Seasonal Foods - January

So, it's one thing to say we should all eat locally produced and seaonal food, but i bet some of you are asking why? Well to those people i say d'Uh, isn't it obvious?

Seasonal food is fresher and for the most part means tastier! This reduces the amount of energy needed to grow and transport the foodstuffs from further afield, reducing our overal CO2 associated emissions. Typically this also reduces the cost of the food too, as it's not having to travel so far to your plate, it also supports your local economy, local community and reconnects us all with nature's cycle.

I'm not embarking on this little project in some vain attempt to make us all buy British, or American, or whereever you're from; but come on, why would you buy Asparagus from South Africa or Apples from New Zealand when both these can be sourced many months of the year here in the UK and are often better tasting with a wider variety to boot!

So bear with me whilst i find my feet with this. I have challenged Jess to come up with a delicious recipe each month, using only ingredients that are in season. I have asked Andy to do a similar job to me but to identify sowing and planting schedules from month to month; those to follow.

January Vegetables

Beetroot, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Jerusalem Artichoke, Kale, Leeks, Parsnips, Purple Sprouting Brocolli, Radishes, Rhubarb, Spinach, Swede, Turnips, Celery, Shallots.

January Fruit

Apples, Pears.

January Seafood

Brill, Crab, Mackerel, Monkfish, Mussells, Oysters, Plaice, Skate, Hake, Halibut, Lemon Sole, Langoustine, Sea Bream, Turbot.

They you go, January's choices are pretty plentiful so don't be shy, get out there, search for your locally produced and seasonal foodstuffs this weekend!

The Oceans are Coming - Part III

So Excessmas is over (see what i did there!) so back to reality and the need to get thinking ecologically. We've (the Palmer contributors) decided in order to offer more and to help us think about what we need to be doing, we are going to start a monthly theme. This Palmer will be offering his musings on which seasonable foods are good to eat right now, pregnant Palmer will be using my scribblibngs to come up with some recipes that include those seasonal foods and brother Palmer will be offering his advice on what we should be planting as we go through the year, so keep your eyes peeled.

Permaculture is still central to our lifes right now, with more to follow shortly. What with baby Palmer on the way, we need to get on with the course and finished before the summer comes.

Ok todays posting is another one from one of my favourites, Dmitry Orlov. Part three in his series of approaching oceans and elements of it back up my spurious claim earlier in the blog about boats being eco-living personified. Enjoy.

http://cluborlov.blogspot.com/2010/01/oceans-are-coming-part-iii-remaining.html