What British Produce Is In Season In May?

Seasonal British produce in May is varied and bountiful. Spring vegetables, such as baby carrots, spring onions and asparagus are at their finest.  Essential salad ingredients like leaves, tomatoes and cucumbers are easy to source from the shops.  And Mediterranean style produce like aubergines and courgettes start to appear at farmers’ markets and in some supermarkets too. This is because at this time of year the weather is warm enough for long enough for many different types of plants to ripen. And although what’s available depends on the year and the time of the month, May marks a turning point in the seasonal foodie calendar.

May Is Prime Asparagus Season

Asparagus season is fleeting, so don’t delay as May is the best month for this quintessentially English vegetable.  Best eaten fresh from the farm, the quality and taste will vary depending on variety and soil type. Some farmers even identify different asparagus by the field of origin. Most supermarkets will also sell English asparagus this time of year. Choose fat ones for roasting and grilling and thin ones for salads and stir fries. And although asparagus is notoriously hard to pair with wine, with the right recipes it can be a wonderful pairing with English wine.

It’s The Start Of Strawberry Season

May seasonal British produce brings fresh fruit, at last. After the last couple of months of cooking rhubarb, English strawberries need no preparation. Full of vitamin C and antioxidants many argue they have multiple health benefits. Nude or with a sprinkle of sugar they add instant colour to a dish.  If you have time to prep them, they are perfect for pudding: try our strawberry cupcake recipe. They are also great in savoury dishes, such as strawberry, spinach and goat cheese salad.

Spring Is A Transitional Season For Fish

Spring is a transitional season for sea fishing. This is because many winter species will have moved into offshore waters. Whilst the summer species have yet to arrive. May seasonal British produce is a great time for Plaice. Although this fish can be caught all year round, it’s best avoided February to April when it’s in deeper waters spawning and the fillets can be a little soft and watery.

Last Chance For Wild Garlic

Wild garlic can be found from the end of March, depending on the weather and how hard you search. By May, woodlands and hedgerows will be awash with pretty white flowers and the faint smell of garlic.  It’s a welcome addition to British Delicious cooking as the wet garlic season doesn’t start for another month or so. However, there are rules and risks to foraging so be sure to follow the code. And don’t get confused with Lily of the Valley, which can be poisonous. If this sounds daunting, by May, you can buy wild garlic from some speciality greengrocers.

What English Wines Go With May Seasonal Produce?

English Red Wine:

Pinot Noir from England can vary in style depending on the producer, vintage and region.  See our tasting notes from the 2020 vintage to find the style that’s right for you.

• Chicken and red pepper stew with new potatoes.
• Bavette steak open sandwich with rocket salad.

English White Wine:

Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc

There are an increasing number of producers making Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. These wines have a fresh, citrus taste and are a natural pairing for May seasonal British produce.

• Asparagus and pea pasta with wild garlic flowers
• Grilled pork chop with spring vegetables

Chardonnay

English and Welsh Chardonnay covers the whole spectrum from crisp and mineral to oaked and opulent.

• Cracked Cornish crabs served with hot melted butter

English Sparkling Wine:

• Asparagus wrapped in English charcuterie and baked with a sprinkle of cheese
• Strawberries – any which way

English Rosé:

• Spinach and warm strawberry salad with goats cheese
• Spring rolls –  with or without meat.