Seasonal Fruit & Veg in Malta (May Guide)

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Seasonal Fruit & Veg in Malta (May Guide)

🌿 Seasonal Fruit & Veg in Malta (May Guide)

If you’re living in or visiting Malta in May, you’re in for a treat—this is one of the most vibrant times of year for fresh, local produce. Spring is in full swing, the weather is warming up, and Maltese fields are bursting with colour, flavour, and variety.

Eating seasonally here isn’t just about taste—it’s also about supporting local farmers, getting the best nutritional value, and enjoying food the way it’s meant to be eaten.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s in season right now in Malta.

strawberry farms

Fruits in Season (May)

🍓 Strawberries (Frawli)

May is peak strawberry season in Malta. You’ll find them:

  • Sweet, juicy, and deeply red
  • Often sold fresh at village markets and roadside stands
  • Used in desserts, jams, or simply eaten fresh

👉 Tip: Look for strawberries grown in Mġarr or nearby farming areas—they’re some of the best on the island.

 

🍑 Loquats (Nespoli)

One of Malta’s most underrated fruits!

  • Small, orange, and slightly tangy-sweet
  • Available for a short season in spring
  • Great for snacking or making preserves

 

🍋 Citrus (Late Season)

While winter is peak citrus time, you may still find:

  • Lemons
  • Oranges
  • Grapefruit

These are nearing the end of their season but still widely used in cooking and drinks.

Vegetables in Season

🥒 Marrows & Courgettes (Zucchini)

A staple of Maltese cooking in spring:

  • Tender and mild in flavour
  • Perfect for grilling, stuffing, or adding to pasta

 

🍆 Early Aubergines (Brunġiel)

  • Just starting to come into season
  • Used in classic dishes like brunġiel mimli (stuffed aubergines)

 

🍅 Tomatoes (Bajtar aħmar)

While peak tomato season is summer, early varieties begin appearing:

  • Juicier and more flavourful than supermarket imports
  • Ideal for salads or simple Maltese dishes like ħobż biż-żejt

 

🧄 Onions & Garlic

  • Fresh onions (spring onions especially) are abundant
  • Local garlic is harvested and widely used

 

🥬 Leafy Greens

Spring is excellent for greens in Malta:

  • Spinach (Spinaċi)
  • Swiss chard (Bqiela)
  • Lettuce varieties

These are:

  • Fresh, crisp, and less bitter than winter greens
  • Common in soups, pies (like torta tal-irkotta), and salads

 

🥔 Broad Beans (Ful)

A Maltese favourite in spring:

  • Often eaten raw with salt and pepper
  • Also used in stews or traditional dishes

 

🌿 Fresh Herbs

May is perfect for aromatic herbs:

  • Parsley
  • Mint
  • Basil (beginning to flourish)
  • Coriander

These herbs thrive in Malta’s climate and elevate even the simplest dishes.

malta fruit market

🧺 Where to Find Seasonal Produce

To fully enjoy what’s in season:

  • Visit local farmers’ markets (like Ta’ Qali Farmers’ Market)
  • Buy from roadside vendors (“tal-bdiewa”)
  • Look for “Prodott Malti” labels in supermarkets

Fresh, local produce will always taste better than imported alternatives.

 

🥗 Simple Seasonal Dish Idea

Spring Maltese Salad

  • Fresh tomatoes
  • Strawberries (for sweetness!)
  • Mint and basil
  • Local olive oil
  • A squeeze of lemon

Light, refreshing, and perfectly suited for May weather.