May Vegetables 2026

It’s late spring and the perfect time to start thinking about “putting up” or canning vegetables to enjoy later in the year as treasured gifts or a secret personal stash. Even kids look forward to these prized jars from aunts, uncles, and grandparents. This is also the season for easy, fresh summer sides for gatherings and days off from cooking. Let Melissa’s help make them simple to prepare, nutritious, and full of flavor. Enjoy the lazy, hazy, busy days of summer!

NOW AVAILABLE! CROWN DILL
A true seasonal favorite, available for just a short six-week window. Crown dill features large, fragrant heads that deliver bold dill flavor and beautiful presentation. Use whole or snip into smaller bunches for pickling, salads, seafood, eggs, and more. Popular across Scandinavian, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, and American cuisines, it pairs well with garlic, peppers, citrus, and fresh herbs. Available now through early June. Product of USA.

PICKLING CUCUMBERS
Pickling cucumbers differ from standard varieties, with a shorter, chubbier shape, thinner skin, and smaller seeds. Melissa’s pickling cucumbers are unwaxed and average 4–6 inches long. Perfect for sweet or briny creations, customize your jars with herbs, chiles, and aromatics. Select firm cucumbers with no soft spots. Store unwashed and refrigerated up to 4 days. Do not freeze. Available year-round. Product of Mexico.

For safe canning practices, visit www.healthycanning.com/usda-complete-guide-home-canning/

POTATO LEEK SOUP KIT
Also known as Vichyssoise when served cold, this classic soup is easy to prepare and perfect year-round. Enjoy it warm or chilled, depending on the season. It can also be made ahead and frozen for busy nights. Simply add butter, milk, and broth. Bon Appétit! Available year-round. Product of USA and the Netherlands.

ORGANIC BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Once overlooked, Brussels sprouts are now a top-selling favorite. Versatile and flavorful, they can be enjoyed raw or cooked, sweet or savory. Select firm sprouts with no signs of decay. Store unwashed and refrigerated up to four days. Trim ends and halve larger sprouts for even cooking. Available year-round. Product of Mexico.

ORGANIC MURASAKI SWEET POTATOES
Named for their purple skin, these sweet potatoes have a pale-yellow flesh and a drier, starchier texture than traditional varieties. Ideal for hash browns, tempura, fries, or soups. Naturally sweet, they need little added sugar. Select firm, heavy potatoes and store them in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate raw. Available year-round. Product of USA, California-grown. USDA Certified Organic or CCOF Certified.

STEAMED LINE
Pulses and legumes are excellent sources of fiber and can form complete proteins when paired with grains, dairy, or nuts. Melissa’s Steamed Line offers ready-to-use beans and lentils—just open and enjoy. Perfect for quick meals, snacks, or entertaining. These items can also be frozen for later use. Available year-round. Products of France, Italy, and the Netherlands, with select USDA Certified Organic options.

KIMCHI (MILD OR HOT)
Kimchi, a traditional fermented vegetable dish, has become a staple across the U.S. Melissa’s offers ready-to-eat mild and hot varieties—no prep required. Enjoy it with eggs, tacos, grilled meat, or salads. For a unique twist, dehydrate and grind into a seasoning. A great source of fiber and probiotics, kimchi supports gut health. Keep refrigerated. Available year-round. Made in USA.

RED WALNUTS
If traditional walnuts taste too bitter, try Melissa’s Red Walnuts. This unique variety offers a beautiful red hue and a rich, buttery flavor with little to no bitterness. Use them in salads, baked goods, sauces, or as a snack. Once you try them, it’s hard to go back. Available year-round. Non-GMO, California-grown.