Although December is almost over, I want to share this list of UK seasonal fruit and vegetables in winter! There is a bit of crossover between the months so hopefully, it will be helpful for you. I hope you had a lovely Christmas, it’s mad that it’s basically all over now. I am so not ready to be working on my next assignment and exams. My parents gave me binoculars for Christmas which I really wanted so I am very grateful. Look forward to all the nature photos I will be taking through them haha. Soon I will be posting my January wildlife to spot 🙂
(Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash)
Seasonal produce
What is it?
Seasonal produce is what it says on the tin really! It is food that is sold and eaten after its natural harvest. It is local to your area which means that different countries have different produce.
Reasons to eat seasonal fruit and vegetables
Lower costs – Buying fruit and vegetables in season means there are fewer transportation and preservative costs. If you buy them locally to where you live, like the New Forest is close to Bournemouth, they are even cheaper. There are also reduced costs for intensive greenhouse heating etc.
Tastier – Freshly picked fruit and vegetables are much tastier than ones that have been shipped halfway across the world. This is because preservatives need to be used, and they are picked before turning ripe. Out-of-season produce tends to go off much quicker too.
Eco-friendly – It is much more eco-friendly to eat seasonally because there are far fewer food miles. Synthetic environments can be used to grow fruit and vegetables which require a huge amount of energy to run 24/7! Plus by eating in season, you are reducing your carbon footprint.
It is important to do your bit to help the environment. Eating in season can be tricky at times, but if you try to eat mostly seasonal produce, you are halfway there!
Related post: How being eco-friendly can save you money
UK seasonal fruit and vegetables in winter
December
Although we are at the end of December, this will be helpful for planning next year!
- Apples
- Artichoke
- Beetroot
- Brussel sprouts
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celeriac
- Celery
- Chicory
- Cranberries
- Kale
- Leeks
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Pears
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Quince
- Red cabbage
- Shallots
- Swede
- Swiss chard
- Turnips
- Watercress
- Winter squash
- White cabbage
Continue reading: UK seasonal fruit and vegetables in winter
January
January brings the start of the new year, maybe you are setting New Years resolutions or maybe not? I don’t really like the word ‘resolution’ because it insuinates that there is something wrong. Instead I like to set monthly goals, but I try not to feel too bad if I don’t achieve them.
- Apples
- Artichoke
- Beetroot
- Brussel sprouts
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celeriac
- Celery
- Chicory
- Horseradish
- Kale
- Leeks
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Pears
- Potatoes
- Red cabbage
- Rhubarb
- Shallots
- Spring greens
- Spring onions
- Squash
- Swede
- Turnip
- White cabbage
February
It’s almost spring aka my birthday and the start of flowers blooming! You should start to see a couple of butterflies too, definitely the Brimstone.
- Artichoke
- Apples
- Beetroot
- Brussel sprouts
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celariac
- Celery
- Chicory
- Horseradish
- Kale
- Leeks
- Pears
- Potatoes
- Purple sprouting broccoli
- Shallots
- Spring greens
- Spring onion
- Swede
- Turnip
- White cabbage
As you can see from the winter months, the UK produce is fairly similar throughout the season! Apples and pears are the only in season fruit during winter, but spring will be here soon enough. For now, we enjoy vegetables 🙂
Make sure you check out my other UK seasonal fruit and vegetable guides:
Do you try to eat in season?
I hope you have a lovely New Years Eve celebration, this will be my last post for 2022. I have ideas for January but it is one of my busiest months at uni, so I will to pre-write when I have a spare moment. Sending love <3
Best wishes, Cx
Very interesting post. I try to shop seasonally, but it’s difficult sometimes.
I agree
Interesting read! I never considered so many produce to be seasonal.
Thank you x
This list is so helpful that I am going to take screenshots to know what is best to eat during January and February! Thank you for sharing this helpful post.
Lauren
Thank you Lauren! x
This is interesting I live in a tropical country and most of our food is imported. It is cool to see how vegetables are seasonal in countries with four seasons.