What's in season in May

Fruit

Winter fruit is all about apples and oranges (and other citrus) – and word is there is not a bad apple available. There is a plethora of varieties, red and green, and in the Illawarra our own Glenbernie Orchard has Gala, Fuji, Julie, Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples. While Glenbernie’s 'pick your own' experiences are finished for the season, you can still visit the farm shop seven days a week. Flame Tree Co-op at Thirroul is also a stockist.

The much-awaited transition from Valencia to navel oranges happens this month with navels available for much of the rest of the year. Other citrus – including blood and cara cara oranges, tangelos and mandarins – will be available towards the end of May. Look for ruby grapefruit through winter as well. For the marmalade fans, try this ruby grapefruit marmalade with an adult kick.

Packham, Williams and Beurre Bosc pears are plentiful. Pineapples, dragonfruit and persimmon are available, as are Hass avocados. Local (Central Coast) kiwi fruit is not having a good season. Grapes are on the way out and berries are expensive.

Vegetables

Winter is a great time for veggies, including broccoli, cauliflower, kale and the comeback king Brussels sprouts. To make Brussels sprouts the hero of your meal, try this crispy parmesan roasted Brussels sprout recipe.

All the root veggies are available to fill your soup needs, as are pumpkins and leeks.

Cucumbers, salad mixes and lettuce are all available. Zucchinis and eggplant are good too.

Find out what’s in season locally from Green Connect farm, and what’s going in their boxes here.