Heading into the middle of autumn we notice the weather cool (brrrrrr, those chilly mornings!), while still hoping for sunny days. Our appetites change, as we seek out heartier dishes. As well as those which celebrate our seasonal best. Here’s a round-up of some of the fruits and vegetables in-season in Australia in May. You’ll find recipe ideas for some of them below.
VEGETABLES
Beetroot
Cabbage
Capsicum
Chinese greens
Fennel
Leek
Okra
Parsnip
Potato
Silverbeet
Spinach
FRUIT
Banana
Custard apple
Kiwifruit
Nashi pear
Persimmon
Rambutan
01
spinach
SPINACH & SILVERBEET
Whether it’s packed in a lasagne or stuffed in puff pastry triangles or in a gozleme (pictured), spinach and silverbeet are a great addition to any dinner. Spinach is in abundance in May and is super easy to cook, so try our creamed spinach on cooler days or our hearty spinach lasagne as a quick weeknight dinner. Don’t forget the squeeze of lemon when making our spinach and fetta gozleme.
For something hearty as the weather cools, try this slow cooker silverbeet dhal.
02
Pumpkin
PUMPKIN
There are lots of delicious ways to cook with pumpkin. Like in this roasted pumpkin risotto (pictured). The little ones will love our moreish pumpkin fritters- they’re a great way of using up any leftover pumpkin and are an easy after-school snack. This creamy pumpkin soup with a hint of chai spices has an added walnut crunch. Serve for lunch or dinner. Having guests over? Consider this roasted pumpkin tabbouleh as a side.
03
Broccoli
BROCCOLI
This nutritious vegetable is delicious steamed, baked, fried and more! Our easy broccoli rice is great for whipping up after a busy day and can be eaten alongside chicken wings (pictured) or stir-fried chicken. Try our broccoli and cauliflower cannelloni the next time you’re entertaining a big crowd. Or if you have a few guests popping over, we’re sure they’re going to love this broccoli au gratin.
04
Mushrooms
MUSHROOMS
They come in all shapes and sizes and are a source of vitamin D and iron. Try this free form mushroom and cheese pie or our tasty mushroom stroganoff. Or keep it simple with this mushroom quiche. And when you’re thinking of what soups to make, try our classic, creamy mushroom soup!
05
Brussels
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Contrary to what many believe, brussels sprouts are far from boring! They’re rich in fibre, vitamin C and vitamin K and are in abundance in May. Try them fried with a blue cheese sauce (pictured). If you’re hoping to convert the little ones, try making this simple pasta salad with brussels sprouts for dinner, or this pork cutlets with bacon and brussels sprouts and peas recipe. Keep our [glazed parsnips and brussels sprouts recipe](https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/glazed-parsnips-and-brussels-sprouts- 23939|target=”_blank”|rel=”nofollow”) bookmarked for when the colder weather arrives!
06
Pomegranate
POMEGRANATE Get those little seeds out of the fruit and they are yours for the eating…or adding to recipes. Sprinkle some over this Moroccan lamb salad (pictured) for a burst of freshness. Or try these sticky pomegranate chicken wings. Or go down a sweet route. These pomegranate and strawberry custard tarts are easy to make. Or try these elegant rhubarb, pear and pomegranate custard tea cakes. Serve them warm with cream.
07
lemon
LEMON
The trusty lemon can take an ordinary dessert to the next level! Drizzle it on a cake as a syrup or glaze (such as the lemon curd cake pictured), or whip it into a slice. Add one of our easy lemon teacakes to your repertoire, or try our lemon delicious for dessert tonight. Next time you’re popping over to see friends and family, take this Greek yoghurt lemon cake with lemon syrup with you – it’s sure to impress.
Want more inspiration? Find our collection of 35 lemon cake recipe here.
08
Apple
APPLE
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so ensure you get your daily apple intake with one of these sweet apple recipes! One of the best ways to devour apples is when they’re stewed and, in a dessert, so try this warming apple and almond cobbler or our classic apple strudel. And when it gets colder, try our apple semolina in the morning – it’s a great way to start the day.
09
Kiwi
KIWIFRUIT
Whether it’s green or golden, kiwifruit is a sweet and tangy addition to sweet or savoury dishes. Our kiwifruit and mint frappes are a light and tasty treat that’s great for celebrations. The next time you’re whipping up a cheesecake, try our green and gold kiwifruit cheesecake that celebrates the tangy fruit. Or, if you’re looking for something to surprise the kids with, try our kiwifruit and basil sherbet – it’s a real treat!
10
Banana
BANANA
Trust us when we say that the humble banana can do so much more than we think! Our favourite banana cake recipe is the perfect tea companion, and this simple, yet decadent, banana walnut bread is great for sharing at afternoon teatime. The kids are going to love our banana custard – it’s smooth, creamy, and sweet! Or try this caramel banana tart (pictured), it’s a quick one to throw together.
