OXO Good Tips Blog: Cooking & Baking

Dark, cold days are officially behind us, and with May here we’re welcoming a new crop of fruits and vegetables. Whether you get your seasonal produce at the supermarket, the farmer’s market, CSAs or somewhere else, we’ve put together a list of what fresh fruits and vegetables to look for in May—and tips and tools for using them.

Need a reminder on why to shop seasonally and how to do it? We have you covered.

1. Asparagus

Spring means it’s asparagus time. The stalks are much more tender and sweet this time of year than the bundles you’ll find in stores year-round. Shave the asparagus (yes, you peel asparagus!) to add to salads or roast them with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper for a side dish.

2. Beets

Beets aren’t everyone’s favourite—they can taste too earthy and are messy to work with—but if there was ever a time to try liking them again, it’s right now. We think the easiest way to get hooked on beets is by turning them into crispy, salty—even sweet—veggie chips using a mandoline. Sprinkle chipotle powder on those colorful slices for an added kick. Beets are also great spiralised, as salad topping or to as a pop of colour in your cashew hummus.

3. Lettuce and Greens

Greens, like chard, spinach and arugula are also favourite vegetables in May. Experiment with salads (and dressings!), pestos or simply sautéing them with olive oil and garlic. To make your fresh lettuce last longer, wash and prepare it properly, and use a Greensaver Produce Keeper so it lasts longer in the fridge.

4. Rhubarb

May means it’s prime time to bake with rhubarb. Try making a pie filling or rhubarb preserves by cooking it down. Rhubarb is intensely tart, so don’t forget to add sugar to offset it.

5. Peas

Keep your bags of peas in the freezer until after summer because now is the time to use the fresh stuff—snap peas and English peas should be popping up in your markets, as well as pea shoots. Peas are mildly sweet this time of year and so easy to cook. Add them to pastas, salads or frittatas for extra veggies.

6. Radishes

Radishes add a burst of flavour (and colour!) to dishes. Slice them up and add to a salad or try roasting them.