Harvest of the Month

Hey, it's May! It's time to start promoting the May monthly themes. May is National Bike Month. Biking is a wonderful way to be active and to include the whole family in some outdoor pedaling fun. It also helps the environment by lowering air pollution and traffic. Check out the tips below for more information about biking and making better beverage choices. Using EatFresh.org, you can also find great recipes using May’s harvest of the month, berries and cucumbers.

May themes

• Nutrition: make better beverage choices
• Harvest of the month: berries and cucumbers
• Physical activity: biking

Make better beverage choices

What you drink is as important as what you eat. Many beverages contain added sugars and offer little or no nutrients, while others may provide nutrients but too much fat and too many calories.

Here are some tips on ways to make better beverage choices:

• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
• Choose low-fat or fat-free milk or milk alternatives.
• Make sure to have water on the go by using a reusable bottle.
• Check the nutrition facts label on your favorite beverages to rethink your drink.

Additional resources:

• Make better beverage choices
• Rethink your drink
• What's your beverage breakdown?

Harvest of the Month: berries and cucumbers

Berries
A half-cup of berries – like blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries – is a good source of vitamin C and fiber. Berries are not just for breakfast. Try them in a fruit salad at any meal or snack.  

Featured recipe
To change the recipe's language, please visit EatFresh.org and type the recipe name into the search bar. Click the globe icon at the top right corner and select your desired language.

• Mixed berry crisp – Try this recipe for your next breakfast, snack, or dessert!

Additional berry facts and recipes:

• Discover foods - berries 
• EatFresh.org - berries
• Season produce guide – what’s in season? strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries

Cucumbers
A ½ cup of cucumbers is a good source of vitamin K and vitamin A, which helps our bodies heal quickly and helps our eyes. Cucumbers are over 90 percent water which keeps us hydrated.  

Featured recipes
To change the recipe's language, please visit EatFresh.org and type the recipe name into the search bar. Click the globe icon at the top right corner and select your desired language.

• Tuna boats – Using cucumbers instead of bread or crackers makes this meal refreshing and a great choice for warmer months.

Additional cucumber facts and recipes:

• Discover foods – cucumbers  
• EatFresh.org -cucumbers
• Season produce guide – cucumbers

Energize your body with biking

Biking is a form of aerobic physical activity, which can help to increase your chances of living longer, decrease your risk of many serious health problems, maintain or get to a healthy weight, and decrease your chances of becoming depressed. It also strengthens bones, muscles, and joints; reduces arthritis and disability; improves mental health and mood; and prevents falls in older adults. Biking isn't just a great way to get physical activity. It can also be used as a form of transportation and helps reduce air pollution. It's also a lot of fun! Adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Children and teens need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

Here are some tips for getting started with biking:

• Use your bike for fun and as a form of transportation.
• Always wear a helmet and bright clothing.
• Be sure your bike is in good working condition by checking tires, brakes, chain, and other moving parts.
• Bike with a friend or family member around your neighborhood or local trail.

Additional resources: 

• Bike to Wherever Days - May 2025
• Santa Clara County Parks
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
• California Bicycle Coalition