New Jersey Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables in May
Your Fresh Guide
This Article is Part of our New Jersey Seasonal Fruit & Veg Calendar
As spring peaks in New Jersey, the month of May ushers in a fresh bounty of fruits and vegetables, each ripening in its turn under the warming sun. Known for its rich agricultural lands, the Garden State offers a vibrant palette of produce that begins to flourish during this time. Local farmers markets and grocery stores start to showcase a variety of homegrown goods, signaling a transition from the hearty root vegetables of winter to the tender greens and early fruits of late spring.
In May, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture confirms it's the start of the growing season with crops gradually reaching their harvest period. Consumers seeking the freshest options can find an abundance of spring vegetables such as radishes, spinach (What wine goes well with spinach?), and lettuce. These staples are complemented by the aromatic presence of scallions and the bold flavors of herbs, embodying the rejuvenating spirit of the season.
Continuing the harvest that typically begins in April, May sees the progression of planting and growth for many of New Jersey's celebrated produce. The state's farmers meticulously tend to their fields, ensuring that each fruit and vegetable reaches its peak in flavor and nutrition. Consumers delight in the knowledge that purchasing these seasonal offerings not only provides them with the best in taste and freshness but also supports the local ecosystem and economy.
Overview of New Jersey's Seasonal Calendar
New Jersey's agricultural schedule shifts significantly in May as the state moves from the cool, budding days of spring into the warmer beginnings of summer. This month is a pivotal time for local produce, marking the availability of a fresh assortment of fruits and vegetables.
Transition From Spring to Summer
In May, New Jersey farmers begin harvesting a variety of crops that are best suited to the state's unique Northeastern climate. Fruits such as strawberries start to peak, offering a sweet taste of the approaching summer months. Meanwhile, cool weather vegetables, including leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, continue to thrive during early May. This transition period allows local markets to stock an eclectic mix of produce that is perfectly in tune with the changing seasons.
Seasonal Fruits in May:
Seasonal Vegetables in May:
Lettuce
Spinach
Arugula
Asparagus (What wine goes well with asparagus?)
Importance of May for Local Produce
May is a critical month for local produce as it lays the foundation for the abundance of the summer harvest. Farmers and consumers alike look forward to May for the influx of locally grown vegetables and anticipation of summer fruit varieties. The importance of this month is underscored by its role in supporting local agriculture and providing consumers with fresh, in-season produce that not only has a superior flavor but also supports the local economy and environmental sustainability.
Key Vegetables: Asparagus (how long does asparagus last?), which reaches its peak in May, is a notable crop during this time.
Local Impact: Buying in-season, local produce in May helps sustain New Jersey's farming community and minimizes the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of food.
Key Fruits and Vegetables in May
In May, New Jersey fields brim with the late spring bounty and begin offering early tastes of summer produce, signaling a shift in the growing season.
Late Spring Harvest
Asparagus and spinach stand out as late spring favorites, with their peak harvest taking place during this month. These vegetables are not only at their freshest, but also offer a high nutritional value, which is why they are sought after by consumers at local markets.
Lettuce varieties and a range of greens such as kale and mustard greens are also abundantly available. These leafy vegetables are known for their crisp texture and are a staple in spring salads.
Peas, notably snow peas, sugar snap peas, and shelling peas, are another crop that reaches its prime in May. They can be enjoyed fresh, adding a sweet and crunchy element to dishes.
Early Summer Produce
While still early for the full summer harvest, May in New Jersey begins to hint at the upcoming seasonal bounty with some fruits and vegetables.
Strawberries mark the transition from spring to summer and start to appear by the end of the month. They are typically sweet and juicy, perfect for a variety of recipes from desserts to salads.
Green beans are also on the cusp, gearing up as early summer produce that can be found fresh in the latter part of May.
Throughout this month, the available fruits and vegetables are mostly in sync with the seasonal cycle, offering optimal freshness and flavor to those who value locally sourced produce.
Sourcing and Enjoying Fresh Produce
In May, New Jersey's farms and stores are abundant with fresh, seasonal produce. Whether one is visiting local farms, carefully selecting items from stores, or growing their own, the focus is on freshness and quality.
Finding Local Farms
New Jersey is rich with local farms that offer a variety of fresh produce in May. Individuals can visit farm stands or farmers markets to purchase items such as asparagus and the start of strawberry season. A helpful resource for locating these farms is the "Find Jersey Fresh" website, which provides a comprehensive list of on-farm markets.
Asparagus: Available at local farms
Strawberries: Begin late in the month
Selecting the Freshest Items in Stores
When shopping for produce in stores, one should look for signs of freshness like bright color and firmness. Asparagus should be green and stiff, while strawberries should be red without any dark spots. These items are often labeled as "Jersey Fresh" in supermarkets, indicating they are sourced from local farms.
Asparagus: Green color, straight
Strawberries: Bright red, plump, firm to the touch
Gardening Tips for Homegrown Vegetables
Gardening at home allows for control over the freshness of the produce. In May, New Jersey gardeners can initiate the process of growing staple vegetables such as lettuce or spinach. These plants prefer cooler temperatures, making early May an ideal time to start.
Lettuce & Spinach: Sow seeds in cool soil, ensure partial shade
Gardening Stores: Provide seeds and advice for local conditions
By connecting with community resources, being vigilant in stores, and applying proper gardening techniques, New Jersey residents can enjoy the pinnacle of fresh produce throughout May.
Health Benefits and Recipes
In New Jersey, May's seasonal produce offers a plethora of health benefits and can be transformed into delicious meals. Let's explore the nutritional advantages and learn how to incorporate these fresh ingredients into everyday cooking.
Nutritional Advantages of Seasonal Eating
Consuming seasonal produce in May, such as Jersey tomatoes (What wine goes well with tomatoes?) and sweet corn, provides consumers with not only peak flavor but also optimal nutritional value. For example, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium. Sweet corn, another May staple, is a good source of fiber and vitamin B. Seasonal eating ensures that one gets a variety of nutrients throughout the year, promoting health and well-being.
Incorporating Seasonal Produce into Meals
Cooking with seasonal produce is both an art and a science. Recipes that highlight the natural flavors of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients are simple yet satisfying. One might create a refreshing tomato salad with a hint of basil (how long does basil last?) to capture the essence of New Jersey tomatoes, or enjoy grilling sweet corn to enhance its natural sweetness. Below are recipes that showcase May's seasonal offerings:
Jersey Tomato Salad
Ingredients: Fresh Jersey tomatoes, basil, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Directions: Slice tomatoes and arrange them on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper, and garnish with basil leaves.
Grilled Sweet Corn
Ingredients: Sweet corn, butter, salt, and pepper.
Directions: Preheat grill. Peel back corn husks and remove silk. Spread butter over the corn and season with salt and pepper. Grill until kernels are tender and charred in spots, turning occasionally.
By focusing on the inherent tastes of fruits and vegetables, one maximizes the sensory pleasure of eating while reaping the health benefits of fresh, in-season produce.
Looking Ahead: What's Next After May?
As May concludes, New Jersey farmers and consumers alike prepare for the bountiful harvests of early summer. Anticipation grows for the arrival of June's fresh produce which ushers in the season's abundance.
Early Look at June's Harvest
June marks the arrival of several key crops. Consumers can expect:
Blueberries: A herald of summer, blueberry season typically begins in June.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, kale hits peak production.
Corn: Sweet corn becomes a staple at stands and markets.
Planning for these crops involves understanding their growing cycles and being ready to harvest or purchase as they become ripe.
Planning for Summer and Fall Crops
Looking beyond June, preparations for summer and fall are crucial. Here is what's anticipated:
Tomatoes: By late summer, a variety of tomatoes will be ripe.
Apples: Planning the apple harvest starts now, as they are a fall feature but require summer care.
Zucchini: A robust grower, zucchini is often ready by July.
August: This month typically brings a peak in the diversity of produce available.
Farmers and gardeners work now to ensure plant health and optimal yields for these crops as the seasons progress.
