Let's Be Seasonal In France

What vegetables are in season in France in March through April?

Courgettes, tomatoes, melons, beans, peppers, broccoli and lettuce. Also, artichokes, beets, endive, cauliflower, parsnips, mushrooms, leeks, pineapples, turnips and sprouts!

What fruit is in season? Chestnuts, quince, figs, raspberries, blueberries, walnuts, vine peaches, pears, apples, plums and grapes.

What to plant? Beans, peas, corn, squash, pumpkin, cucumbers, watermelon and gourds!

Other jobs for late March, early April, include fertilising roses, pruning lavender, planting summer flowering bulbs such as gladioli and lilies as well as sowing hardy vegetables such as beetroot, carrots, leeks and peas direct into the ground.

Seasonal dishes to make this month! Leek and Potato Soup

3 Large leeks 3 Potatoes peeled Oil 1 Onion 1 Clove of garlic Vegetable Stock Fresh parsley to garnish Bouquet garni Salt & pepper for taste

Butternut Squash Curry

1 Medium butternut squash peeled, seeded and cubed 1 Red onion Oil 2 Table spoons or red curry paste Vegetable stock 4 Tomatoes chopped 1 Can of chickpeas Salt & pepper to taste 4 Tablespoons of Greek yoghurt 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander

Pickled Cucumbers

1kg Cucumber 2 - 3 Onions red or white 1 Tablespoon of dill (optional) 250g Sugar 1 level tablespoon of salt 200ml Cider vinegar

Courgette Fritters

3 Medium courgettes, roughly grated 2 Tablespoons of chopped parsley 2 Eggs, beaten 1/2 Cup flour or gluten free flour 1 Teaspoon of baking powder Salt & pepper to taste Cheese of your choice: Goats, brebis, emmental or cheddar Oil for frying

Chef Stu