What’s In Season: May
This month marks the end of Spring and starts to get more exciting with plenty of fresh produce available.
Asparagus comes in a variety of colours, including green, purple and white. An excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, especially folate and vitamins A, C and K. They’re high in folate, a nutrient that is vital for a healthy pregnancy including cell growth and DNA formation.
Particularly high in insoluble fibre which adds bulk to stool and supports regular bowel movements. It also contains a small amount of soluble fibre, which dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. It also feeds the friendly bacteria in the gut. Increasing the number of these beneficial bacteria plays a role in strengthening the immune system and producing essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and K2.
When shopping for fresh asparagus, look out for closed tips and firm stems. Asparagus pairs nicely with lots of other spring vegetables, peas, garlic or new potatoes.
Garlic is part of the Allium family and related to onions, spring onions and leeks.
The best way to maximise the health benefits of garlic is by crushing or slicing before you eat and let it stand for 10 minutes. During this time, it increases the allicin component of its oil and stays intact during cooking.
Radish is the root vegetable in the Brassica family and range from mild red radish to the very hot wasabi. They are nutrient-dense and packed with Vitamin C which stimulates collagen production and neutralizes oxidative stress. Vitamin C protects your skin from UV radiation and free radicals. May also prevent age-related skin deterioration caused by unhealthy lifestyle and environmental toxins.
Choose radishes that are unblemished and firm-skinned and plunge in cold water for extra crunch.
Seasonal veg: Artichoke, Asparagus, Aubergine, Beetroot, Chicory, Chillies, Lettuce, Marrow, New Potatoes, Peas, Peppers, Radishes, Rocket, Samphire, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Sweetheart Cabbage, Watercress.
Seasonal fruit: Rhubarb, Strawberries
Garlic photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash
Asparagus photo by Alisa Golovinska on Unsplash
