British Fruits November: As the crisp chill of November settles over the UK, the fruits of the season bring warmth and comfort to our plates. This month isn’t just about bundling up in your woolly jumpers; it’s about celebrating the delightful array of British fruits that reflect the richness of our local harvest.
With the festive season approaching, now is the perfect time for chefs and culinary enthusiasts to incorporate November’s seasonal fruits into their menus.
At Four Seasons Fruiterers, we are dedicated to providing the freshest produce that accentuates the flavours of this wonderful time of year.
British Seasonal Fruits in November
Apples
November is synonymous with apples, offering a stunning variety such as Bramley, Cox, and Egremont Russet.
Known for their crisp texture and array of flavours—from sweet to tart—apples are an essential British fruit.
Pairing Suggestions: Apples pair beautifully with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove and complement cheeses, pork, and caramelised onions.
Serving Suggestion: Consider serving a heart-warming spiced apple crumble layered with seasonal apples, topped with a crunchy crumble and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic dessert experience.
Pears
As the pear season reaches its peak in November, varieties like Conference and Comice shine in both sweet and savoury dishes. Their juiciness and smooth texture elevate every culinary creation.
Pairing Suggestions: Pears work excellently with rich blue cheeses, walnuts, honey, and are also great with pork and game meats.
Serving Suggestion: A fresh pear and Gorgonzola salad with peppery arugula and candied walnuts drizzled with a honey balsamic dressing makes for an elegant starter perfect for festive gatherings.
Quinces
Quinces are a rare gem that appear around this time, celebrated for their aromatic fragrance and unique tartness. Although less common, they can add depth and character to various dishes.
Pairing Suggestions: Quinces pair beautifully with spices like cinnamon and star anise, and they enhance both sweet and savoury dishes harmoniously.
Serving Suggestion: Create quince and walnut tartelettes—small pastry shells filled with poached quince and finely chopped walnuts, finished with a drizzle of honey—a delightful dessert or snack for your patrons.
Cranberries
While not grown in the UK, cranberries flood the market this time of year and are a staple of the festive season.
Their bright tartness tantalises the taste buds and adds a pop of colour to dishes.
Pairing Suggestions: Cranberries complement citrus fruits, spices like allspice and ginger, and pair remarkably with rich meats, particularly duck and turkey, making them essential for holiday fare.
Serving Suggestion: Serve homemade cranberry sauce alongside roasted turkey to enhance the meal with a vibrant flavour contrast that captures the essence of the season.
Clementines
These sweet, easy-to-peel citrus fruits are a beloved holiday favourite in the UK. Their refreshing sweetness is ideal for snacking and enhances festive recipes with their juicy flavour.
Pairing Suggestions: Clementines pair well with spices like ginger and cinnamon, and also complement desserts, salads, and rich dishes.
Serving Suggestion: A delightful clementine cake made with fresh clementine zest and juice, served with whipped cream or a dusting of icing sugar is a perfect festive treat.
Figs
Figs are at the tail end of their season in November, especially those imported from warmer climates. Their luscious sweetness and chewy texture can enhance both sweet and savoury culinary applications.
Pairing Suggestions: Figs pair charmingly with soft cheeses, prosciutto, and nuts, making them ideal for elegant platters or innovative desserts.
Serving Suggestion: Create fig and blue cheese canapés atop crostini drizzled with honey, providing a sophisticated addition to your festive offerings.
November presents a unique opportunity to embrace the seasonal fruits that shape our traditional British fare during this chilly time of year. By incorporating these locally sourced fruits into your culinary creations, you’ll not only celebrate the rich harvest of the season but will also enrich your menu offerings with delightful flavours that resonate with your clients.
At Four Seasons Fruiterers, we take great pride in sourcing the best seasonal produce, allowing chefs and cooks to shine in their culinary endeavours.
Explore our range of November’s seasonal British fruits and let their flavours inspire your next dish.
