We all know that we should be trying to eat more ‘seasonally’ where we can. Eating local produce when it’s in season is fresher, tastier and more nutritious than food consumed out of season (which has to shipped or flown thousands of miles).
But how easy is it to do?
To simplify it a bit, these monthly blog posts share a list of what’s in season each month – and add some local restaurants / cafes who are putting seasonal specials on the menu, right now.
So what’s in season this month?
Veg-wise, pumpkins obviously steal the show in October! But don’t be fooled, there is lots to choose from at this time of year, including: artichokes, beetroot, broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, celery, celeriac, the last of the courgettes and fennel, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, parsnips, the last of the peas and peppers, potatoes, shallots, sweetcorn, swedes and turnips.
It’s peak season for apples, bilberries, elderberries, figs, almonds, chestnuts, chives, cob nuts, hazelnuts, parsley, rosemary, sage, sorrel, thyme, and walnuts.
Now is also the perfect time to go foraging for the last of the season’s blackberries – and if you look hard enough – sloes and damsons, too.
And when it comes to meat and fish, look out for seasonal duck, goose, lamb, rabbit, and venison; haddock, mackerel, mussels, pollock and scallops (be sure to look for hand-dived – never dredged)!
Seasonal Eats to Track down this October
If you’re the type of person who prefers to let someone else take care of the cooking (and the washing up), check out Bar 44’s Roast Pumpkin with Cured Manchego Pesto (pictured in the headline image).
Owen from Bar 44 shared the recipe for this seasonal showstopper in the latest issue of Cardiff Life Magazine; you can read it in full by clicking here – along with his guide to picking out the most delicious pumpkin for cooking.
Picking your own pumpkin this year?
- Five places to go pumpkin picking in and around Cardiff – just don’t leave the leftovers out for wildlife. Here’s why.
- Instead, here are some easy recipes for using up those gooey pumpkin guts after you’ve carved your Halloween lantern!
