2 minute read
Seasonal fare
Using in-season ingredients ticks a lot of boxes, for you and your customers. We take a look at what’s at its best right now and into autumn
Blackberries
Super-healthy and high in fibre, among many other great nutrients, blackberries are one of late summer’s joys. Who hasn’t picked and eaten them straight from the bush? They don’t last long though once picked, only a couple of days, so use them all up straightaway or freeze them.
USE IN…
• muffins • scones • a classic crumble • a salad with spinach, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, spring onions and chopped walnuts • bakewell tart
GO WELL WITH…
• apple • almonds • goat’s cheese • beef • white chocolate
FUN FACT! A BLACKBERRY ISN’T A SINGLE FRUIT – EACH OF ITS BOBBLES CONTAINS A SEED
Plums
These juicy fruits may well be one of the most ancient fruits. Their colour ranges from yellow to green to pink and deep purple, with a flavour ranging from sweet to tart. They’re a good source of vitamins C and A and really easy to cook with.
USE IN…
• chutney • a salad with black pepper and parmesan • an open tart • a traybake with pork chops, halloumi and lemon • crumble cake
GO WELL WITH…
• honey • ginger • raspberries • chicken • pork
FUN FACT! PLUMS ARE GROWN ON EVERY CONTINENT EXCEPT ANTARCTICA
Tomatoes
With so many different types, shapes, sizes and colours to choose from, tomatoes really are essential to any kitchen. Use them raw or cooked in so many dishes, you’d be hard pushed to find a more versatile ingredient. And they’re cheap and easy to grow yourself.
USE IN…
• salsa • soup or gazpacho • pasta sauce • tart with bacon and egg • vegan curry with chickpeas and spinach
GO WELL WITH…
• basil • strawberries • Gruyère • raspberries • mozzarella
Fun fact! TOMATOES ARE A FRUIT AS THEY FORM FROM A FLOWER AND HAVE SEEDS INSIDE
Beetroot
Easily recognised with its gorgeous vibrant colour, beetroot brings dishes to life. This superfood is, quite literally, the root of the beet and can be eaten raw as well as cooked and prepared in many ways, including pureeing, smoking and pickling. It has an earthy, rich and sweet flavour, making it great in sweet and savoury dishes. It’s also a great alternative to meat.
USE IN…
• sorbet • hummus • brownies • slaw with carrot • juice with apple and ginger
GO WELL WITH…
• fish • feta • sweet potato • dark chocolate • halloumi
