Fava Beans, Pecorino, Cherries… Spring Flavors to Savor in Tuscany

May is a generous month: nature is in full bloom, colors are vibrant, and the air is filled with the scent of freshly cut grass and wildflowers. It’s the perfect time to slow down, enjoy a picnic among olive trees, or take a trip through charming villages, while tasting some of the best seasonal products the land has to offer.

In Tuscany, May tastes like freshly picked fava beans, pecorino cheese, and the first ripe cherries. An invitation to travel with your palate, discovering springtime flavors and traditions.

Fava beans and pecorino: simple and irresistible

A true Tuscan classic. Fava beans are shelled by hand, pecorino is diced, everything is seasoned with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper… and lunch is served. A beloved pairing, especially during outdoor snacks and picnics, perhaps accompanied by rustic bread and a glass of red wine.

At the farmers’ markets in Lucca, Pisa, Pistoia, and the nearby villages, you’ll find stalls brimming with just-harvested fava beans and fresh pecorino in various stages of aging, all made by small hilltop farms. It’s also a great opportunity to discover local hospitality: many farms offer direct sales of their cheeses and vegetables, or even tastings under the pergola.

Lari’s red queens

You can’t talk about May without mentioning Lari’s cherries: small, sweet, and intensely red. At the end of the month - as we mentioned in our last article - the charming village near Pisa comes alive with the traditional Cherry Festival, taking place May 24–25 and May 31–June 1–2, 2025. But even before the official celebration, the air smells of cherries and local fruit vendors begin displaying the first baskets of native varieties, carefully picked and packed.

It’s the kind of fruit you’ll want to savor slowly, perhaps while strolling through the village streets or admiring the rolling hills around it.

A month to experience at the table (and beyond)

If you love to travel through taste, May is the perfect time to come to Tuscany. The landscapes are lush, the days are longer, and every village seems to awaken with new energy. Between picnics, farmers’ markets, village fairs, and outdoor lunches, this is truly a special time to enjoy the region in an authentic and relaxed way.