Seasonal in January

After the excesses of the festive season many of us have no doubt been left with the impression that our trousers have shrunk, but January is the perfect time to fix that. Citrus fruits, root veg, salmon and white fish abound, which all sounds super healthy. On the other hand the colder weather also lends itself to soul warming dishes that contain plenty of garlic, mustard, butter and cream. I’m sure a balance can be struck there somewhere.

Virtually all of the great things that were around in December are still here, with lovely additions like rhubarb and salmon coming later in the month, January is a joy!

Birds and beasts

It’s the end of the season for the delight that is goose, so if you haven’t got your fill yet this winter then now is the time. Game birds and things that hop (we don’t mean frogs) are still in season, super yummy and surprisingly cheap.

There is also venison, oh sweet venison, we defy any carnivore not to love it!

Creatures from the deep

Yes the water is bloody freezing, but that’s why you buy your fish from the market instead of paddling your own little boat out into the blue and stabbing passing things with a spear. January is the peak of the scallop season and the moment when they are at their most succulent.

Salmon comes into season towards the end of the month, which is surely something to look forward to.

The fruits of the earth

Bramley apples, the late pears like conference and concorde, quinces, and then rhubarb – it’s a fruit extravaganza. There are plenty of veg as well of course, all of the robust rooty ones, but also a liberal sprinkling of decent leafy greens as well.