Things are heating up across New Mexico this May, as we see school come to a close, summer travel plans begin to blossom, and farmers’ markets across the state begin to open. It’s the perfect time to develop a new habit of shopping for fresh seasonal food from your New Mexico farmers’ market. Three fresh ingredients you should have on your radar this May include peas, asparagus, and rhubarb!
Snap peas are a fresh treat, perfect for snacking or adding to salads.
Peas are the perfect addition to any salad this month. They can add a pop of color, a gentle sweetness, and some surprising nutritional benefits. Green peas are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients like vitamin K, manganese, and folate. They also contain antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health—especially important when you’re spending more time outdoors in our bright New Mexico sun.
If you’re wondering how to make the most of fresh peas this May, look no further than these two flavorful and easy recipes from our collection. The Vegetable Paella is a colorful, satisfying dish that pairs sweet peas with a medley of other seasonal veggies and warming spices—perfect for a weekend dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. For something lighter and ultra-springy, try Braised Peas with Spring Onions and Lettuce. This gentle, French-inspired side dish is subtly sweet and savory, highlighting just how tender and vibrant peas can be when cooked simply. Both recipes are a great reason to swing by your local market and bring home a bundle of fresh green peas while they’re in season.
Spring onions and asparagus taste delicious together, and can frequently be found side-by-side at farmers’ markets.
Asparagus is one of those versatile spring veggies that inspires creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re roasting it with garlic, shaving it raw into a salad, or even pickling it for a crisp snack, asparagus always brings something fresh to the table. When shopping at your local market, keep your eyes peeled for rarer varieties like purple or even white asparagus, which tend to have a slightly sweeter flavor. Nutritionally, asparagus is high in folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and a good source of fiber. It’s also known for supporting healthy digestion thanks to its prebiotic content.
If asparagus is on your market list this May (and it should be!), you’ve got some excellent options for putting it to use. This Asparagus and Radish Salad is a crisp, refreshing way to celebrate spring produce—perfect for lunch on the patio or a light starter for dinner. For something a little more elegant but still simple to prepare, try Asparagus with Vinaigrette and Pecans. The vinaigrette brightens the dish while the pecans add a lovely New Mexican crunch. And if you’re craving a cozy one-pan meal, the Creamy Asparagus and Spring Onions with Chicken brings comfort and freshness together with rich flavor and local spring veggies. These recipes make it easy to keep your meals seasonal and satisfying.
Rhubarb may not be the first thing you think you’ll find at a New Mexico farmers’ market, but its abundance will surprise you.
And nothing welcomes in the hot summer months quite like a fresh dessert served chilled and starring rhubarb. Often paired with strawberries, this tart and tangy stalk shines in compotes, pies, or even savory chutneys. Rhubarb is low in calories but rich in vitamin K1, which supports bone health and blood clotting. It also contains antioxidants like anthocyanins and polyphenols that help fight inflammation.
When the weather warms up and rhubarb starts showing up at the farmers’ market, it’s time to think beyond pie. The Rhubarb and Strawberry Compote with Fresh Mint is a bright and versatile topping that’s as at home on pancakes and yogurt as it is with grilled meats or baked goods. For an extra cool-down, try the Rhubarb Frozen Yogurt—a tangy-sweet, pink-hued dessert that’s perfect for sunny afternoons and easy to make at home. Both recipes bring out rhubarb’s natural zing and are a sweet way to celebrate its short spring season.
Whether you’re new to the market scene or a seasoned shopper, May is an exciting time to explore the abundance of local flavor. Ask your growers what’s just come in and don’t be afraid to try something new—like tossing fresh peas into a pasta dish or adding a rhubarb swirl to your yogurt bowl. You never know what seasonal favorite might become your new staple. Find your nearest New Mexico farmers’ market today.
