December is a magical time in the UK as the festive spirit fills the air and seasonal produce comes alive. Among the highlights of this month are the exquisite British fruits that not only celebrate the season but also enhance festive menus with their rich flavours and vibrant colours.
At Four Seasons Fruiterers, we pride ourselves on supplying the finest seasonal fruits, and we believe that incorporating these delicious ingredients into your dishes can elevate holiday dining experiences. Let’s explore some of the popular British fruits in season during December, their flavour profiles, culinary pairings, and enticing serving suggestions.
Apples
December sees the tail end of the apple season, with a variety of crisp and sweet options such as Bramley, Cox, and Egremont Russet. Apples provide a balance of sweetness and tartness, making them versatile for both sweet and savoury dishes.
Pairing Suggestions: Apples pair beautifully with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, as well as ingredients such as cheddar cheese, pork, and caramelised onions. Their natural sweetness complements festive flavours wonderfully.
Serving Suggestion: Consider presenting a rustic apple tart topped with seasonal spices and served with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, offering a warm and comforting dessert that captures holiday spirit.
Pears
Juicy and fragrant, pears such as Conference and Williams are at their best in December. Their buttery texture and mellow sweetness make them a delightful addition to both sweet and savoury dishes.
Pairing Suggestions: Pears harmonise well with blue cheese, walnuts, honey, and can enhance the flavour of festive dishes like roast duck or ham. Their sweetness also complements spiced desserts.
Serving Suggestion: Serve poached pears drizzled with red wine and spices as an elegant dessert that offers a beautiful presentation and a rich, aromatic experience for your guests.
Cranberries
Cranberries are known for their intense tart flavour, which brings a vibrant punch to festive dishes. While not exclusively grown in the UK, they are widely used during the Christmas season.
Pairing Suggestions: Cranberries pair beautifully with apples, oranges, and spices like ginger and cinnamon. Their tartness works remarkably well with rich meats, particularly poultry and game.
Serving Suggestion: Present a vibrant cranberry compote alongside roasted turkey or duck, adding a tangy contrast that enhances the overall flavour profile of the dish.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates have a sweet-tart flavour with a refreshing juiciness, making them a beautiful addition to festive menus. Their jewel-like seeds add both colour and texture to dishes.
Pairing Suggestions: Pomegranates pair well with citrus fruits, nuts, and honey, adding a delightful crunch and a burst of flavour to salads and desserts. They can also enhance savoury dishes like grain salads or meat marinades.
Serving Suggestion: Serve pomegranate seeds sprinkled over a winter salad featuring mixed greens, avocado, and almonds, providing a vibrant and nutritious side that brightens up any festive table.
Figs
Fresh figs are sweet and luscious, with a honeyed flavour and a unique chewy texture. Although they are typically associated with late summer and autumn, they can still be found in markets during early December.
Pairing Suggestions: Figs pair beautifully with blue cheese, prosciutto, and nuts, making them an excellent choice for cheese boards or elegant appetizers. Their sweetness also complements desserts and sauces.
Serving Suggestion: Present fresh figs wrapped in prosciutto and drizzled with balsamic glaze as an elegant starter that offers a delightful combination of flavours and textures, perfect for festive gatherings.
Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit is known for its sweet-tart flavour and vibrant green colour. It has a juicy texture that adds a refreshing burst to dishes, making it an excellent choice for fruit salads and desserts.
Pairing Suggestions: Kiwifruit pairs well with tropical fruits, berries, and citrus, as well as creamy elements like yogurt and whipped cream. It adds a zesty touch to both sweet and savoury dishes.
Serving Suggestion: Serve sliced kiwifruit on a seasonal fruit platter alongside other fruits and festive cheeses for a refreshing and colourful addition that appeals to both the eye and the palate.
Mandarins and Satsumas
Mandarins and satsumas are small, seedless citrus fruits with a sweet and juicy flavour. Their easy-to-peel skin makes them a popular choice for snacking during the festive season.
Pairing Suggestions: These citrus fruits pair well with spices like ginger and cinnamon, and can also elevate both desserts and savoury dishes, adding a refreshing acidity to rich holiday meals.
Serving Suggestion: Consider offering a simple citrus salad featuring mandarins, thinly sliced red onions, and a drizzle of olive oil, providing a refreshing and zesty contrast to heavier festive dishes.
Quinces
Flavour Profile: Quinces have a unique, aromatic flavour that is floral and tart when raw, transforming into a sweet and fragrant note when cooked. Their firm texture lends itself well to poaching and baking.
Pairing Suggestions: Quinces pair wonderfully with spices such as cinnamon and star anise, as well as rich meats like lamb and game. Their sweet and tangy notes enhance both savoury and sweet creations.
Serving Suggestion: Present poached quinces as a luxurious side to a charcuterie board, alongside nuts and cheeses, enhancing the flavours and textures while adding an elegant touch to your festive offerings.
Nuts and Dried Fruits
Although not strictly fruits, nuts and dried fruits play a significant role in holiday cooking. The combination of dried cherries, figs, apricots, and an array of nuts can enhance both sweet and savoury dishes.
Flavour Profile: Dried fruits are sweet, chewy, and concentrated in flavour, while nuts add a crunchy texture and richness. Together, they create a delightful contrast in dishes.
Pairing Suggestions: Dried fruits and nuts pair well with cheeses, gravies, roasted meats, and baked goods, providing texture and sweetness to complement savoury flavours.
Serving Suggestion: Present a festive nut and dried fruit platter adorned with seasonal cheeses and artisan crackers, perfect for enjoying as a starter or festive nibble.
December is a time to celebrate the richness of British seasonal fruits, adding depth, colour, and flavour to festive menus. By incorporating these delightful ingredients into your culinary creations, you can enhance your offerings and delight your guests during the holiday season. At Four Seasons Fruiterers, we are committed to sourcing the freshest seasonal produce to support chefs and cooks in their quest for exceptional dining experiences.
Explore our wide array of seasonal fruits and let the flavours of December inspire your festive culinary creations. Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with delicious food and cherished moments. Happy cooking!
