October brings with it beautiful Autumn colours, the World Conker Championship (second Sunday), Apple Day (21st October), the end of British Summer Time (31st October), and Hallowe’en (also 31st October – don’t miss our top Eco-Hallowe’en Tips from last year, and our list of seasonal “paranormal party foods“).
The Saxons called the month Wyn Monath because it was the season of wine making, and it’s the central month for ripe English hot-house grapes. October 1st used to be the start of “English Pudding Season” (although this refers to savoury “puddings” filled with steak, leeks and mushrooms, rather than the kinds of puddings we personally prefer, like Treacle, for instance!).
As for fruit and veggies – don’t miss the last of the courgettes, figs, runner beans or Spring onions. And crack out the recipes for Brussels (they’re back!), celeriac and Jerusalem (f)artichokes (!) – all back in season from now.
October coming in
Apples (storing varieties)
Brussels sprouts
Celeriac
Chicory
Grapes (English hothouse)
Jerusalem artichokes
Pears (lates)
Quince
October going strong
Apples (late, inc Bramleys)
Beetroot
Broccoli (calabrese and tenderstem)
Cabbage (Red, White, Green, Savoy and Pointed)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard / Swiss chard
Endive
Greens
Kale (inc Cavalo Nero)
Kohl rabi
Lambs lettuce
Leek
Lettuce
Onions
Pak Choi
Parsnip
Peppers and chillies
Potatoes
Pumpkins / squashes
Radish
Raspberries
Rocket
Salsify
Sorrel
Spinach
Swede
Sweetcorn
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watercress
October last of
Aubergine
Blackberries
Courgette
Cucumber
Damsons
Fennel
Fig
French beans
Garlic
Globe artichoke
Pears (early and mid)
Peas / Mange tout
Plums
Rhubarb
Runner beans
Spring onions
Gone
Apples (early)
Blackcurrants
Blueberries
Broad beans
Greengages
Strawberries
Over to you…
Do you buy English grapes or drink English wine? Have you got a seasonal savoury “pudding” recipe to share with us? And, given that it’s time for Apple Day … When was the last time you “bobbed”?
Categories: seasonal eating
