Not so long ago – before long-distance freight became a thing – eating seasonally was the norm, and it has seen a resurgence in recent years. Eating seasonally helps to reduce the environmental footprint of your food, using less energy (and associated CO2 emissions) to grow and transport produce. It also helps to supports the local economy and, as seasonal fruit and vegetables are picked at their natural taste and nutritional peak, quite often tastes better too.
If you want to embrace more seasonal eating in 2019 but are not sure where to start, an organic fruit and vegetable box delivery such as Abel and Cole and Riverford Organic Farmers could be the answer. Every week (or fortnight), a selection of seasonal fruit and veggies will be delivered to your front door – providing you with organic produce from local farmers. Then all you need to do is get creative in the kitchen devising what to cook with them.
Whatever your personal food preference, whether you’re trying out more plant-based cooking or looking to embrace more local, seasonal food, January is the perfect time for dining on the following:
SEASONAL FRUITS: apples, blood oranges, clementines, lemons, pears, pomegranates, forced rhubarb
SEASONAL VEGETABLES: Beetroot, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celeriac, celery, chicory, jerusalem artichokes, kale, leeks, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, spring onions, squash, swedes, turnips
For more tips, see our food inspiration and seasonal recipes.