At The Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles, we think nothing in the world tastes better than fresh-picked fruits and veggies, especially those that have matured right here under the California sun.

If, like us, you prefer to buy your fruits and veggies when they are the freshest off the farm, here’s an insider’s guide to the best fruits and veggies available in May.

Not sure what you want? Our produce providers, Farm Fresh Produce and Farm Boy Produce and have specialists that can help you pick out the tastiest, freshest, locally grown products.

Farmers Market Favorites

Grapes

As spring blossoms into summer, we love nothing more than diving into a tasty bunch of grapes. It’s such a healthy little snack—one cup of grapes has just 100 calories and provides more than a quarter of the daily recommended Vitamin K and Vitamin C. Healthy as they are, this tiny fruit can also be incredibly versatile. Technically a member of the berry family, grapes can be sun-dried into our favorite dancing snack, the California raisin, and of course, they can be stomped, juiced and pressed into glorious California wine.

Whether you prefer them green, purple, seedless, frozen or in a glass, you can rest assured that the grapes you’re eating were most likely grown in California. In fact, 99% of all of the nation’s commercially grown grapes are grown right here in the Golden State. The state produced a whopping 115 million boxes of grapes just last year.

Cucumbers

As the weather starts to heat up in May, cool down with this refreshing and versatile treat. Cucumbers are a whopping 96% water and only 40 calories, making them a light, healthy snack to eat on their own or pair with tasty hummus.

This green veggie, whose peak season is from May to August, is a crisp addition to any summer salad and can also be used in salsas, sandwiches and even soups! An even easier way to get your fix is by adding sliced cucumbers to your water for a twist on your daily dose of H2O. Looking to unwind on a warm summer night? Cucumbers can also be muddled to make an excellent addition to a variety of cocktails.

Special Treat: For the perfect side or a great addition to a vegetarian meal, enjoy some of Moishe’s tabbouleh. This bright and tangy dish, made from cucumbers, Roma tomatoes and parsley, is bursting with lemony flavor. Prepare this easy recipe at home here.

Plums

Plums, too, predominantly hail from California. More than half of all known varieties are grown in the central and northern parts of the state. 

Packed with healthy benefits, one plum contains about 113 mg of potassium, which helps manage high blood pressure and also helps reduce the risk of stroke. High in antioxidants, plums are said to help protect against cancer and because they have a low glycemic index, they also help control your blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes.

Special Treat: A jar of New York's EAT THIS Hampton Beach Plum Preserves from Mr. Marcel’s Gourmet Market is a tasty way to spread summer onto your favorite slice of bread. Hand-harvested from the sun-drenched beaches of Long Island, NY, this artisan preserve has a rich plum texture and flavor with a tart cherry finish. Made in small batches in the owner's home kitchen, it is also perfect on pancakes or waffles, over vanilla gelato, or ice cream or as a unique glaze on ham or pork.

Other Seasonal Veggies Harvested in May

Artichokes, Arugula, Asparagus, Avocado, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Horseradish, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Rhubarb, Spinach, Zucchini

Other Seasonal Fruits Harvested in May

Apricots, Blood Oranges, Guava, Lemons, Oranges, Peaches, Strawberries

Read about what’s in season in June at our Market Buzz blog now!