We may still be in the thick of winter but there are plenty of delicious ingredients at their seasonal best to see you through the cold days. From nourishing vegetarian meals to rich meat dishes as well as sweet treats, we’ve got the perfect recipes for February. Find out what produce is great right now with this month’s guide.
Sections
Vegetables
Root vegetables like beetroot, swede, sweet potatoes, turnips and parsnips are still at their best, as are sprouts, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and kohlrabi. This month give knobbly Jerusalem artichokes a go or splash out with some black truffles. Purple sprouting broccoli is also in season, offering opportunities to cook lots of tasty side dishes.
Winter vegetable soup with dumplings
Roasted winter vegetables with baked halloumi
Meat
Game remains firmly on the menu. February is the best month to try guinea fowl, hare, partridge and venison. Cold winter evenings are perfect for one-tray meat dishes with turkey, chicken or pork while different cuts of beef will work magic in slow-cooked stews and casseroles.
The French Revolution/Seven Dials
Seafood
Shellfish is abundant this time of year – get stuck into clams, cockles, langoustine, lobster, mussels, oysters and scallops. Lemon sole, hake, red mullet, halibut and cod are also among the best catches of the month.
Cod with chorizo and white beans
Pan-fried scallops with broccoli
Fruit
Native apples and pears are still around as is sweet-and-sour rhubarb. From overseas, citrus fruits like lemons, blood oranges, grapefruit and clementines add a vitamin C zing to everything from salads to puddings. Other imported fruit best eaten this time of year include bananas, passion fruit and pomegranate.
Clementine sponges with cranberry sauce
Banana and peanut butter crumble
Lead image: Anna Shepulova/Shutterstock