How to eat with the seasons
In the UK, we’re generally lucky enough to have access to pretty much any food we want, no matter the season, whether it’s strawberries in winter, juicy pineapples or creamy avocados. Delicious as they are, though, to be kinder to the planet it’s worth thinking about all the great fruit, veg and produce we can grow right here on British soil. Eating seasonally is easier than you might think - Eat the Seasons has a guide to what’s in season, plus recipes, and is updated weekly. If you’re in need of some inspiration, then look no further - here are some great ideas for seasonal springtime foods that can be grown right here in the UK.
Spring Greens
Did you know that one of the foods that gets wasted the most in the UK is bagged salad? That probably comes as no surprise - it’s so easy to pick up a pack, forget about it and then have to chuck it out when it turns to mulch in the bottom of the fridge. It’s often travelled quite a distance to make it onto our supermarket shelves, too. In March and April, spring greens are in season in the UK - pick them up instead. Why not try our recipe for chicken, pea and lemon risotto with a side of garlicky spring greens? They’re also great in salads - perfect for a take-to-work lunch.
Parsnips
Parsnips are another local hero - Parsnips are easy to grow, delicious in hearty soups and stews, and no roast dinner would be complete without them. Why not try some sticky, sweet honey-roasted carrots and parsnips alongside your Sutton Hoo roast chicken? Go one step further and find out how to grow your own here.
Chicory
Our Chicken Caesar Chicory Boats make an impressive dinner party canape or low-carb snack. Chicory has firm, crisp leaves that hold their shape well and make a refreshingly different addition to a salad. Chicory leaves are also delicious baked or griddled. Why not try something new and give chicory a go?
Leeks
Leeks are in season in March, and these vitamin-packed green veggies are a key component of our delicious chicken pie - chicken, leek and tarragon is a match made in heaven. Cheesy baked leeks are another great way to use them - and a surefire way to get kids to eat their greens is by smothering them in cheese!
Chillies
Spice and all things nice - chillies are in season in the UK in May, and they can be added to most recipes to give them a fresh dose of flavour and a little bit of a kick. You could try our recipe for Sutton Hoo Chicken Noodle Soup for a warming and surprisingly easy dinner, or a crowd-pleasing Chicken Kachin curry for dinner on a Friday or Saturday night.
These five suggestions are just a few of many delicious foods from our doorsteps! Check out last year’s spring cooking blog here for even more fabulous ideas.
