October’s Seasonal Fruits – As October unfolds, the vibrant hues of autumn paints the UK landscape, and with it comes an abundance of seasonal fruits.
This month signifies harvest time, with orchards and farms yielding a variety of delicious fruits bursting with flavour and nutrients. For chefs, this is an exciting opportunity to create dishes that highlight these seasonal gems.
Here, we’ll explore October’s seasonal fruits and delve into their flavour profiles. We’ll also suggest complementary ingredient pairings, and inspire innovative menu ideas for your establishments.
We will also take a brief look at some international fruits that begin to thrive in October.
Apples
October marks the peak of apple season in the UK.
With a wide variety of apples coming into play, such as Bramley, Cox, and Egremont Russet, the flavour profile swings from sweet to tart, with refreshing crispness in every bite.
Each variety offers something different. From the sweet juiciness of Cox apples to the tangy acidity of Bramleys, perfect for cooking.
Apples pair wonderfully with flavours like cinnamon, caramel, and nutmeg. They complement rich cheeses, walnuts, and even savoury meats such as pork and duck.
Menu Ideas
Starter: Apple and Fennel Salad – A refreshing dish featuring thinly sliced apples, crunchy fennel, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, topped with toasted walnuts and goat cheese.
Main Course: Pork Loin with Apple Chutney – Juicy pork loin roasted to perfection, served with a tangy apple chutney and seasonal roasted vegetables.
Dessert: Bramley Apple Crumble – A comforting traditional dessert made with tart Bramley apples, topped with a crunchy oat crumble and served with clotted cream.
Pears
As the season cools, pears like Conference and Williams come into their own. Offering a sweet, juicy bite with floral undertones and a soft, buttery texture.
These fruits have a unique ability to hold their shape during cooking, allowing for diverse culinary applications.
Pears pair beautifully with tangy blue cheeses and creamy bries.
They also work well with spices like ginger and cinnamon, providing an aromatic dimension to dishes.
Menu Ideas
Starter: Pear, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Salad – Fresh mixed greens topped with thinly sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts, drizzled with a balsamic reduction.
Main Course: Roasted Duck with Poached Pears – Succulent roasted duck breast served with caramelized shallots and poached pears in spiced red wine.
Dessert: Pear Tarte Tatin – A decadent upside-down tart caramelized with fresh pears, served with creamy vanilla ice cream.
Quinces
Quinces, often overlooked, have a tart, aromatic flavour that intensifies when cooked. Their firm, apple-like texture softens beautifully with heat, revealing a floral fragrance reminiscent of roses.
Quinces pair wonderfully with warm spices like cinnamon and star anise. They also pair well with rich elements such as honey and cheeses. They also enhance savoury dishes when complemented with meats.
Menu Ideas
Starter: Braised Quince with Goat Cheese – Braised quince slices served with creamy goat cheese on toasted bread, topped with fresh thyme and drizzled with honey.
Main Course: Quince and Lamb Tagine – A rich Moroccan-inspired slow-cooked lamb dish featuring quinces, apricots, and warming spices, served with fluffy couscous.
Dessert: Quince Crumble – A comforting crumble made with stewed quinces and topped with an oat and almond mixture, served warm with crème fraiche.
Grapes
As the month progresses, early table grapes are ripe for harvest. Their sweet bursts of flavour pair beautifully with savoury dishes, and varieties can often range from sweet to slightly tart depending on the type.
Grapes work well with soft cheeses, roasted meats, and aromatic herbs like rosemary. They can also enhance baked goods when added to batters and salads.
Menu Ideas
Starter: Grape and Comté Cheese Board – A selection of Comté cheese paired with fresh grapes, nuts, and artisan crackers, creating a delightful starter for sharing.
Main Course: Roasted Chicken with Grape Sauce – Oven-roasted chicken drizzled with a rich sauce made of fresh grapes, shallots, and herbs, served with roasted potatoes.
Dessert: Grape Galette – A rustic tart featuring a rich pastry crust filled with sweet, spiced grapes, served with a dollop of mascarpone.
Most areas of the UK have had four weeks worth of rain over the past 48 hours. This will have a detrimental effect on some UK crops as farmers are struggling to get into the fields to lift them. Please note that we may see further price increases and limited availability.
Affected fruits are:
Raspberries and strawberries – these continue to be tight due to poor weather conditions with UK fruit in particular, suffering.
Blueberries – with the UK drying up, more people are moving to imported supplies which is driving the price up.
Blackberries – limited and expensive, hopefully this will ease towards next week.
As with all soft fruit, the weather is key and it’s been pretty unforgiving, so please continue to expect shortages and high prices.
Blackberries
Blackberries continue their season into October, offering sweet-tart flavours that burst with juiciness. Their multi-dimensional taste enhances both sweet and savoury dishes, making them incredibly versatile.
Blackberries pair remarkably well with chocolate, cream, and warm spices like cinnamon. They also complement meats like chicken and pork, creating a delightful contrast.
Menu Ideas
Starter: Blackberry and Prosciutto Puff Pastry Tart – Flaky pastry topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh blackberries, and draped in thin slices of prosciutto, baked until golden.
Main Course: Blackberry-Glazed Chicken – Grilled chicken breast glazed with a tangy blackberry sauce, served alongside sautéed greens and wild rice.
Dessert: Blackberry Sorbet – A refreshing sorbet made from pureed blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice, perfect for cleansing the palate.
Best International Fruits in Season in October
As the UK enjoys its splendid array of seasonal fruits in October, regions around the globe produce an exciting selection of international fruits that can enhance culinary creativity. Here are some notable choices:
Pomegranates
Pomegranates fill the late autumn months with their burst of flavour and crunch. Their sweet-tart seeds enhance a range of dishes, from salads to desserts.
Figs
These delicate, sweet fruits continue their season into October.
Fresh figs can elevate cheese plates, desserts, and savoury dishes alike, bringing a touch of elegance.
Asian Pears
Crisp and juicy, Asian pears treat the palate to refreshing sweetness and a unique crunch. Their mild flavour makes them perfect for salads, desserts, or simply enjoyed on their own.
Persimmons
Persimmons provide a sweet, honey-like flavour profile and a custardy texture.
They are perfect for salads, roasted dishes, or desserts, adding exotic flair to any menu.
Grapes (International Varieties)
Various international grape varieties come into season globally, providing sweetness and versatility for everything from fresh eating to wine production.
October’s Seasonal Fruits offer a wealth of unique flavours and culinary possibilities. From the beloved apples and pears to the exotic allure of international delights, the harvest season sets the stage for creative and mouthwatering dishes.
Chefs can seize the opportunity to craft seasonal menus that celebrate the essence of autumn while delighting diners and guests with vibrant flavours.
With these fruits in hand, your culinary creations can resonate with the warmth of the harvest and the spirit of the season.
If you have enjoyed our October’s Seasonal Fruits update, you can read our October seasonal veg update here.
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