What’s In season For January

As the revelry of the festive season begins to settle, January emerges as a month of fresh starts and resolutions. Whether you’re diving into the health-conscious campaigns like dry January and Veganuary or relishing the last remnants of holiday cheer, this month has something for everyone. Join me as I guide you through the vibrant array of seasonal delights that January brings to our tables.

What's In season For January?

Kale: The Mighty Green Powerhouse

January might be sparse in fresh produce, but kale stands tall as a nutritional powerhouse, thriving through the winter months. In my journey towards a healthier lifestyle, I’ve embraced kale not just for its robust flavor but also for its incredible health benefits. From antioxidants to cholesterol-lowering properties, kale is a versatile ingredient. Try incorporating it into a comforting Chicken, Kale, and Mushroom Pie or explore a vegetarian twist with Beetroot & Squash Wellingtons with Kale Pesto.
For a mood-boosting start to your day, indulge in a refreshing Kale Smoothie, and discover why this leafy green is hailed as a superfood.

Parsnips: Earthy Sweetness on Your Plate

The parsnip, a cousin to the carrot, takes the spotlight with its earthy and sweet flavor. Often gracing festive tables, these creamy white vegetables can be transformed into delightful dishes. After the holiday feasts, turn leftover parsnips into Parsnip Latkes with Smoked Haddock & Poached Egg, or indulge in a sweet treat with Parsnip & Maple Syrup Cake. Explore the versatility of parsnips and elevate your winter meals.

Celeriac: The Underrated Champion

Meet celeriac, the underrated champion of the vegetable realm. With its knobbly appearance and subtle, distinctive flavor, celeriac adds depth to your dishes. Try the creamy Celeriac, Pancetta & Thyme Soup for a comforting winter warmer, or go for a simple yet flavorful side dish with Whole Roasted Celeriac. Explore the versatility of this root vegetable in dishes that cater to various tastes, including a vegan-friendly Celeriac Dauphinoise.

Cauliflower: Versatility on Your Plate

Cauliflower, the chameleon of the vegetable world, offers versatility that’s hard to beat. From raw salads to sweet and charred roasted cauliflower steaks, this vegetable can do it all. Don’t discard the leaves; instead, use them similarly to cabbage. Discover the best way to make cauliflower rice and explore the numerous culinary possibilities with this adaptable vegetable.

Potatoes: The Winter Staple

In the heart of winter, potatoes reign as the undisputed staple, offering comfort and versatility. Maincrop spuds like Roosters, Kerr Pinks, and Golden Wonders burst with flavor when steamed, revealing fluffy, flavorsome flesh. These potatoes become the perfect canvas for various culinary creations. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted delights, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the warmth and heartiness that potatoes bring to winter dishes, making them a reliable companion on our plates throughout January.

Seville Oranges: Citrus Vibrance for Winter Preserves

January introduces the vibrant and tangy Seville oranges from Spain, signaling the start of the marmalade-making season. These bitter oranges, known for their intense flavor and fragrant peel, become the hero ingredient for homemade preserves. As the temperature drops, skilled jam makers and enthusiastic home cooks alike dust off their pots and pans to create batches of full-flavored marmalade. A small spoonful of well-made Seville orange marmalade can transform a simple slice of wholemeal toast or a freshly baked brown scone into a morning delight.

Beetroot: Earthy Elegance in Every Bite

Beetroot, with its vibrant hue and earthy flavor, takes center stage as a January winner. This versatile veggie has witnessed a revival in recent years, finding its way into everything from gourmet crisps to juices and soups. Boil and cool beetroot for a salad with a soft peel that slips off effortlessly. Consider fermenting beetroot for a trendy twist in preserving. Roast it around a chicken or grate it raw for salads. With its distinct taste and culinary adaptability, beetroot adds elegance and nutrition to January dishes, making it a delightful and colorful addition to your seasonal culinary repertoire.

Fish and Shellfish: Seascape Delicacies for January Feasts

January, although short on some home-grown fruits, boasts a bounty from the sea with an array of fish and shellfish. Whiting, mussels, oysters, and more take center stage, offering a diverse selection for culinary exploration. Whiting, a mild and delicate white fish, lends itself beautifully to various preparations, from simple pan-searing to more elaborate dishes. Mussels, with their briny richness, shine in comforting broths and flavorful pastas. Oysters, a classic delicacy, bring a taste of the ocean to January feasts.

A Bounty of January Fruits and Vegetables

Explore the seasonal bounty of January with an array of fruits and vegetables, including clementines, grapefruits, radicchio, Bramley apples, and more. Dive into the world of culinary creativity with ingredients like purple sprouting broccoli, brussels sprouts, and beetroot. The possibilities are endless, from vibrant salads to hearty soups and delectable desserts.

January invites us to embrace a variety of seasonal ingredients, inspiring both the health-conscious and the indulgent. I invite you to join me in savoring the richness and diversity that January brings to our tables. Whether you’re experimenting with new recipes or sticking to beloved classics, the seasonal delights of January promise a flavorful start to the year. For more food inspiration check out our food holidays list for January, or join us on social media where we share more than recipes.