Summer is finally here - sort of - which means that the weather is finally getting a little warmer.
Even though we're all stuck inside as lockdown continues, May has arrived as if things are actually normal outside. And in the world of fruit and vegetables, everything is normal, which means that there is great produce available all around us, even if we can't get to it in the ways we're used to. Here's what's in season right now in Ireland.
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What's in season:
- Asparagus
- Aubergine
- Basil
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Mint
- Mushrooms
- Pak choi
- Parsley
- Peppers
- Radish
- Rhubarb
- Sage
- Spinach
- Spring onions
- Thyme
- Tomatoes
READ MORE: The pantry staples we think you should have at home right now
What's coming into season:
- Beetroot
- Broad beans
- Chives
- Coriander
- Dill
- French beans
- Green broccoli
- Onions
- New potatoes
- Shallots
- Strawberries
- Turnips
What to forage:
- Beach mustard
- Cow parsley
- Rock samphire
- Sea beet
- Three-cornered leeks
- Wild onions (ramps)
- Woodland sorrel
READ MORE: How to grow your own food
Seasonal recipes this month:
- 10-minute fish with tomatoes and herbs
- Asparagus risotto
- Chicken lollies with roasted tomato and garlic
- Chorizo, goat's cheese and tomato fritatta
- Crab cakes with radish and cucumber relish
- Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and asparagus
How to get your hands on seasonal produce:
We know that things are tough right now. Heading out to supermarkets and local stores can be a stressful experience, between queuing and trying to keep yourself safe, plus we've seen a lot of stores running low on certain items. However, as life slowly starts to return to normal, in accordance with government restrictions, we believe that the shopping experience will become slightly better too.
If you're unable to find the produce you need in your local store, we recommend purchasing directly from suppliers or signing up for a vegetable delivery box. Keep reading for some of the services we recommend:
- Ballymakenny Farm for heritage potatoes
- The Fruit People for fruit and vegetable deliveries, along with snacks and other shelf-stable goods
- High-quality fruit and veg boxes from Hussey's Farm - you can also add a range of dairy, meat and more to your order
- Sprout & Co for organic vegetable boxes from their farm, plus you can add on bread, Irish yoghurt and more ingredients for an extra cost
