What’s in Season? Eat Fresh & Local in Greaer Des Moines: May Edition

Eat Local: Seasonal Foods in Des Moines This May

Strawberries
Local strawberry season typically begins in late May and carries into June, with you-pick experiences and seasonal desserts popping up across DSM.

Asparagus
One of Iowa’s classic spring vegetables, asparagus is at its peak in May and shows up everywhere from farmers’ markets to seasonal brunch menus.

Rhubarb
Tart, nostalgic and made for pie season. Rhubarb is one of the first major spring harvests in Iowa and a staple in seasonal desserts and jams.

Spring Greens + Radishes
Arugula, lettuces, radishes and other crisp greens thrive in cooler spring temperatures and are making their way onto seasonal menus throughout DSM.

Morel Mushrooms
A favorite among Iowa foragers, morel mushroom season usually peaks in May and adds earthy spring flavor to local dishes.

Matcha + Spring Flavors
Spring menus also mean bright seasonal drinks and desserts, with matcha, berry and citrus flavors appearing across local coffee shops and restaurants.

Visit in May: You-Pick Farms Near Des Moines

Center Grove Orchard

Cambridge | 32835 610th Ave.
Strawberry season is almost here at Center Grove Orchard. You-pick strawberries are expected to arrive in late May or early June depending on crop readiness, giving visitors a chance to head straight to the fields for fresh-picked berries. While you wait for strawberry season, the orchard’s spring events and farm experiences are already underway.
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Upstream Gardens & Orchards

Altoona | 3488 NE 54th Ave.
This seasonal farm specializes in fresh produce and pick-your-own experiences throughout the growing season. In May, shoppers can already find rhubarb and asparagus, with strawberries expected to arrive later in the month or early June. The relaxed, no-frills farm setting makes it an easy seasonal stop for fresh produce straight from the source.
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Wilson’s Orchard & Farm

Des Moines | 3207 82nd St.
Strawberry season is on the horizon at Wilson’s, where you-pick berries are expected to begin in June. In the meantime, visitors can sip on Mixed Berry Hard Cider or grab brunch and dinner at the Ciderhouse, where spring ingredients like dandelion greens, spring onions and local lettuces are already showing up across the menu.
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Grade A Gardens

Earlham | 34802 I Ave.
Dinner on the Farm returns to Grade A Gardens on Sunday, May 31, 2026, with a seasonal dinner experience featuring Chef Ian Robertson and the team from Oak Park. The evening will highlight fresh spring produce grown on the farm alongside thoughtfully prepared seasonal dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting. Guests can arrive at 4:30 p.m. for a laid-back evening of local food, good company and beautiful Iowa scenery.
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Where to Find Seasonal Drinks in Des Moines

Good Day DSM

Ankeny | 1450 SW Vintage Pkwy.
Located in The District at Prairie Trail, Good Day DSM is leaning into spring with drinks like the Coconut Matcha Latte and Strawberry Milk. The local café and bakery is also known for its colorful French macarons, making it an easy stop for a seasonal coffee break or sweet treat.
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Lightbrite Coffee Roasters

Grimes | 2811 SE Grimes Blvd.
Spring flavors are showing up on the menu at Lightbrite with drinks like the Sparkling Matcha. The Grimes coffee shop focuses on creating bright, approachable coffee experiences with seasonal drinks that feel especially fitting for warmer weather.
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Petite Cafe

Winterset | 68 E Court Ave.
Tropical spring sips have arrived at Petite Cafe with the Matcha Colada, made with matcha, pineapple, coconut syrup, coconut milk and sweet vanilla cold foam. The refreshing drink feels especially fitting for warmer days and patio season.
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Somewhere in the Middle Coffee Shop

Bondurant | 57 Paine St. SE
Somewhere in the Middle Coffee Shop’s menu is full of spring vibes, with drinks like the Strawberries & Cream Frappe. It’s a cozy stop for berry-inspired sips that fully lean into strawberry season.
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Gezellig Brewing Company

Newton | 403 W 4th St. N
Spring flavors meet Tulip Time with Gezellig Brewing’s Tulip Bier Wheat Ale, brewed using locally grown tulip petals from nearby Nunnikhoven Farm. The brewery also regularly features fruity sours and rotating small-batch flavors that pair perfectly with warmer weather and afternoons on the patio.
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Find Seasonal Desserts in Des Moines This May

Pie Bird Pies

Des Moines | Pickup Locations at Storyhouse Bookpub + Des Moines Mercantile
Rhubarb flavors are in full swing at Pie Bird Pies, where locally sourced rhubarb pies are available throughout May and June. Made with produce from The Garden Groomer, the seasonal pies are available for pickup at Storyhouse Bookpub and Des Moines Mercantile. The next ordering window opens at Noon on Sunday, May 24, with pickup available Friday, May 29.
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Picket Fence Creamery

Woodward | 69582 330th St.
Spring favorites are filling the shelves at Picket Fence Creamery with rhubarb and strawberry-rhubarb pies, locally made jams and ice cream varieties including strawberry, very berry, lemon and key lime pie.
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Iowa Orchard Farm Market

Urbandale | 9875 Meredith Dr.
Rhubarb pie and strawberry-rhubarb pie are helping kick off spring flavor season at Iowa Orchard Farm Market. Shoppers can also browse local preserves, honey and seasonal products while waiting for summer produce to arrive.
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Restaurants with Seasonal Menus in Des Moines

JC Craft & Co.

Machine Shed Restaurant

Urbandale | 11151 Hickman Rd.
Known for comfort food made with locally sourced Midwestern ingredients, Machine Shed Restaurant is offering seasonal fruit crisp served warm in a cast iron skillet with vanilla ice cream. This is the kind of dessert that feels especially fitting for spring in Iowa.
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Prairie Canary

Grinnell | 924 Main St.
Seasonal ingredients take center stage at Prairie Canary, where the menu regularly highlights fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients. Spring and early summer flavors are showing up in dishes like the Burrata Salad, Canary Salad and Wildberry Shortcake, making it a great stop for a meal that just feels like spring.
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Farmers Markets + Local Shopping in DSM

Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market

Iowa Food Cooperative

Des Moines | Online Farmers Market Pickup Location
This year-round, online farmers market connects shoppers with more than 75 Iowa producers offering seasonal produce, mushrooms, herbs, greens and locally made products.
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Hy-Vee Homegrown Program

Various Hy-Vee Locations Across DSM
Keep an eye out for the Hy-Vee Homegrown label while grocery shopping. The program highlights produce sourced from Midwest farms, helping shoppers find local fruits and vegetables close to home.
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Seasonal eating in DSM changes month to month, which means there’s always something new to discover. Check back next month for more local flavors, fresh finds and seasonal foodie experiences across Greater Des Moines (DSM).

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