What’s In Season In February
What's in season in February? From citrus bursts to hearty greens, explore the winter harvest for a flavorful feast!
Published: May 3, 2024 · Modified: May 3, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan
Table of Contents
- What's in Season in February: A Guide to Fresh and Flavorful Choices
- Winter Cabbage
- Forced Rhubarb
- Pomegranate
- Potatoes
- Leek
- Kiwi
- Purple Sprouting Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Turnips and Swedes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Primrose Flowers
- Mandarins, Clementine's, Satsumas, and Tangerines
- Kale
- Celeriac
- Mussels
- Prawns
- Oysters
As an avid supporter of seasonal eating, I’m thrilled to share with you the delightful array of produce that graces our plates during the month of February. With winter still holding its grip in many regions, it’s reassuring to know that there are plenty of vibrant and nutritious options available to brighten up our meals. Join me as we go through what’s in season In February, and explore the delicious offerings that this time of year brings.
What's in Season in February: A Guide to Fresh and Flavorful Choices
Winter Cabbage
Let’s start with a true winter warrior – the humble cabbage. With its hearty leaves and versatility in the kitchen, cabbage is a reliable staple during the colder months. Whether you’re shredding it for a crunchy slaw, adding it to soups for a comforting warmth, or sautéing it as a side dish, winter cabbage brings a satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness to any meal.
Forced Rhubarb
Ah, rhubarb – a vegetable masquerading as a fruit, and a true harbinger of spring. While its peak season is still a few weeks away, forced rhubarb makes its appearance in February, offering up its tart yet tender stalks for culinary delights. From tangy rhubarb and blood orange jelly to infused rhubarb gin, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this vibrant ingredient.
Pomegranate
Bursting with jewel-like seeds and a tangy-sweet flavor, pomegranates add a delightful pop of color and taste to February dishes. Sprinkle the ruby-red seeds over salads for a burst of freshness or incorporate them into sauces for a vibrant and zesty twist. Pomegranate juice can also be used to infuse cocktails with a touch of brightness, perfect for lifting spirits during the winter months.
Potatoes
A kitchen staple beloved around the world, potatoes continue to shine in February with their versatility and comforting appeal. Whether mashed, roasted, or fried, potatoes offer endless possibilities for delicious and satisfying meals. Try whipping up a batch of creamy potato soup for a cozy night in or crafting crispy potato latkes for a comforting brunch. With their hearty texture and rich flavor, potatoes are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Leek
With its mild onion flavor and tender texture, leek is a welcome addition to winter dishes. Sauteed leeks add depth and complexity to soups and stews, while roasted leeks develop a sweet caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with savory meats and roasted vegetables. For a comforting and nourishing meal, try making a creamy leek and potato soup or incorporating leeks into a hearty pot pie. With their subtle yet distinctive flavor, leeks elevate any dish they touch.
Kiwi
While kiwi may not be the first fruit that comes to mind when thinking of winter produce, it’s actually in peak season during February. With its bright green flesh and tangy-sweet flavor, kiwi adds a refreshing burst of tropical goodness to winter dishes. Slice kiwi into salads for a pop of color and acidity or blend it into smoothies for a nutritious and energizing breakfast. Kiwi can also be used to create vibrant fruit salsas or decadent desserts, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your February menu.
Purple Sprouting Broccoli
For a pop of color and a burst of flavor, look no further than purple sprouting broccoli. With its delicate florets and deep purple hues, this seasonal gem adds a touch of elegance to any dish. Whether lightly steamed and served as a side or roasted and tossed with feta and preserved lemon for a zesty salad, purple sprouting broccoli is a versatile and delicious addition to your February menu.
Brussels Sprouts
Love them or hate them, Brussels sprouts are still going strong in February. These miniature cabbages may have a bad rap from holiday dinners past, but when prepared with care, they can be transformed into a delectable side dish or even a flavorful main course.
Turnips and Swedes
Root vegetables take center stage in February, with turnips and swedes lending their earthy flavors to hearty dishes. You can swap out potatoes for turnips in so many recipes for a lighter yet equally satisfying meal. These unsung heroes of the winter pantry add depth and complexity to any recipe, making them a must-have during the chilly months.
Sweet Potatoes
If you’re craving a taste of sunshine during the dreary days of February, look no further than sweet potatoes. With their vibrant orange flesh and sweet flavor, these root vegetables are a welcome addition to any meal. Whether roasted and tossed with chipotle black beans or pureed into a fragrant soup with peppers, sweet potatoes bring warmth and comfort to the table.
Primrose Flowers
As we transition from the depths of winter to the promise of spring, primrose flowers add a delicate touch of beauty and flavor to our culinary creations. These edible flowers are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful addition to sweet and savory dishes alike. Whether adorning a springtime cake or sprinkled over a fresh salad, primrose flowers bring a subtle yet enchanting floral note to any dish, elevating it to a truly special experience.
Mandarins, Clementine's, Satsumas, and Tangerines
In the midst of winter’s chill, easy peelers come to the rescue, offering a burst of sunshine and a dose of vitamin C when we need it most. Mandarins, clementine’s, satsumas, and tangerines – collectively known as easy peelers – are not only satisfying to peel but also a convenient and nutritious snack for busy days. With their sweet and juicy flesh, easy peelers provide a refreshing and energizing boost, whether enjoyed on their own or incorporated into vibrant salads, desserts and even breakfast.
Kale
Fresh, crisp, and bursting with nutrients, kale is a welcome sight in February’s market stalls. This leafy green member of the cabbage family adds a vibrant touch to winter meals, providing a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals along with its robust flavor. Whether tossed into a hearty pasta dish, scattered over a pizza, or blended into a nutritious smoothie, kale is a versatile and nutritious addition to any diet. So embrace the abundance of this seasonal favorite and let its vibrant green leaves brighten up your plate.
Celeriac
Last but certainly not least, let’s not forget about celeriac – the unsung hero of the winter vegetable world. With its knobbly exterior and creamy white flesh, celeriac may not win any beauty contests, but it certainly packs a flavorful punch. Whether grated into a classic remoulade or roasted alongside oranges and roast beef for a light and refreshing salad, celeriac adds a unique and delicious twist to any dish.
Mussels
Seafood enthusiasts are in for a treat during February as it marks the peak season for delectable mussels. Bursting with flavor and boasting a tender texture, mussels are a true delicacy from the sea. Whether steamed in white wine and garlic for a classic French preparation or simmered in a rich tomato broth for a hearty Italian-inspired dish, these bivalves are versatile and delicious. With their abundance during this time of year, there’s no better time to indulge in a feast of fresh mussels served alongside crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of savory broth.
Prawns
Dublin Bay prawns, also known as langoustines or Norway lobsters, take center stage in February, offering seafood lovers a taste of oceanic luxury. Known for their sweet and succulent meat, these crustaceans are prized for their delicate flavor and firm texture. Whether grilled with a drizzle of lemon butter for a simple yet elegant appetizer or incorporated into a creamy seafood chowder for a comforting winter meal, Dublin Bay Prawns add a touch of sophistication to any dish. With their peak quality during this season, now is the perfect time to indulge in the exquisite taste of these ocean gems.
Oysters
February is synonymous with romance, and what better way to celebrate love than with a platter of freshly shucked oysters? With their briny taste and buttery texture, oysters are the epitome of indulgence and luxury. Whether enjoyed raw on the half shell with a squeeze of lemon for a classic presentation or baked with a rich topping of cheese and herbs for a decadent appetizer, oysters are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. As Valentine’s Day approaches, treat yourself and your loved ones to the exquisite pleasure of oysters, and savor the taste of the sea in every delicate bite.
February may be a month of lingering winter chill, but it’s also a time of abundance and flavor in the kitchen. With an array of seasonal ingredients at our disposal, there’s no shortage of inspiration for delicious and nutritious meals.
For more food inspiration check out our food holidays list for February, or join us on social media where we share more than recipes.