At Make Your Health A Priority we get a lot of questions about how to eat well on a budget. One of the top tips is eating in season and if possible purchasing food at a farmers market. Since it is May 1st we wanted to share some of the foods to focus on and were ecstatic to find Seasonal Food Guide a website that allows you to learn about what foods are in season in your state for that month early on or later in the month. Or you can search by your desired produce to see when it is in season.

How exactly does this help you save money? Foods that are in season, tend to be less expensive. In Southern California during the summer you can find organic mangos for $.99 however in the colder months they can be $3-$4. Additionally when you eat in season the foods are more nutrient dense and taste way better so you are getting more bang for your buck.

We love this guide because it is specific to your region. In the US one state can be 80 degrees while another is still having snowfall, and some foods just grow better in specific climates. This can also help you discover which foods are local to you, which will reduce your carbon footprint.

This site may even help you learn about new foods to try (like cardoons)! Did you know on average we eat the same 20 foods our entire lives?! Depending on the source it is said there are 20,000 – 80,000 edible plants on earth; either way, you have many options so why stick to just a few? Plus rotating the foods you eat on a regular basis can help you avoid food sensitivities.

In California the following foods are in season for early May:

  • Fiddleheads (which have a very short season)
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Peaches
  • Radishes
  • Kohlrabi
  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Eggplant
  • Kiwi
  • Horseradish

After checking out a few regions, the following foods are in season in most climates in the US in early May:

  • Asparagus
  • Arugula
  • Collard Greens
  • Mushrooms
  • Endive
  • Radishes
  • Fiddleheads
  • Lettuce
  • Sprouts

Do you eat in season? Tell us below! Try the Seasonal Food Guide database to tell us what is in season for you right now!