Although we’re living in a world where most produce is available all-year-round, nothing beats the taste, texture and freshness of in-season produce. With spring well and truly on the way, a whole host of fruit and vegetables are coming into season. Below, we’ve highlighted our top picks for March, April and May so make sure to incorporate these in-season beauties into your menus and specials boards.
Savoy Cabbage | March
Just coming into season, Savoy cabbage is mild and sweet with ruffle textured leaves. The vibrancy and unique texture makes a great contrast on the plate and the neutral flavour profile means that it pairs perfectly with rich flavours such as pork, duck and bacon.
We work in partnership with Leggates and Sons Ltd., a Boston-based supplier specialising in all things brassica! Leggates was established in the 1940s and since then, the farm has evolved to a more sustainable way of farming. They’ve adapted to grow larger crops, maximising crop yield. They have also increased their crop rotation period, with theirs being longer than other brassica growers, providing long-term benefits to the soil.
Want to try something different with your cabbage? Roast cabbage wedges could be your next side dish. Simply cut your savoy cabbage into wedges or quarters, sear on all sides in an ovenproof frying pan, then braise with stock and butter.
Asparagus | April
Coming into season for just eight weeks, starting around late April, asparagus is a true spring-time delicacy. With a deep green colour and interesting spear shape, this veggie is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Asparagus’s versatility means it can lend itself to a multitude of cooking methods:
Blanching the asparagus in boiling hot water for a few minutes, draining then submerging in ice water until cool, will ‘set’ the vivid green colour.
Grilling over a hot grill for around 10 minutes or until tender, will keep the authentic vegetal flavour while adding a smoky edge.
Sautéing or stir-frying the asparagus works best for pieces cut down to between one and two inches in length and brings out a slightly nutty flavour.
However you choose to cook your fresh asparagus, your guests are sure to appreciate the quality that this in-season veggie will bring to their meal.
Strawberries | May
Usually coming into season at the end of May, it’s time to start thinking about these red gems and how to incorporate them into your menus.
In our 2024 food trends report, we highlight nostalgia and comforts of the past as popular theme for this year. Strawberries are the perfect way to tap into this trend as they’re used in a whole host of classic desserts, including Victoria sponges, trifles, and Eton mess, to name just a few!
Strawberries can also make a refreshing impact on your drinks menus! Whether it be an alcoholic cocktail or a cooling mocktail, customers won’t be able to resist the vibrant allure of fresh strawberries in a mojito, sangria or smoothies.
Pilgrim's Fresh Produce
Where possible we source locally grown and in-season produce to support our local farmers and deliver fresh, tasty and quality products to our customers. We understand that to produce quality dishes, you need quality ingredients, that’s why our teams carefully inspect our fresh produce to ensure that it meets our high quality standards.
Shop our fresh produce range here.