

  • 6          large eggs
  •             cold water
  • 1/3       cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3       cup chopped pickled celery
  • 1          green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1          teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1          teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1          tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1/4       teaspoon celery salt seasoning
  1. To make pickled celery: Use microwave or kettle to bring water to boil. Pour into large mason jar; add white vinegar, sugar, salt and peppercorns. Stir well to dissolve salt and sugar.
  2. Add celery and dill. Cover with lid and chill 1 hour to overnight.
  3. To make egg salad: Add eggs to medium saucepan and fill with cold water until eggs are covered. Over medium-high heat on stovetop, bring to boil. Turn off heat and cover with lid. Let sit 10 minutes. Drain and add eggs to bowl full of ice-cold water. Chill at least 10 minutes before peeling.
  4. Chop hardboiled eggs and add to mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise, pickled celery, green onion, mustard, hot sauce, tarragon and celery salt then stir to combine. Serve in sandwich or wrap, or with crackers.
    

SOURCE:

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

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EDIBLES

Celebrate summer with homemade peach ice cream

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(Feature Impact) Nothing screams summer more than ice cream – although sweet, juicy peaches are a close runner-up in the competition. For the ultimate seasonal celebration, combine the two fan favorites with this homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe.

Using ripe, succulent peaches will make this ice cream burst with natural sweetness, while the vanilla and brown sugar add extra richness and a hint of caramelized flavor. A little brightness and zing from the fresh lemon juice finishes off your bowl of refreshing summer goodness.

The recipe requires an ice cream maker, and you’ll need to freeze the bowl for 24 hours before you churn, so be sure to plan ahead. Once finished churning, you can serve it immediately or pop it in the freezer to enjoy during the next heat wave.

Find more summer dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Peach Ice Cream

Recipe adapted from Stephie Cooks
Prep time: 25 minutes
Churning and freezing time: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Servings: 12 (makes 1 1/2 quarts)

  • 4          cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (5-6 peaches)
  • 1/2       cup granulated sugar
  • 1          cup brown sugar
  • 3          tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 1/4    teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2          cups heavy cream
  1. Prior to churning: Freeze bowl of ice cream maker 24 hours.
  2. In large bowl, combine peaches, sugars, lemon juice and vanilla. Let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugars have dissolved and peaches are juicy.
  3. Place peach mixture in blender or food processor; pulse until peaches are broken down but not totally pureed. Add heavy cream; stir to combine.
  4. Pour mixture into airtight container and refrigerate 1-2 hours, or overnight.
  5. Use ice cream maker to churn mixture according to manufacturer’s instructions. Once churned, serve immediately for softer consistency or place in airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze 2-4 hours to harden before serving.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

  

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

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