As April showers bring May flowers, it also brings a bounty of fresh, flavorful produce to our plates.

With the warmer weather here, it’s the perfect time to explore the seasonal standouts—harvested at peak nutritional value and taste.

1. Cherries

Cherries are a true springtime treat. Their peak season starts in May, and they are rich in nutrients like the antioxidants anthocyanin and vitamin C, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Key Nutrition Benefit

• Melatonin: Not sure if it’s a key fact or more of a cool one, but cherries (especially tart ones) contain the sleep aids melatonin and tryptophan for anyone looking to rest up.

2. Rhubarb

A vegetable used in pies? Yep, rhubarb is not your normal veggie, what with it often used in sweet dishes like pies and crumbles. May is when rhubarb is in full bloom, offering its tart flavor that pairs wonderfully with fruits like strawberries.

Key Nutrition Benefit

• Fiber: Rhubarb packs 2 g of fiber per cup. Helping with digestion—even if it’s in a pie!

3. Beets

Dwight Schrute, eat your heart out. These deep colored root vegetables offer earthy flavors along with tons of fiber and vitamins.

Key Nutrition Benefit

• Betalains: These are what give beets their unique coloring. For you, they’re a powerful anti-inflammatory.

4. Spinach

Popeye was on to something with spinach, and it hits its prime in May. It’s packed with nutrients (iron, calcium, vitamins A and C) and versatile enough to be put in many dishes.

Key Nutrition Benefit

• Antioxidants: These little defenders can be significantly important to maintaining a healthy you. Fortunately, spinach is rich in antioxidants, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, which significantly contribute to eye health.

5. Radishes

Whatever color you like, these crisp root vegetables can spice up many different dishes. Their mild spicy flavor can add a punch to salads and sandwiches, while punching up your nutrition.

Key Nutrition Benefit

• Sulforaphane: You may not have heard of this compound, but you probably should. The sulfur-rich phytochemical is beneficial for a number of reasons, including its ability to potentially reduce your risk of cancer.

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Sean Ostruszka

Sean Ostruszka is an active creator. A national-award winning writer for numerous industries, Ostruszka also delves into photography, design, product development and more, while being an avid family man, outdoorsman and fitness enthusiast.

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