Let's be honest - there's nothing quite like biting into a perfectly ripe tomato in August or cooking up your first new potatoes of June. At Radford Mill Farm, we reckon seasonal eating isn't just better for the planet - it makes everything taste proper lush too.

Why Eat Seasonally?

Before we dive into the calendar, here's why seasonal scoffing makes sense:

• Veg tastes better (because it's picked when it's ready, not when it needs to survive a 2,000-mile journey)
• It's cheaper (ever noticed how expensive strawberries are in December?)
• More nutrients (fresh produce = more goodness)
• Better for our planet (no heated greenhouses or long-haul flights)

Your Month-by-Month Guide

Winter Warmers (December-February)

December Stars:

• Brussels sprouts (love 'em or hate 'em, they're at their peak)
• Parsnips
• Kale
• Winter cabbage

Chef's Tip: Roast your parsnips with a drizzle of local honey - absolute game-changer.

Storage Hack: Keep root veg in a cool, dark place - not the fridge! A garage or cellar is perfect.

January's Finest:

• Leeks
• Swede
• Cavolo nero
• Jerusalem artichokes

Recipe Idea: Proper hearty leek and potato soup - winter in a bowl.

February Favourites:

• Purple sprouting broccoli
• Winter lettuce
• Forced rhubarb
• Spring onions

Spring Delights (March-May)

March Treasures:

• Wild garlic (foraged from our woodlands)
• Early asparagus
• Spring greens
• Radishes

Foraging Tip: Wild garlic loves shady spots - follow your nose!

April Abundance:

• Asparagus (now in full swing)
• Spring onions
• New potatoes
• Fresh herbs

May Magic:

• Early peas
• Broad beans
• Spinach
• First strawberries

Storage Tip: Don't wash salad leaves until you're ready to use them - they'll last longer.

Summer Bounty (June-August)

June Jewels:

• Courgettes
• Early tomatoes
• Broad beans
• Fresh herbs galore

July Joy:

• French beans
• Rainbow chard
• Beetroot
• Summer squash

Quick Recipe: Grated raw beetroot + apple + cider vinegar = summer in a salad

August Abundance:

• Tomatoes (all the colours!)
• Sweetcorn
• Runner beans
• Aubergines

Autumn Glory (September-November)

September Stars:

• Squash varieties
• Apples
• Main crop potatoes
• Late tomatoes

October Offerings:

• Pumpkins
• Celeriac
• Cavolo nero
• Autumn raspberries

Storage Tip: Squash will keep for months in a cool, dark place - stack them like artwork!

November Notables:

• Parsnips
• Brussels sprouts
• Leeks
• Winter cabbage

Seasonal Cooking Tips

Making the Most of Your Seasonal Veg

• Batch Cooking:Summer: Make ratatouille in bulk
• Autumn: Squash soup freezes beautifully
• Winter: Root veg stews
• Spring: Wild garlic pesto (freezes well)
• Preservation Methods:Fermenting (try kimchi with winter cabbage)
• Freezing (blanch those beans!)
• Drying (herbs and chilies)
• Zero-Waste Tips:Carrot tops → pesto
• Beetroot leaves → salad
• Squash seeds → roasted snacks
• Broccoli stalks → slaw

Planning Your Seasonal Kitchen

Essential Kit:

• Good veg storage boxes
• Sharp knife
• Compost bin
• Freezer space

Weekly Rhythm:

1. Box day: Sort and plan
2. Prep day: Wash and store
3. Big cook: Batch cooking
4. Use-up day: Get creative!

Seasonal Celebrations

Each season brings its own joy:

• Spring: First asparagus feast
• Summer: Tomato taste-testing
• Autumn: Squash variety showcase
• Winter: Brussels sprout appreciation day (yes, really!)

Looking Ahead

Keep this guide handy and watch your cooking transform throughout the year. Remember, every Radford Mill veg box is essentially a seasonal eating cheat sheet - we've done the hard work for you!

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Pro Tip: Save this guide to your phone - it's your year-round seasonal eating companion!