Eat the Rainbow in May: seasonal food for Optimal Health
Does that look like a regular flower to you? Don't be so sure. Behold Nasturtium: the flower blooming in May, that will end up on your plate. This innocent little plant is the culinary embodiment of Spring: bright, sweet, peppery and full of vigour.
This May, collect a rainbow of colours on your plate for boosting your health, mood and wellbeing.What’s in season in May in the UK?
May Greens:
- Chervil: similar to flat leaf parsley but with a finer stem and leaf, treat chervil like a salad leaf rather than a herb. This way, you’ll pack in almost all essential minerals and a load of your daily vitamin requirements in one go.
- Asparagus: if the warming temperatures don't suffice, the vitamin B6 and folate naturally present in this tasty veg can help lift your mood (as they do in greater quantity in Power Up - Ultimate Brain Fuel).
- Lamb’s lettuce, or mache, is a powerhouse compared to iceberg lettuce. A wonderful source of vitamin A, C and iron, pick up some lamb’s lettuce as soon as you see it pop up in your local store or market.
- Mint is known for its benefits on the digestive system. By relaxing muscles in the digestive tract, the natural menthol contained in mint can even alleviate IBS symptoms. There are also suggestions that peppermint oil could promote feelings of alertness and improve brain function.
- Peas: fresh peas are at their peak in the UK from May to November. Great source of antioxidants, peas deserve better than to be boiled into a mash. Try lightly steaming and serving with a dab of organic butter or cold-pressed hemp seed oil
May Rainbow Colours:
Delicious spring fruits are coming into season. Tart, sweet, juicy, it’s time to gorge on some luscious summery flavours. Hit your local market in May and watch out for:- Gooseberries
- Blackcurrants
- Strawberries
- Apricots (imported)
- Nectarines (imported)
Eat the Rainbow: 3 easy recipes to make this May
Nasturtium Pesto We like this Martha Stewart number because any recipe involving a whole cup of extra virgin olive oil is guaranteed to taste delicious. And we LOVE this recipe for using the flowers as edible decoration. Asparagus with Feta and Chervil Tasty, simple, healthy, and did we mention tasty?
Pearled Spelt Salad with Peas & Gooseberries
The choice of grain is yours – though we do love the flavour and consistency of ancient spelt. Fresh local peas and gooseberries turn this into a fine and nutritious week time meal.