November’s Seasonal British Fruits: As the crisp November air sets in and the days grow shorter, the natural world begins to shift toward the heart of winter.
Here in the UK, November isn’t just about pulling on woolly jumpers; it’s also about embracing the delightful array of seasonal fruits that can bring warmth and comfort to your menus.
As the festive season looms closer, now is the perfect time for you to incorporate some of November’s seasonal British fruits into your menus.
British Seasonal Fruits in November
Apples
A staple fruit in Britain, apples are abundant in November. Varieties like Bramley, Cox, and Egremont Russet are vibrant and versatile, but there are many more.
Bramley – A popular cooking apple, known for its tart flavor and fluffy texture when cooked.
Cox’s Orange Pippin – Renowned for its sweet and aromatic flavour, this variety is ideal for eating fresh.
Egremont Russet – Recognisable by its rough, russet skin and sweet, nutty flavour, often enjoyed fresh.
Granny Smith – While originally from Australia, this crisp and tart apple is also grown in some regions of the UK.
Kentish Cobnut – A traditional apple with a sweet taste, great for eating and as a cooking apple.
Herefordshire Redstreak – An old variety known for its balance of sweetness and acidity, often used in cider making.
Lords Apple– A lesser-known variety, sweet and crisp, typically enjoyed fresh.
Spiced Apple Crumble – Create a heartwarming dessert by layering stewed British apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a crunchy crumble topping, served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a crowd-pleaser that evokes nostalgia.
Pears
November marks the end of the pear season, with many varieties reaching their peak. British pears are juicy and perfectly suited for both sweet and savoury dishes.
Conference – A popular variety with a sweet and juicy flavour, great for eating fresh.
Comice – Known for its rich, sweet flavour and smooth texture, excellent for dessert.
Williams (Bartlett) – Valued for its sweet, melting flesh, often used in cooking and canning.
Packham’s Triumph – A crisp pear with a sweet flavour, suitable for fresh eating and cooking.
Harrow Sweet – Sweet and juicy, this pear is great for fresh consumption and salads.
Clapp’s Favourite – A soft, sweet pear ideal for eating fresh.
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad – Toss slices of ripe British pears with peppery arugula, rich Gorgonzola cheese, candied walnuts, and a honey balsamic dressing. This dish provides an elegant starter for any festive menu.
Quinces
Quinces are a rare treat available in November. With their aromatic fragrance and unique tartness, they are often overlooked but can bring depth to various dishes.
Quince & Walnut Tartelettes – Bake small pastry shells filled with poached quince and finely chopped walnuts. Finish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon to provide a worthy dessert or snack for your patrons.
Cranberries
While not traditionally grown in the UK, fresh cranberries are in season in November. They add a tartness that balances heavier festive dishes.
Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest – A cranberry sauce elevates any roast.
Combine fresh cranberries with sugar, zest of an orange, and a splash of water, and simmer until thickened.
This vibrant condiment is perfect for turkey or game meats.
Christmas Fruits Coming into Season
As we approach the Christmas season, certain fruits start to shine brighter, adding festive flair and flavours to our tables.
Pomegranates
While not native, pomegranates begin to arrive in the UK in November, just in time for the festive season. Their jewel-like seeds can add vibrancy to any dish.
Pomegranate and Citrus Salad – Combine pomegranate seeds with slices of mandarin oranges and fresh mint for a refreshing side dish or a bright dessert, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Clementines
Clementines are a beloved holiday fruit in the UK.
They’re sweet, easy to peel, and perfect for holiday snacking or festive recipes.
Clementine Cake – A moist, light cake made with clementine juice and zest is a delicious way to feature this seasonal fruit.
Serve it alongside whipped cream or a dusting of icing sugar.
Figs
Figs are at the tail end of their season in November, especially varieties imported from warmer climates.
Their sweet flesh and chewy texture are divine.
Fig and Blue Cheese Canapés – For a sophisticated addition to your festive menu, top crostini with fresh fig slices and blue cheese, finished with a drizzle of honey.
Expanding Horizons: Notable International Fruits
In addition to traditional British fruits, several international varieties are also in season throughout November, providing an excellent opportunity to diversify your menu.
Persimmons
Persimmons are starting to gain popularity in the UK. These sweet, honey-flavoured fruits can brighten up your menu offerings.
Persimmon and Goat Cheese Salad – Combine slices of ripe persimmon with creamy goat cheese, arugula, and a sprinkle of pistachios for a delightful salad.
Pineapple
With a year-round availability, fresh pineapple can add a taste of tropical sunshine to winter menus.
Grilled Pineapple with Honey and Mint – Caramelize thick slices of pineapple on the grill, then drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh mint for a stunning dessert.
Kiwifruit
November is a great time to incorporate kiwifruit, which offers a sweet and tangy flavor.
Kiwifruit Pavlova – Create a pavlova topped with whipped cream and fresh slices of kiwifruit for an elegant and fruity dessert.
At Four Seasons Fruiterers, we believe in the importance of sourcing seasonal, local fruits to enrich dining experiences. By incorporating November’s seasonal British fruits into your menus, you not only celebrate the richness of the season but also provide your customers with delightful tastes and textures that resonate with the festive spirit.
Let’s embrace the vibrancy of November fruits and add something special to our festive offerings. Whether you’re creating a warm dessert, a vibrant salad, or an elegant canapé, there’s a fruit for every dish that will leave a lasting impression on your diners.
You can read our seasonal vegetable update for November veg here.