May Seasonal Produce Guide: Fresh Flavors to Juice This Month

Welcome to May, when spring is in full swing and farmers’ markets overflow with vibrant fruits and crisp greens. Juicing with seasonal produce not only ensures peak flavor and nutrition, but also helps you support local growers and reduce your carbon footprint. In this post, we’ll dive into 13 of May’s star ingredients—explore their health benefits, recipe ideas, storage tips, and suggested juice blends to keep you energized all month long!

1. Strawberries

Why we love them: Sweet, juicy, and packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, strawberries support immune health and collagen production.

Juice tip: Blend strawberries with lemon and a touch of mint for a refreshing detox “spa” juice.

2. Blueberries

Why we love them: These little powerhouses are rich in anthocyanins, which may help fight inflammation and improve brain function.

Juice tip: Combine blueberries, cucumber, and a splash of apple juice for a subtly sweet, hydrating blend.

3. Cherries

Why we love them: Tart cherries contain melatonin and anti-inflammatory compounds—perfect for post-workout recovery and better sleep.

Juice tip: Juice cherries with celery and a knob of ginger for a zingy, muscle-soothing elixir.

4. Grapes

Why we love them: Grapes are high in resveratrol, a heart-healthy antioxidant linked to healthy aging.

Juice tip: Mix red or purple grapes with spinach and cucumber for a vibrant, nutrient-dense green juice.

5. Mango

Why we love them: Creamy and tropical, mangoes provide vitamin A and digestive enzymes like amylase.

Juice tip: Puree mango with papaya and a squeeze of lime for a tropical “digestive aid” smoothie (blend rather than juice for fiber).

6. Papaya

Why we love them: Papaya’s papain enzyme supports healthy digestion and reduces bloating.

Juice tip: Juice papaya with carrot and orange for a bright, beta-carotene–rich morning boost.

7. Apricot

Why we love them: Apricots are loaded with vitamin A, potassium, and fiber—great for vision and electrolyte balance.

Juice tip: Blend apricot with pineapple and mint for a sweet-tart refresher (blending preserves fiber).

8. Lemon

Why we love them: A squeeze of lemon wakes up any juice with its tangy vitamin C punch and natural detox properties.

Juice tip: Add lemon to virtually any green or fruit juice to brighten flavors and support alkalinity.

9. Celery

Why we love them: Celery juice has gained fame for its hydrating and gut-soothing properties, along with vitamins K and C.

Juice tip: Go classic with straight celery juice in the morning, or spice it up with a dash of cayenne and lime.

10. Cucumber

Why we love them: Over 95% water, cucumbers deliver refreshing hydration plus silica for skin health.

Juice tip: Mix cucumber with watermelon (late May) and basil for a thirst-quenching cooler.

11. Spinach & Swiss Chard

Why we love them: Dark leafy greens are nutritional dynamos—rich in iron, calcium, vitamin K, and antioxidants.

Juice tip: Blend spinach and swiss chard with green apple and lemon for a green juice that’s mild, sweet, and nutrient-packed.

12. Radish

Why we love them: Radishes add a peppery kick and supply vitamin C, potassium, and detox-supporting compounds.

Juice tip: Juice radish with carrot and apple for a sweet-spicy combination that’s great for digestion.

13. Pineapple

Why we love them: Bromelain in pineapple aids digestion and reduces inflammation—plus, it tastes like sunshine in a glass.

Juice tip: Combine pineapple, mint, and coconut water (or celery) for a tropical-style recovery juice.

May Juice Recipe Ideas

Spring Green Glow: 4 stalks celery + 1 cucumber + 2 handfuls spinach + ½ lemon Berry Antioxidant Blast: 1 cup strawberries + ½ cup blueberries + ½ cucumber + splash of apple juice Tropical Digestive Aid: 1 mango + ½ papaya + ½ lemon + small piece of ginger (blend) Cherry Recovery Elixir: 1 cup cherries + 2 stalks celery + 1 carrot + dash of cayenne

Storage & Prep Tips

Leafy greens & herbs: Wash, spin dry, and wrap in paper towels inside a sealed container to stay crisp 3–5 days. Berries & cherries: Store unwashed in a single layer on paper towels; wash just before use. Melons & tropical fruits: Keep whole at room temperature until ripe; refrigerate after cutting in airtight containers. Citrus: Store lemons on the counter for up to a week or in the fridge for 2–3 weeks.

Why Juice Seasonally?

Flavor & Freshness: Peak-season produce tastes sweeter, tangier, and more vibrant. Nutrition: Fruits and veggies allowed to ripen naturally develop higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants. Support Local: Buying seasonal from farmers’ markets or CSA programs helps small growers thrive. Sustainability: Seasonal eating reduces food miles and environmental impact.

Ready to Sip the Best of May?

Here’s to spring in a glass—cheers to your health!