What’s in season for February?

At Platinum Skies, we aim to promote an understanding of food seasons.

As part of our Wheel of Wellness, we are looking at the health section.

Each month we focus on a few ingredients, which are currently in season, and share nutritional facts, useful tips and an enticing recipe for you to try at home or eat at one of our Bistro’s. 

Seasonal food tends to be fresher, tastier and more nutritious than food consumed out of season. Even though we all like to eat strawberries year-round, the best time to eat them is when they can be purchased within season or shortly after harvest.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often fresher, as they do not require long distances for transport. Also, unlike out of season produce which is harvested early in order to be shipped and distributed to your local retail store, crops picked at their peak of ripeness are also better tasting and full of flavour.

What’s more, studies have shown that fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients when allowed to ripen naturally on their parent plant.

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is a good source of fibre and protein and contains iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid.

Such a versatile vegetable from stir-fries to soups (see the recipe below) to blanches as a side-dish.

Remember to just quickly boil until el-dente for best flavour and avoids nutrient loss with over boiling.

2. White & Savoy Cabbage

Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, and broccoli are notorious for being chock-full of beneficial nutrients. If you are trying to improve your diet, cruciferous vegetables are a good place to start.

Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant-based foods like cabbage decreases the potential risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease. It can also help promote a healthy complexion, increased energy and overall weight management.

3. Fennel

Aside from fennel’s many culinary uses, both the vegetable and the seeds offer a wide array of health benefits and may provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Both the crunchy bulb and the seeds of the fennel plant have a mild, licorice-like flavour. Yet, the flavour of the seeds is more potent due to their powerful essential oils.

A fresh fennel bulb is a good source of vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin critical for immune health, tissue repair, and collagen synthesis.

4. Spinach

Popeye was right, Spinach is a superfood and contains several vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9, and E.

Spinach is an extremely nutrient-rich vegetable. It packs high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium and is versatile in soups, stir-fries, casseroles and just steamed as a side dish too.

5. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, like broccoli, kale and cabbage, that is naturally high in fibre and B-vitamins. It provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect against cancer. It also contains fibre to enhance weight loss and digestion. It also choline that is essential for learning and memory.

Beautiful steamed, roasted, made into a soup or raw with a dip and one of the most popular cauliflower dishes is to be served with a cheese sauce.

Recipe Highlight from Chapter’s Bistro

Broccoli Soup

(Makes 2 servings)

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic – chopped

250ml vegetable stock (more if needed)

200g broccoli – chopped

Himalayan crystal salt to taste

freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the garlic for 1-2 minutes.
2. Pour the vegetable stock into the pan and add the broccoli.
3. Bring to the boil and reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a liquidizer. Blend until smooth.
5. Ladle the soup into serving bowls.

And finally, enjoy!

Whether it’s a leisurely cup of coffee over the morning paper, a casual barbeque or dining out for a special occasion. Platinum Skies have the perfect menu.

Let us cook for you in a sociable, friendly atmosphere. Our dishes are healthy, nutritionally balanced and we provide options for those with special dietary requirements such vegetarian, vegan and coeliac.

Find out more about Platinum Skies Bistro’s or visit us for a full guided tour by contacting one of our friendly team on 01202 088051 or alternatively email us at [email protected]

Next article