From seasonal vegetables to game and the christmas turkey, read our monthly market report to decide what to feature on your menus this month.
Is venison healthier than steak?
Venison is leaner than beef and is therefore generally the healthier to eat of the two.
Comparing the two meats, an average cut of venison has around half the calories and a sixth of the saturated fats. Venison also has more proteins, vitamins and minerals than beef, adding to it's reported health benefits.
Venison recipes
Sika deer, parsnip, pear and juniper by Deepak Mallya
Cauliflower is high in vitamins C and K, and acts a good source of folate, which supports cell growth and is essential during pregnancy.
Cauliflower is fat-free and cholesterol-free, and is low in sodium. One-cup serving contains only 25 calories, five grams of carbohydrates and two grams of dietary fibre.
Cauliflower Recipes
Spiced cauliflower salad, Belgian endive, almonds and tahini dressing
by Stuart Gillies, chef owner of Bank House
Plaice is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as supporting overall health and wellbeing.
Due to the protein content, plaice helps regulate blood sugar levels and promote feelings of fullness, making it an excellent food for those looking to manage their weight.
In terms of calories, fat, and protein, turkey breast and chicken breast are similar.
Turkey breast contains about 44 calories, six grams of protein, and two grams of fat per ounce, whilst chicken breast contains slightly more protein and slightly less fat.
Beetroot is highly nutritious and loaded with health-promoting properties.
It can support the health of your brain, heart, and digestive system, be a great addition to a balanced diet, boost athletic performance and help alleviate inflammation.
The two most common types of lobster are American (Maine) and European; the main difference being that the former is bigger. Male lobsters tend to have meaty flesh, whereas females' flavour is more delicate. Lobster roe is bright red and highly flavoursome.
Koppert Cress suggests pairing lobster with Atsina Cress. Named after an old North American tribe, the Atsina Indians, it has a sweet aniseed taste and naturally goes well with lobster because of its fennel notes. It also pairs well with mild fish like sea bass, cod, halibut, and wolffish.
Butter poached native lobster with pickled girolles, coco beans, amalfi lemon and vanilla
Watch John Williams MBE cook butter-poached lobster:
WHEN ARE TURNIPS IN SEASON?
Turnips are a root vegetable and a member of the cabbage family. Before the introduction of potatoes, turnips were a staple of the British diet. Now largely grown to feed cattle, the smaller varieties are still grown for human consumption.
Winter turnips are in season in the UK from October through February, often baked, mashed or roasted and paired with other seasonal vegetables like squash or carrots, or cooked with lardons.
Koppert Cress suggests pairing turnips with hippo tops, an umami-rich microleaf in the watercress family. Its light bitter and sour notes make it ideal to match certain cheeses, crustaceans, fish and vegetables.
Two Michelin-starred chef Patrick Guildbaud serves glazed turnips with Challans duck:
How to cook lemon sole
Though not technically part of the sole family, lemon sole is a white flesh flat fish native to European countries, more closely related to halibut and dab than to dover sole.
Whereas the dover fish is typically served whole, its most classic interpretation being sole meuniere style (cooked in browned butter), lemon sole is more subtle in flavour and more delicate to work with.
The easiest way to make the best of lemon sole is to fillet and lightly steam or poach it and serve it with woodland vegetables and seafood.
Whole baked lemon sole, cider onions, tarragon and anchovy butter by Nathan Outlaw
Koppert Cress suggests pairing lemon sole with BlinQ cress. Of the same family as the company's own brand of cress, BlinQ blossom, the cress is fresh, briny and salty, meaning it goes well with smoked dishes featuring meat or fish.
When are pineapples at their best?
One of the most exotic and unearthly-looking fruits in the world, pineapples are in season from December to March and are a great source of both vitamin C and copper. Discovered in the New World by explorers in the 16th century, pineapples have become a favourite ever since. Most commonly found on Hawaiian pizzas or accompanying gammon steaks, another popular option is the upside-down cake.
Turkey portions are available the year round, but for a whole turkey December is the best month, which is handy for Christmas dinner. It is similar in many ways to chicken, but the flesh tends to be slightly drier due to its lower fat content so it should be basted regularly when being roasted. Make sure you pay careful attention to calculating the correct cooking time and thoroughly defrost it before it goes in the oven.
Slow braised turkey and cranberry pithivier, burnt bread sauce and turkey gravy recipe by chef Owen Morrice
What is the best way to cook brussels sprouts?
You can boil, steam, roast or even fry Brussels sprouts. These versatile cabbages are a popular side dish, traditionally eaten at Christmas, but in season from October to March. When properly cooked, sprouts should not be too bitter but have a complex flavour and a subtle crunch to them. They pair well with maple bacon or chestnuts.
Brussels sprouts with dried chilli and sesame
Are you using any of these seasonal ingredients in your menus? Upload your pics and recipes to our Chef+ mobile app!
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