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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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Power summer adventures with bagel brunch spread

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Power Summer Adventures with a Spectacular Bagel Brunch Spread(Feature Impact) Enjoying meals al fresco this summer starts with one simple trick: Head outside before the sun reaches its peak to beat the heat. A summer brunch offers a special way to fuel up before all the adventures and activities a bright, sunny day may bring.

For a light, refreshing bite, Summer Berry Panzanella Salad combines bagel “croutons” and a bushel of berries for a nutritious dose of deliciousness. Or for a hearty solution that’s sure to get you in gear for a day at the park or in the water, this Berry Bagel French Toast Casserole is loaded with favorites like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and a homemade crumble topping that’s a true crowd-pleaser.

These brunch favorites are powered by limited-edition Dave’s Killer Bread Summer Berry Bagels, which deliver sweet, summery organic goodness with raspberry, blueberry, cranberry and strawberry. Every bite can delight your taste buds, and with 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber in each serving, your body will thank you, too. Available nationwide through July, now’s the time to enjoy them before summer passes by.

To find more summer brunch inspiration, visit DavesKillerBread.com.

Summer Berry Panzanella Salad

Prep time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Bagel “Croutons:”

  • 3          Dave’s Killer Bread Summer Berry Bagels
  • 3          tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2          tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1          pinch salt

Berry Salad:

  • 1          pint strawberries, hulled and sliced (reserve 1/2 cup for dressing)
  • 1/2       cup blueberries
  • 1/2       cup raspberries (optional)
  • 1/2       teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1          tablespoon lemon juice

Berry Dressing:

  • 1/2       cup strawberries
  • 1          tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1          pinch salt

Serving:

  • 3/4       cup plain Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt
  • 1          tablespoon poppy seeds
  • fresh mint (optional)
  1. Heat oven to 350 F.
  2. To make bagel croutons: Cut bagels into 3/4-inch cubes. In bowl, melt butter; stir in brown sugar and salt. Toss bagel cubes in butter mixture.
  3. Spread on baking sheet and bake 15-18 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp. Let cool.
  4. To make berry salad: In large bowl, combine sliced strawberries; blueberries; raspberries, if desired; lemon zest; and lemon juice. Toss gently.
  5. To make berry dressing: Place reserved strawberries in bowl. Add brown sugar and salt. Using fork or potato masher, mash until juicy and chunky.
  6. To assemble panzanella salad: Add cooled bagel cubes to berry salad. Pour in mashed strawberry dressing. Toss slightly so bread absorbs juice.
  7. Let sit 5-10 minutes so bagel pieces soften while staying textured.
  8. Serve in bowls with yogurt, poppy seeds and mint leaves, if desired.

Berry Bagel French Toast Casserole

Prep time: 55 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Casserole Base:

  • 5          Dave’s Killer Bread Summer Berry Bagels
  • 1          cup strawberries, sliced, divided
  • 3/4       cup blueberries, divided
  • 1/2       cup raspberries, divided
  • 8          large eggs
  • 1 1/2    cups milk
  • 1/2       cup heavy cream
  • 2          tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2          tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1          teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1          teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4       teaspoon salt

Crumble Topping:

  • 1/4       cup flour
  • 1/4       cup brown sugar
  • 1/4       teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1          pinch salt
  • 4          tablespoons melted butter

Serving:

  • powdered sugar
  • maple syrup
  • berries (optional)
  1. To make casserole base: Preheat oven to 300 F. Cut bagels into 1-inch cubes. Spread on baking sheet and toast 10 minutes until slightly dry.
  2. Lightly grease 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add toasted bagel cubes and half the berries.
  3. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Pour evenly over bagels.
  4. Press bread gently so it absorbs custard. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours, or overnight.
  5. Heat oven to 350 F.
  6. To make crumble topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and melted butter. Sprinkle mixture over casserole. Add remaining berries.
  7. Bake 40-45 minutes until center is set and top is light golden color. If it browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  8. Let rest 5-10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup. Top with extra berries, if desired.
    

SOURCE:

Dave’s Killer Bread

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Elevate summer celebration with easy backyard recipes

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(Feature Impact) Whether you’re grilling in the backyard, at a picnic or simply relaxing poolside to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this summer is sure to be filled with special celebrations. Throughout those 250 years, food has brought people together – and continues to do so.

From barbecues to patios, fresh foods are at the heart of American celebrations. Healthy, fresh ingredients help elevate classic recipes with sweet corn taking center stage in many iconic summer dishes. As a trusted American grower, Duda Farm Fresh Foods provides equally healthy and flavorful recipes using Dandy Sweet Corn to build the heart of your menu.

While corn on its own is a classic side dish – with Americans consuming approximately 1,400 bushels per year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture – you can put a twist on tradition by serving Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, as a bold and delicious way to enjoy fresh corn at its best. Cooked to perfection then slathered in a creamy, zesty mix of mayonnaise, lime juice, cheese and chili powder, Elote transforms a simple ear of corn into an irresistible snack or side.

You can add its vibrant flavor and fun to your table with a number of easy cooking methods:

  • Grill: For the traditional method of cooking Elote, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill grates then cook 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until nicely charred and cooked through, like these recipes for Easy Elote Corn or Vegan Elote.
  • Boil: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add corn and cook 5-7 minutes until tender.
  • Roast: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place corn on a baking sheet and roast 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 F. Cook corn for 12-15 minutes, turning once.

Visit DudaFresh.com to find more ways to elevate your patriotic celebrations.

Easy Elote Corn

Recipe courtesy of The Produce Moms on behalf of Duda Farm Fresh Foods
Servings: 4

  • 1          Dandy Sweet Corn Tray (4 count)
  • 1          lime, juice only (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1          cup mayonnaise or Mexican crema
  • 2          tablespoons Elote seasoning
  • 1          cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • hot sauce or chili powder (optional)
  1. Heat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Place corn directly on grates and cook 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until charred and cooked through.
  3. While corn is still warm, squeeze lime juice on all sides. Brush or spoon mayonnaise on each ear, ensuring all sides are coated.
  4. Evenly sprinkle Elote seasoning over coated corn. Using hands, gently press seasoning into mayo.
  5. Arrange Elote on serving platter, sprinkle with cotija cheese and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with hot sauce or chili powder for extra heat, if desired.

Vegan Elote

Recipe courtesy of Darn Good Veggies on behalf of Duda Farm Fresh Foods
Cook time: 16 minutes
Total time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4

Vegan Parmesan:

  • 1/2       cup raw cashews
  • 2          tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt

Elote:

  • 1/3       cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1/2       teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1          clove garlic, minced
  • 1          tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4       teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
  • 1          pinch salt
  • 4          ears Dandy Corn
  • 2          tablespoons chopped cilantro
  1. To make vegan Parmesan: In small food processor or blender, pulse cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder and salt until it resembles grated Parmesan.
  2. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  3. In bowl, stir mayo, ancho chili powder, garlic, lime juice, chipotle powder and salt until smooth.
  4. Place corn on grill or grill pan and cook on all sides until corn is cooked and has grill marks, about 4 minutes per side.
  5. Spread corn with chili mayo then sprinkle with vegan Parmesan and cilantro.
    

SOURCE:

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

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6 savvy ways to ensure grilling success this summer

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(Feature Impact) There’s just something timeless about a summer cookout with friends, family or neighbors. Whether it’s the sound of burgers sizzling on the grill or the smell of your favorite seasonal sides, the event invokes nostalgia and camaraderie.

While the spotlight may land on the burgers and barbecued fare, seasoned grill masters know the supporting cast matters, too. Makers of soft, delicious hamburger and hot dog buns fit to be the foundation of summer gatherings for more than 100 years, the bun experts at Wonder suggest a few ways to ensure your entertaining ventures are successful throughout the season.

Do What You Can Ahead of Time

Stick to a mix of easy favorites and make-ahead sides to keep prep manageable while offering something for everyone to enjoy. When possible, prep ahead of time so you can keep your focus on the fun and your attention on the hot grill. Chop vegetables, wash lettuce for burgers, make sure you have picked out the perfect buns, form and season beef patties and mix marinades the day before the big bash to avoid last-minute rushes around the kitchen.

Prep the Grill

Patience is key when it comes to grilling, as a properly heated grill is the foundation for good cooking. Give gas grills enough time to come to temperature, around 10-15 minutes, and allow charcoal to ash over completely. When grilling different types of food, it’s especially helpful to set up cooking zones – direct and indirect – so you can cook meat, veggies and buns differently or move finished food to one side, as needed.

Additionally, to help prevent sticking, lightly oil the clean grill grates before cooking. Using tongs and a paper towel dipped in oil is often more effective than coating foods with oil.

Use a Meat Thermometer

You may be a seasoned grill master, but guesswork can lead to mistakes, especially when cooking for a crowd. Avoid overcooked (or worse, undercooked) chicken and burgers by using an instant-read thermometer to help ensure meat is cooked safely while retaining its juicy flavor.

Grill Buns Correctly

Burgers and hot dogs are classics for a reason, but avoiding soggy buns and mid-bite fallout requires the right bun for the job. Striking the perfect balance of pillowy softness with the structure to hold their shape through every loaded topping, condiment and bite is key when choosing the right bun for the job. More than just a vehicle for grilled favorites, Wonder Classic Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns are a familiar taste that makes cookouts delicious and have held it together, literally and figuratively, for more than a century. In continuing its longstanding partnership with the USO through the annual Deploy the Joy campaign, you can keep an eye out through Sept. 12 for special packaging on select products with scannable QR codes for a chance to win a $10,000 Birthday Bash.

For great grilled buns, follow a few easy steps:

  1. Brush cut sides of buns with softened butter, mayo or both to help the bun brown evenly.
  2. Lightly salt the buttered side before grilling.
  3. During the last 2 minutes of cooking burgers or dogs, place buns cut-side down over medium-low heat for 30-60 seconds. Look for a light golden toast, crisp enough to hold up.

Let Food Rest Before Serving

After grilling, give meat a few minutes to rest before serving or slicing. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the food for better texture and flavor.

Layer Burgers, Condiments and Toppings

After toasting buns, add a thin layer of sauce to coat the bun then lettuce that’s been patted dry to remove moisture. Add cheese to the opposite bun and be sure to place the burger and other toppings in the center to keep moisture away from the bread, preventing sogginess. Follow this simple order for sturdy buns:

  • Toasted top bun
  • Condiment or sauce
  • Cheese
  • Burger
  • Tomato and onion
  • Lettuce
  • Condiment or sauce
  • Toasted bottom bun

From simple, practical menus to crave-worthy twists on classics, you can find more ways to host a successful summer barbecue by visiting WonderBread.com/recipes.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (grilling hamburgers)

    

SOURCE:

Wonder

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