What's new in season for January

New year, new produce in season. Christmassy veg is still good for January and here are some other fruits and vegetables that are in season this month too.

Parsnips, apples, squash, beetroot and pears are great in January. There's also these hero veggies in season this month:

Swede

The swede is often confused with the turnip, though they look quite different. In Scotland, where it's known as neeps, swede is the traditional accompaniment to haggis on Burns Night (25 January). Swede has a round shape and a purple-green skin, and the flesh is yellowy-orange, with a sweet, earthy flavour. It disintegrates fairly easily if overcooked, so always keep to cooking times.

Kale

This super-green leaf is packed with goodness. Serve it on the side or worked into a savoury main course. Break the leaves from the stalk, and trim away the tough centre. Hold the base of the stalk, with the kale stems upside down, then using a sharp knife follow the stalk down either side, to strip the leaves. Wash, then shred or chop. Discard the woody stalks or keep for stocks and stews.

Savoy Cabbage

This dark green brassica has a distinctive, sweet and slightly earthy taste that stands up well against rich, bold or meaty flavours. 

Purple sprouting broccoli

Leafier and more colourful than the standard variety, these long stems of broccoli are at their best right now. Purple sprouting broccoli is prepared just like traditional broccoli – trim any woody stems and remove tough leaves.

Seville oranges

These rough-skinned fruits are famous for their sour taste that adds tartness to recipes. They make great marmalade, the bitter taste combines with sugar to create a deliciously intense flavour. They only have a short season, but you can freeze Seville oranges for use throughout the year – simply pop them in the freezer whole!

Remember, seasonal fruit and veg is often cheaper and tastier, and of course it comes with less food miles and packaging.