February is a month of transition.

While winter still dominates, the first signs of spring begin to emerge, bringing exciting opportunities for chefs to update their menus.

The game season is coming to a close, shellfish is at its peak, and citrus continues to brighten dishes.

February also offers the perfect chance to incorporate bold flavours like fresh horseradish and rhubarb - ideal for crafting vibrant Valentine’s menus.

Here’s how to make the most of this month’s best seasonal ingredients.

Shellfish: Cold-Water Delicacies at Their Best

With the cold waters around the UK, February is an excellent time for top-quality shellfish.

• Scallops: Sweet and delicate, perfect for light Valentine’s dishes. Pair with citrus, fennel, or classic beurre blanc.
• Mussels: Steam with cider and leeks for a British take on marinière, or use nduja for a spicy, warming broth.
• Oysters: A luxurious ingredient, perfect for Valentine’s menus. Serve natural, tempura-fried, or grilled with garlic butter.

Chef’s tip: Elevate oysters by topping them with a blood orange and shallot mignonette for a bright, seasonal twist.

Check out Michelin-starred Ollie Bridgwater's scallop lasagna.

See Ashley Palmer-Watts' recipe for this scallop and bacon dish at The Devonshire in Soho.

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Fresh Horseradish: A Bold, Spicy Winter Essential

Horseradish is at its peak in February, bringing a fiery kick to dishes.

• Grate fresh horseradish over beef tartare or carpaccio for extra heat.
• Pair with smoked fish (trout, mackerel, or eel) to cut through richness.
• Stir into crème fraîche to create a punchy sauce for roasted root vegetables.

Chef’s tip: For a unique Valentine’s special, try a beetroot and horseradish cured salmon, served with rye crisps and crème fraîche.

Root Vegetables: The Last Month for Winter’s Hearty Staples

February still offers an abundance of root vegetables, perfect for warming dishes.

• Jerusalem artichokes: Roast, purée, or turn into crisps for textural contrast. Their nutty flavour pairs beautifully with shellfish and game.
• Beetroot: Roast whole for earthy depth or pickle to add acidity to meat dishes.
• Parsnips and swede: Ideal for gratins, roasts, or silky purées to accompany game meats.

Chef’s tip: Infuse Jerusalem artichoke purée with truffle oil for an indulgent finishing touch to meat or seafood dishes.

Check out the video of Lyla's Stuart Ralston cooking a turbot and artichoke dish.

Rhubarb: A Valentine’s Showstopper

The first forced rhubarb of the year is here - tender, vibrant, and packed with tartness.

• Classic pairings include vanilla, ginger, and citrus.
• Poach gently and use in panna cotta, tarts, or soufflés.
• Balance its acidity in savoury dishes, like a rhubarb and duck sauce.

Chef’s tip: Try a rhubarb and blood orange sorbet for a light yet striking Valentine’s dessert.

TSC member Tobias Quinn created this duck liver parfait, Yorkshire forced rhubarb and hazelnut dessert.

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Game: The Final Month for Wild Flavours

February marks the end of the game season, making it the last opportunity to serve these distinctive meats.

• Venison: Braise shanks, cure loins, or serve a tartare with grated horseradish.
• Hare: A bold flavour perfect for slow-cooked ragùs or game pies.
• Pheasant and partridge: Roast whole or use in terrines before they disappear from menus.

Chef’s tip: Create a rich game sauce by reducing a stock made from roasted bones and finishing with blood orange for a hint of acidity.

Michael Wignall creates hare with sprouting grains at The Angel -

Brassicas: Vibrant and Versatile

February signals the arrival of the first purple sprouting broccoli, while hearty greens remain in abundance.

• Purple sprouting broccoli: A sign that spring is near. Char, tempura, or simply steam and serve with anchovy butter.
• Savoy cabbage: Braise with pancetta, ferment into kimchi, or use raw in slaws.
• Kale: Crisp, blend into a pesto, or braise in rich stocks.

Chef’s tip: Char purple sprouting broccoli and serve with whipped goat’s cheese, toasted hazelnuts, and a citrus dressing for a fresh winter starter.

Alliums: Winter’s Unsung Heroes

Leeks, onions, and shallots continue to provide depth and complexity.

• Leeks: Roast whole, blend into soups, or serve confit in rich butter sauces.
• Shallots: Ideal for classic sauces, caramelised toppings, or pickled for acidity.
• Red onions: Roast to enhance sweetness or use raw in relishes.

Chef’s tip: Make a slow-cooked leek and potato terrine, layered with cream and thyme, for a refined yet comforting winter side.

See chef Tom Cenci creating a wood-fired leeks recipe -

Citrus Fruits: A Bright Contrast to Winter Dishes

With local produce still focused on winter staples, imported citrus remains essential for balance and acidity.

• Blood oranges: A striking addition to salads, vinaigrettes, or desserts.
• Seville oranges: Still in season, perfect for marmalades or rich sauces.
• Bergamot: Highly aromatic, excellent for infusions and curds.

Chef’s tip: Pair blood orange with dark chocolate in a ganache or tart for a bold Valentine’s dessert.

Herbs and Preserved Ingredients: Elevating Flavours in Winter

February still offers limited fresh herbs, but preserved ingredients can add depth.

• Rosemary and thyme: Hardy and ideal for roasts, infusions, or oils.
• Preserved lemons: Brilliant for adding complex acidity to sauces and stews.
• Pickled shallots and fermented garlic: Great for lifting rich, slow-cooked dishes.

Chef’s tip: Make a simple preserved lemon and herb dressing to drizzle over grilled vegetables or fish for an easy yet impactful finishing touch.

February’s seasonal ingredients allow for a balance of deep, hearty flavours and fresh, bright contrasts. Whether it’s the final game dishes of winter, peak shellfish season, or the first rhubarb of the year, this month presents plenty of inspiration for creative menus.

As chefs prepare for the transition to spring, February is a time to refine winter classics while embracing new seasonal delights.

Are you using any seasonal ingredients in your menus? Upload your pics and recipes to our Chef+ mobile app for a chance to be featured on our next seasonal update!