As the winter chill lingers in the air, we can soften the cold with a variety of the January seasonal fruits available in the UK.
January is a unique month for fruit lovers and food service professionals, as several seasonal fruits start to emerge in the UK, offering a fresh start and the opportunity to delight customers with delicious new flavours. Here at Four Seasons Fruiterers, we believe in the magic of seasonal produce and the endless possibilities it brings to professional kitchens across the nation.
Whether you’re a chef aiming to create exciting menus or a small local retailer looking to offer your customers something special, January offers a variety of fruits that can elevate dishes and pair beautifully with other ingredients.
In this blog post, we’ll explore seasonal fruits available in the UK this January and delve into some international fruits for added inspiration.
Blood Oranges
Blood oranges, with their striking crimson flesh and vibrant flavour profile, are in season from January through March. Originating from the Mediterranean, these citrus fruits offer a unique balance of sweetness and tartness, perfect for brightening winter menus.
Blood Orange Salad with Fennel and Goat Cheese
Use sliced blood oranges as the star of a refreshing winter salad. Combine with thinly shaved fennel, peppery arugula, and creamy goat cheese, drizzled with a light vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey.
Pairing Suggestions:
Blood oranges pair beautifully with fennel, goat cheese, and walnuts. They also work well in cocktails, offering a delightful infusion of colour and flavour to both drinks and desserts.
Pears
Pears are another excellent option during January, with varieties like Conference and Comice providing a sweet and juicy crunch perfect for winter dishes. The versatility of pears allows them to shine in both sweet and savoury applications.
Pear and Gorgonzola Tart
Create a delectable tart using sliced pears, Gorgonzola cheese, caramelized onions, and a flaky pastry base. Bake until golden and serve warm – it’s an impressive dish that combines sweet and savory flavours beautifully.
Pairing Suggestions:
Pears complement blue cheeses, walnuts, and pecans. They also pair well with honey, making them an excellent addition to cheese boards or for drizzling over desserts.
Rhubarb
Although often associated with spring, forced rhubarb is available in January and is prized for its unique sweet-tart flavour. The pink stalks are often harvested by candlelight to protect their delicate flavour and color.
Rhubarb Crumble
Utilize forced rhubarb to create a comforting rhubarb crumble, topped with a buttery, crumbly mix and served warm with custard or ice cream. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that pays homage to traditional British comfort food.
Pairing Suggestions:
Rhubarb pairs well with ginger, oats, and vanilla. It can be used in jams, sauces, and also works beautifully in savoury dishes, pairing nicely with lamb or pork.
Kiwifruit
Kiwi may not be the first fruit that comes to mind for winter, but its peak season runs in winter months and they are typically available year-round. This vibrant green fruit is known for its tangy flavour and unique visual appeal.
Kiwi and Coconut Sorbet
Blend ripe kiwi with coconut milk to create a refreshing sorbet that can serve as a palate cleanser or dessert. The tropical flavour of this dish is sure to brighten up the dreariest winter day.
Pairing Suggestions:
Kiwifruit works harmoniously with coconut, lime, and mint. It’s also a delightful addition to fruit salads or as a garnish for cocktails, adding a splash of colour and tang.
Quince
Quinces, a lesser-known fruit, come into season in January. Though often too hard to eat raw, they lend themselves well to cooking, transforming into sweetly fragrant dishes.
Poached Quince in Red Wine
Simmer quince in red wine with spices such as cinnamon and star anise to create a luscious poached fruit dish. Serve it as a dessert or use it as a match for savoury dishes, enhancing the flavour of meat or cheese plates.
Pairing Suggestions:
Quince pairs exceptionally with cheese such as Brie or blue cheese and complements spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Seasonal Fruits from Around the World:
While we explore the delights found in the UK, January brings a bounty of fruits from other regions that can inspire and diversify your menus.
Clementines
Clementines, also known as “Christmas Oranges,” are at their peak in January. Their sweetness and ease of peeling make them a favourite among consumers.
Clementine Mousse
Incorporate the bright flavour of clementines into a light and airy mousse, perfect for a winter dessert menu.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are a jewel-like fruit that are usually in season during the winter months, providing a sweet-tart burst that can liven up salads, desserts, and beverages.
Pomegranate and Spinach Salad
Combine fresh spinach with pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette to create a visually stunning and refreshing salad.
Persimmons
Persimmons, particularly the Fuyu variety, are available in January and offer a sweet, honey-like flavour when ripe. Their firm texture makes them versatile in different culinary applications.
Roasted Persimmons with Honey and Thyme
Roast persimmons and drizzle with honey and a sprinkle of thyme for a fragrant side dish or elegant dessert.
Tangerines
Similar to clementines, tangerines are readily available in January and offer a sweet flavour, perfect for snacking or incorporating into desserts and salads.
Tangerine Olive Oil Cake
A moist cake infused with tangerine juice and zest, paired with a drizzle of olive oil, creates a unique dessert that will surprise and delight your guests.
Preparing for January Menus
As the culinary world embraces winter flavours, it’s important for chefs and food service operators to spotlight seasonal fruits. Using these fruits not only enhances the dining experience but also supports sustainability and local farming efforts. At Four Seasons Fruiterers, we’re committed to providing quality, seasonal produce that will help your establishment stand out.
January might be the heart of winter, but the fruits that come into season offer restaurants, pubs, hotels, and cafes the opportunity to breathe freshness into their menus. From blood oranges to quince, and the delightful fruits from around the globe, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re creating beautiful salads, comforting desserts, or vibrant sauces, consider embracing the flavours of this season.
Stay tuned for more seasonal produce insights in the coming months – together, let’s celebrate the beautiful bounty of nature’s kitchen!
For all your seasonal fruit needs, get in touch with us and let’s make the most of this January!
See our January seasonal vegetable and salad leaves update here.
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