As we enjoy the last bit of winter, it’s time to indulge in warm breakfast muffins, freshly baked savoury pies and slow-cooked fall-off-the-bone stews before we welcome iced smoothies, crunchy salads and charcuterie. The end of winter also means some fruit and vegetables will soon be going out of season.
Apples, avocados, dates, grapefruit, kumquats, lemons, limes, melon, naartjies, oranges, pawpaw, papayas, pears, pineapples and tomatoes are still in season in South Africa. They’re great for homemade jams, confit, dips, dressings, atchars, spreads and sweets.
As for vegetables, you should opt for asparagus, artichokes, beetroot, broad beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, cucumber, Jerusalem artichokes, parsnips, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkin, radishes, spinach, spring onion, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips and waterblommetjies. Experiment with pickling or create your own homemade sauces and condiments.
Here are a few of our best-loved winter recipes using these fruits and veg that you can whip up for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks:
Sweet-potato chocolate chunk muffins
Turnip tagliatelle with chicken and herb sauce
Bacon-wrapped pork roast with apples
Double glazed apple fritter doughnuts
