Seasonal produce · May
What’s in season in May
May bridges spring and summer, with strawberries, cherries starting in warm areas, apricots, peas and salad greens. This list covers 21 fruits and vegetables typically at their peak in May across much of the US.
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Fruits in season in May (7)
Apples
FruitKey nutrients: Fiber, vitamin C, polyphenols
Storage: Refrigerate in the crisper drawer; apples keep for weeks and give off ethylene, so store them away from leafy greens.
Apricots
FruitKey nutrients: Vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber
Storage: Ripen at room temperature, then refrigerate and eat within a few days.
Avocados
FruitKey nutrients: Monounsaturated fat, fiber, potassium
Storage: Ripen on the counter, then refrigerate once they yield to gentle pressure.
Blackberries
FruitKey nutrients: Fiber, vitamin C, anthocyanins
Storage: Refrigerate unwashed in a single layer; rinse just before eating.
Lemons and limes
FruitKey nutrients: Vitamin C, flavonoids
Storage: Refrigerate in a sealed bag to keep them juicy for up to a month.
Mangos
FruitKey nutrients: Vitamin C, vitamin A, folate
Storage: Ripen on the counter, then refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Strawberries
FruitKey nutrients: Vitamin C, folate, anthocyanins
Storage: Refrigerate unwashed and eat within 2 to 3 days.
Vegetables in season in May (14)
Asparagus
VegetableKey nutrients: Folate, vitamin K, fiber
Storage: Stand the spears upright in a jar with an inch of water in the fridge, loosely covered.
Broccoli
VegetableKey nutrients: Vitamin C, vitamin K, glucosinolates
Storage: Refrigerate unwashed in a loosely closed bag; use within 3 to 5 days.
Cabbage
VegetableKey nutrients: Vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber
Storage: Whole heads keep for weeks in the fridge; wrap cut halves tightly.
Carrots
VegetableKey nutrients: Beta-carotene, fiber
Storage: Remove green tops and refrigerate in a bag; they keep for weeks.
Collard greens
VegetableKey nutrients: Vitamin K, calcium, folate
Storage: Wrap in a damp towel inside a bag in the fridge; use within 5 days.
Kale
VegetableKey nutrients: Vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium
Storage: Refrigerate unwashed wrapped in a towel inside a bag; use within 5 to 7 days.
Lettuce
VegetableKey nutrients: Vitamin K, vitamin A, folate
Storage: Wash, dry thoroughly and store in a container lined with paper towels.
Mushrooms
VegetableKey nutrients: Selenium, B vitamins, vitamin D (UV-exposed)
Storage: Refrigerate in a paper bag, not plastic, and wipe clean just before use.
Onions
VegetableKey nutrients: Quercetin, prebiotic fiber
Storage: Store whole onions in a cool, dry, ventilated place away from potatoes.
Peas
VegetableKey nutrients: Protein, fiber, vitamin K
Storage: Refrigerate in the pod and shell just before cooking; frozen peas are a great backup.
Radishes
VegetableKey nutrients: Vitamin C, glucosinolates
Storage: Remove the greens and refrigerate the roots in a bag.
Rhubarb
VegetableKey nutrients: Vitamin K, fiber
Storage: Refrigerate the stalks in a bag. Don't eat the leaves, which are high in oxalic acid.
Spinach
VegetableKey nutrients: Vitamin K, folate, iron, lutein
Storage: Refrigerate in a container lined with paper towels; use within 5 days.
Swiss chard
VegetableKey nutrients: Vitamin K, magnesium, vitamin A
Storage: Refrigerate unwashed and wrapped in a damp towel; use within 3 to 5 days.
About these dates: peak months are US-general estimates for the temperate Northern Hemisphere, based on the USDA SNAP-Ed seasonal guide and state extension calendars. Availability varies by region, climate and year: the South and California often start weeks earlier, and northern states later. Imported and stored produce (like apples, citrus and potatoes) is available much longer. Ask local farmers or check the USDA farmers market directory.
This tool is for general education and isn’t medical advice. See our medical disclaimer, and talk with a clinician or registered dietitian about your own needs.
Sources
- USDA SNAP-Ed Connection, Seasonal Produce Guide. https://snaped.fna.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/seasonal-produce-guide
- Mississippi State University Extension, Buy Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Season. https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/buy-fresh-fruits-and-vegetables-season
- Michigan State University Extension, MI Fresh Produce Availability Guide. https://www.canr.msu.edu/mi_fresh/uploads/files/PRODUCE_AVAILABILITY_GUIDE_ENGLISH-2025-LP.pdf
- NC State Extension, Seasonal Availability Calendar for Fresh Produce. https://homegrown.extension.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Seasonal-Availability-Calendar-Chart-for-Fresh-Produce_Homegrown-Final.pdf
- University of Illinois Extension, What’s in Season. https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/cjmmwhatsinseason.pdf
- U.S. FDA, Selecting and Serving Produce Safely. https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-produce-safely