The Good Foundation
The change of season means a whole new range of fresh fruit and veggies are at their prime! Produce that’s in season is often fresher, yummier and cheaper because it’s in plentiful supply, harvested at the right time of year and hasn’t been stored for long periods of time.
So, how do I tell what’s in season?
A quick Google search will give you a good idea of what’s in season, but we love Sustainable Table’s guide. This month you’ll be saying goodbye to sticky mango-fingers and hello to mandarin smiles.
Produce we’re loving this Autumn
Citrus
Has your child always talked about giving the old entrepreneurial lemonade stand a go? Autumn is the season to kick that business idea into gear because as the weather cools down citrus supply ramps up. Citrus lovers will be pleased to welcome back juicy grapefruit, lemons and mandarins this season. Feature some sensational citrus in your desserts this season with Jamie Oliver’s lemon butter biscuits or key lime pie.
Wild Mushrooms
The increase in rain means that more wild mushrooms will start to sprout – while we recommend leaving the picking to the professionals, we suggest giving Jamie’s mushroom belly warmers a go: porchetta stuffed with wild mushrooms, and wild mushroom and venison stroganoff.
Sweet Potatoes
Baked, mashed, roasted, scalloped, boiled – is there anything the humble sweet potato can’t do? Kids are more likely to enjoy eating a meal if they’ve had a hand in making it. Once cool enough to handle, get your mini chefs to help hand-mash potatoes, toss homemade chips with seasoning and decorate baked potatoes with toppings. Some of our favourite Jamie recipes are sweet potato hash and baked sweet potato.
Figs
Figs have one of the highest plant-based sources of calcium and fibre, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and antioxidants. Being in season means figs will be a great price, so grab some and whip up some homemade jam! The kids will love being involved in the process from chopping up the figs, to melting it all together into oozy goodness! Jam isn’t the only thing we love figs in, check out Jamie’s cinnamon and fig breakfast bowls and prosciutto, figs and mint crostini.
Jamie’s Ministry of Food’s school holiday program is taking bookings for both face-to-face and online cooking classes. To find out more or to book visit: http://bit.ly/38pOtUB
