6 Recipes Inspired by In-Season Produce for May

DietsInReview

By Brandi Koskie - DietsInReview.com

Who doesn't love the crisp, sweet and fresh-tasting produce that is available during the spring and summer? It makes healthy eating even more enticing! When you've spent months bundled up during the winter eating heavy comfort foods, eating the first picks of the spring harvest can be quite refreshing. These fruits and vegetables are, of course, best when fresh, and at their peak.
This year, consider eating the freshest produce possible, by eating seasonally and locally. The benefits are numerous: supports local farmers and thus the local economy, it reduces your carbon footprint by limiting the miles traveled from farm to plate, and the flavor is incomparable.

You can eat seasonally and locally in a number of ways:

  • Try container gardening if you're in an urban area. You can build a small garden in your suburban backyard or terrace, and grow family favorites.

  • Visit your local farmers market, where you'll not only find fresh produce but also farm-fresh eggs, herbs, and local meats.

  • Join a CSA (Community Shared Agriculture) and pay into a local farmer's crop to receive fresh produce and more each week.

Still not enough incentive? Gardening burns about 370 calories per hour. Not to mention, it's a great way to get your kids involved with meal planning and nutrition.

If you want to start eating seasonally right now, the in-season produce for May includes mango, honeydew melon, asparagus, collard greens, spinach, and snow peas.

Enjoy these fresh fruits and vegetables in some of these delicious and healthy recipes.

Chilled Asparagus Soup with Lemon Pesto

Marinated Asparagus Tomatoes and Shallots

Watermelon Honeydew Kabobs with Honey Lime Dressing

Fusilli Salad

Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

Grilled Chicken with Warm Mango Salsa


© DietsInReview.com