As the last wisps of winter dissipate, March brings a renewed sense of hope and rejuvenation to the UK’s culinary scene. The month marks a significant turning point in the country’s seasonal food calendar, with a plethora of fresh produce emerging from the earth. In this article, we’ll delve into the wonderful world of March’s seasonal food in the UK, highlighting the best ingredients to look out for, and providing expert tips on how to make the most of them.
Root Vegetables: The Unsung Heroes of March
While they may not be as flashy as some of their more colorful counterparts, root vegetables are the backbone of March’s seasonal produce. These hardy, underground wonders have been quietly maturing beneath the soil, waiting for the perfect moment to be unearthed.
Beets: A Sweet and Earthy Delight
Beets are one of the standout root vegetables of March. With their sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant magenta color, they add a pop of excitement to any dish. Whether you prefer them pickled, roasted, or raw, beets are an incredibly versatile ingredient.
Beetroot Salad with Goat’s Cheese and Walnuts
- 2 large beets, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup goat’s cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine sliced beets, crumbled goat’s cheese, and chopped walnuts in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Carrots: A Crunchy and Colorful Snack
Carrots are another root vegetable that shines in March. With their crunchy texture and vibrant orange color, they make a perfect snack on their own or paired with hummus.
Turnips: A Peppery and Delicious Addition
Turnips are a lesser-known root vegetable that deserves more attention. With their peppery flavor and firm texture, they add a delightful twist to salads, soups, and stews.
Leafy Greens: A Fresh and Nutritious Delight
As the weather warms up, leafy greens begin to make an appearance in March. These nutrient-dense wonders are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to any meal.
Kale: A Superfood with a Nutty Flavor
Kale is one of the most popular leafy greens of March. With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, it’s a great addition to salads, smoothies, and sautés.
Kale and Lemon Spaghetti
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté chopped kale and minced garlic until wilted. Combine cooked spaghetti, kale mixture, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spinach: A Mild and Versatile Green
Spinach is another leafy green that thrives in March. With its mild flavor and soft texture, it’s a great addition to salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes.
Fruits: A Sweet and Tangy Treat
While the selection may be limited, March offers a few sweet and tangy fruits that are perfect for snacking, baking, and cooking.
Rhubarb: A Tart and Delicious Treat
Rhubarb is one of the most iconic fruits of March. With its tart flavor and crunchy texture, it’s a great addition to pies, tarts, and jams.
Rhubarb and Strawberry Crisp
- 2 cups rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine rhubarb, strawberries, granulated sugar, and flour. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with rolled oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Forced Rhubarb: A Sweet and Tender Treat
Forced rhubarb is a type of rhubarb that’s grown in the dark, which makes it sweeter and more tender than regular rhubarb. It’s a great addition to salads, desserts, and savory dishes.
Meat and Fish: A Hearty and Delicious Option
March offers a variety of meat and fish options that are perfect for hearty stews, roasts, and grills.
Lamb: A Tender and Flavorful Meat
Lamb is one of the most popular meats of March. With its tender texture and flavorful taste, it’s a great addition to stews, roasts, and grills.
Braised Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Garlic
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup lamb broth
Preheat oven to 300°F. In a pan, heat olive oil and sear lamb shanks until browned. Add minced garlic and chopped rosemary, and cook for 1 minute. Transfer lamb shanks to a baking dish and pour in red wine and lamb broth. Cover with foil and braise for 2-3 hours or until tender.
Cod: A Flaky and Delicious Fish
Cod is one of the most popular fish of March. With its flaky texture and mild flavor, it’s a great addition to fish and chips, stews, and casseroles.
Cod and Chips with Mushy Peas
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup mushy peas
Dredge cod fillets in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in beaten eggs and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown. Serve with mushy peas and tartar sauce.
Conclusion
March is a wonderful time to explore the UK’s seasonal food scene. With its vibrant root vegetables, leafy greens, and sweet fruits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this guide has provided you with the inspiration and knowledge to create delicious and memorable meals. So go ahead, get cooking, and make the most of March’s seasonal bounty!
What types of fruits are available during the March harvest in the UK?
In the UK, March marks the beginning of spring, and with it comes a variety of delicious fruits. Although the selection might be limited compared to the peak summer months, there are still some tasty options available. Rhubarb is one of the most popular fruits during this time, often paired with sweet ingredients like sugar and strawberries to balance its tartness. Other fruits like apples, pears, and quinces are also available, although they might be from the previous year’s harvest.
It’s worth noting that the availability of fruits can vary depending on the specific region within the UK, as well as the weather conditions. A mild winter can lead to an earlier harvest, while a harsh one might delay it. Additionally, some fruits like strawberries and raspberries might start appearing in late March, but their peak season is usually in the summer months. To get the best out of the March harvest, consider visiting local farmers’ markets or joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.
What vegetables are in season during the March harvest in the UK?
March is an exciting time for vegetable enthusiasts in the UK, as it marks the beginning of the spring harvest. Some of the most popular vegetables available during this time include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and leeks. These vegetables are perfect for hearty, comforting dishes like stews and soups. Other options like carrots, parsnips, and turnips are also available, often from the previous year’s harvest.
As the weather warms up, March also sees the emergence of new vegetables like radishes, spinach, and spring onions. These can add a burst of freshness to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. When shopping for seasonal vegetables, consider visiting local farmers’ markets or greengrocers, as they often source their produce from nearby farms. This not only ensures freshness but also supports the local economy.
What are some popular March harvest foods in the UK that are perfect for cooking?
March is a great time to get creative in the kitchen with the UK’s seasonal produce. Some popular March harvest foods perfect for cooking include lamb, which is often roasted or slow-cooked in stews. Rhubarb is another favorite, often paired with sweet ingredients like sugar and strawberries to make delicious pies and tarts. Other options like leeks, carrots, and parsnips are great for soups, stews, and casseroles.
For a truly seasonal dish, consider making a spring vegetable stew with ingredients like kale, spinach, and spring onions. These can be paired with lamb or beef for a hearty, comforting meal. Alternatively, try making a rhubarb and apple crumble, which is perfect for a sweet treat. Whatever you choose, be sure to experiment with new recipes and ingredients to make the most of the March harvest.
How can I incorporate more March harvest foods into my diet?
Incorporating more March harvest foods into your diet can be easy and delicious. Start by visiting local farmers’ markets or greengrocers to see what’s in season. Consider joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, which delivers fresh, seasonal produce to your doorstep. You can also try shopping at local butchers for seasonal meats like lamb.
When cooking, try to incorporate a variety of March harvest foods into your meals. For example, add some sautéed kale to your breakfast omelette or use rhubarb to make a sweet and tangy sauce for your pork chops. You can also experiment with new recipes and ingredients to keep your meals interesting and exciting. Remember, the key is to be flexible and open to trying new things.
What are some benefits of eating seasonal foods during the March harvest in the UK?
Eating seasonal foods during the March harvest in the UK has numerous benefits. For one, it ensures that you’re getting the freshest, most flavorful produce available. Seasonal foods are often picked at the peak of ripeness, which means they’re more nutritious and delicious. Additionally, eating seasonal foods supports the local economy and reduces your carbon footprint, as the produce doesn’t have to travel far to reach your plate.
Eating seasonal foods can also help you develop a greater appreciation for the changing seasons and the variety of produce available throughout the year. By incorporating more March harvest foods into your diet, you’ll be able to experience the unique flavors and textures of spring, which can add variety and excitement to your meals. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with nature and the local community.
Can I still eat foods that are not in season during the March harvest in the UK?
While it’s great to incorporate more seasonal foods into your diet, it’s not necessary to completely eliminate non-seasonal foods. In fact, many non-seasonal foods like bananas, avocados, and citrus fruits are available year-round and can add variety to your meals. Additionally, some non-seasonal foods like frozen vegetables and canned beans can be just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts.
That being said, it’s worth considering the environmental impact of non-seasonal foods. Out-of-season produce often has to travel long distances to reach your plate, which can increase your carbon footprint. Additionally, non-seasonal foods might be more expensive and less flavorful than their seasonal counterparts. By striking a balance between seasonal and non-seasonal foods, you can enjoy a varied and sustainable diet.
How can I preserve March harvest foods to enjoy them throughout the year?
Preserving March harvest foods is a great way to enjoy them throughout the year. One popular method is freezing, which helps preserve the nutrients and flavor of the produce. Simply chop or puree the vegetables, place them in airtight containers or freezer bags, and store them in the freezer. You can also use a dehydrator or oven to dry fruits and vegetables, which can be stored in airtight containers for up to a year.
Another method is pickling, which involves soaking the produce in a brine solution to create a tangy, sour flavor. This is a great way to preserve vegetables like cauliflower and carrots, which can be stored in the fridge for several months. You can also try canning, which involves heating the produce to kill off bacteria and then sealing it in airtight jars. This method is great for preserving fruits like rhubarb and strawberries, which can be stored in the pantry for up to a year.