British Seasonal Fruits May
As spring reaches its zenith in May, the UK bursts forth with a delightful array of seasonal fruits that not only enliven dishes but also excite the palate. This month presents a wonderful opportunity for professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts to incorporate fresh, vibrant flavours into their menus.
Here we highlight the British fruits in May, those that are either coming into season and the ones reaching their peak in May. We will explore their flavour profiles, suggest culinary pairings, and inspire you with dish ideas to showcase these seasonal delights.
Additionally, we will shed light on some of the international fruits available this month that can further enhance your culinary repertoire.
British Seasonal Fruits for May
Currants (Red and Black)
Currants offer a sweet-tart flavour. Red currants are particularly tangy with a refreshing burst, while black currants have a more intense, rich sweetness along with their characteristic tartness.
Culinary Pairings:
Currants pair well with desserts, particularly in jams, jellies, and pies, and complement proteins like game birds and pork in savoury dishes.
They are excellent alongside citrus, vanilla, and herbs like mint.
Currant and Mint Jelly with Lamb
A sophisticated pairing of sweet and tart currant jelly served alongside roasted lamb, enhancing the dish with fresh mint for a perfect balance.
Interesting Fact:
Currants are highly nutritious, packed with vitamins C and K, and were historically valued for their use in traditional medicine.
Cherries (Early Varieties)
Though typically a summer fruit, early varieties of cherries may begin to appear in late May. They are sweet and juicy, with a deep red to black colour. Their flavour can range from sweet to slightly tart, depending on the variety.
Culinary Pairings:
Cherries pair beautifully with chocolate, cream, and tangy cheeses like goat cheese. They also work well in sauces, salads, and desserts, balancing richness with their sweet acidity.
Cherry Clafoutis – Pictured
A classic French dessert featuring a pancake-like batter filled with fresh cherries, creating a custardy texture that is both delicious and visually appealing.
Interesting Fact:
Cherries are not just delicious; they are also packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant colour and are known for their numerous health benefits.
Strawberries
May marks the arrival of the first British strawberries, which are sweet, juicy, and aromatic. They have a tender texture and a vibrant red colour, embodying the classic taste of summer even as spring unfolds.
Culinary Pairings:
Strawberries pair beautifully with cream, chocolate, and other fruits such as rhubarb and blueberries. Their sweetness is complemented by balsamic vinegar, mint, and citrus, making them versatile for both sweet and savoury dishes.
Strawberry and Basil Salad
A refreshing salad that combines sliced strawberries with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, highlighting the natural sweetness of the berries.
Interesting Fact:
Strawberries are unique among fruits because they have their seeds on the outside, with each fruit containing approximately 200 tiny seeds!
Gooseberries
Gooseberries have a distinct tart flavour, ranging from tangy to slightly sweet depending on their ripeness. Their firm texture adds a delightful bite, making them ideal for various culinary applications.
Culinary Pairings:
Gooseberries pair well with sweet ingredients like sugar and custard, as well as with savoury meats like duck and pork, where their acidity cuts through richness.
They complement spices like ginger and cinnamon in desserts or chutneys.
Gooseberry Crumble
An inviting dessert featuring tart gooseberries baked under a crisp, buttery crumble topping, ideal for serving warm with custard or vanilla ice cream. Or why not try a gooseberry chutney – recipe video here.
Interesting Fact:
Gooseberries are rich in vitamin C and were once widely used in medicinal remedies, as well as enjoying a reputation for making delightful wines and jams.
Rhubarb
While typically considered a fruit, rhubarb is a vegetable treated as such in cooking. It showcases a sharp, tangy flavour with a hint of sweetness, especially when sweetened in desserts. Forced rhubarb, available in May, is particularly tender and pink.
Culinary Pairings:
Rhubarb pairs beautifully with naturally sweet fruits like strawberries, as well as spices such as ginger and cinnamon.
It works well in both sweet and savoury dishes, lending brightness to sauces and compotes.
Rhubarb and Strawberry Tart
A delightful pastry dish featuring a buttery tart shell filled with a mixture of tender rhubarb and sweet strawberries, baked to perfection for a lovely spring dessert.
Interesting Fact:
Rhubarb has been used in cooking for centuries and is often referred to as the “pie plant” due to its prominence in creating traditional pies and desserts
Best International Fruits in Season in May
In addition to the delightful British fruits available this month, several international varieties can add excitement and diversity to your menus.
Mango
Mangoes are known for their sweet, juicy, and tropical flavour, which makes them a standout fruit. Their smooth, buttery texture contributes to their appeal in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Culinary Pairings:
Mango pairs wonderfully with coconut, lime, and spicy elements like chili. It is excellent in salads, salsas, desserts, and in conjunction with grilled meats or seafood.
Mango Salsa
A vibrant salsa combining diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and chili, perfect for topping grilled fish or chicken.
Interesting Fact:
Mangoes are often referred to as the “king of fruits” and have been cultivated for over 4,000 years, with many varieties available to explore.
Pineapple
Pineapples offer a refreshing combination of sweetness and acidity, with juicy, fibrous flesh that complements a variety of dishes. Their tropical flavour makes them a favourite in both sweet and savoury culinary applications.
Culinary Pairings:
Pineapple pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, and tropical flavours like coconut. They work beautifully in salads, smoothies, and desserts, adding a burst of freshness.
Grilled Pineapple with Honey Lime Glaze
A simple yet elegant dessert featuring grilled pineapple rings brushed with a honey lime reduction, ideal for serving over vanilla ice cream.
Interesting Fact:
Pineapples can take up to two years to grow before they produce fruit. The effort put into cultivating them is well rewarded in flavour!
The British seasonal fruits in May provide chefs with an array of fresh, vibrant ingredients to incorporate into their dishes. From the sweetness of strawberries and cherries to the tartness of gooseberries and currants, these fruits not only enhance the flavour profile of meals but also bring a visual appeal to your presentations.
At Four Seasons Fruiterers, we are dedicated to providing the freshest, highest-quality produce to inspire your culinary creations. For more information and to explore our complete range of seasonal offerings, please get in touch.
Celebrate the flavours of British seasonal fruits in May and create delightful, memorable dining experiences that showcase the best of British produce!
If you have enjoyed this update on seasonal British fruit in May, see our veg and salad leaves update here.
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