What's in season in California in May
Provisioning in San Diego, Marina del Rey, Newport Beach in May? Buy these local — they're at their best, usually cheaper, and keep longer aboard than produce that has travelled.
In season (4)
From the California Department of Food & Agriculture's season chart.
- Avocado
- Garlic
- Orange
- Strawberries
Also usually in season (9)
Not on the official calendar — from the general climate-zone calendar Galley Wizard uses elsewhere.
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Beetroot
- Coriander / cilantro
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Lemon
- Mint
- Zucchini / courgette
Probably imported this month (14)
Out of season locally — at the market these have most likely been shipped or flown in. Fine to buy; they may cost more and keep less well.
- Apple
- Bell pepper
- Broccoli
- Butternut / winter squash
- Eggplant / aubergine
- Fresh chili
- Grapefruit
- Green/white cabbage
- Leek
- Mango
- Raspberries
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
- Watermelon
Galley recipes for May in California
The recipes that use the most in-season produce, and nothing imported.
- Chicken, olive & lemon tagine with couscousNorth African · 55 min · sea 4/5
- Chickpea & potato chaat saladIndian · 30 min · sea 4/5 · vegan
- Halloumi & herb couscous saladMiddle Eastern · 20 min · sea 3/5 · vegetarian
- Halloumi with couscous, peppers & mintMediterranean · 20 min · sea 3/5 · vegetarian
- Lamb souvlaki with tzatzikiGreek · 25 min · sea 3/5
- Lemony chickpea mash on crispbread with cucumberMediterranean · 15 min · sea 4/5 · vegan
- TzatzikiGreek · 15 min · sea 5/5 · vegetarian
- Vietnamese mushroom & green bean rice potVietnamese · 45 min · sea 4/5 · vegan
Source: California Fruits and Vegetables Seasonal Chart (California Department of Food & Agriculture (via California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom)). Retrieved 2026-10-07. Only the produce on the chart. Peak season counts as in season; months marked “available” (from store or a smaller harvest) are neither pushed nor flagged; “not available” months are flagged as likely imports.