February seasonal foods

February's seasonal food includes the last month for succulent game, such as guinea fowl, partridge and pheasant; enjoy kale and purple sprouting broccoli; and say a warm hello to tender rhubarb.

Meat

Venison

Venison has a flavour reminiscent of beef, but is richer and can have a gamey note. Venison tends to have a finer texture and is leaner than comparable cuts of beef.

Game recipes

Bring in the game birds – we’re heading for the country. Make the most of British comfort food with these hearty game recipes.

Guinea fowl

Don't underestimate this hardy little bird; it secured a place in history a long time ago (the ancient Egyptians were partial, as were the Elizabethans) and it's eaten all over the world.

Pheasant

Introduced by the Normans in the 11th century, the pheasant is now a familiar sight in the countryside. Try one of these wonderful recipes with this flavoursome bird.

Fish and Shellfish

Scallops

The kingly scallop is available all year round, but the cold winter months are the best time to eat these delightful morsels of loveliness.

Mussels

You want mussels? You've got 'em. From September to March British mussels grace our plates, and they're at their most succulent in the chilly months. Let us tempt you with our tasty mussel recipes.

Oysters

Whether you regard them as food of the gods, or spawn of the devil, oysters are a unique culinary experience.

Vegetables

A bitter, pale green, torpedo-shaped leaf that adds distinction to salads, particularly when paired with blue cheese. You can also braise it and serve it with meat: it’s a great partner for pork, goes well with chicken and can be stir-fried.

Kale recipes

Hail to kale, it's as good as – if not better than – broccoli, yet it doesn't get the accolade it deserves; so let's give it some!

Purple sprouting broccoli

This humble vegetable is going through a purple patch and rightly so.

Sprouts recipes

Sprouts don't have to be boring. We've got some exciting sprouts recipes with breadcrumbs, bacon and chestnuts to accompany your roast.

Rhubarb

Good for so much more than crumble, consider using it in chutney or as an accompaniment to pork, duck or oily fish.

Fruit

Orange recipes

Are your orange consumption habits confined to orange juice and the odd fruit salad? Try these delicious recipes using oranges and make the most of your citrus fruit. Use them to add a sweet sharp edge to savoury dishes or try them in orange cake, carrot cake or decadent chocolate orange desserts.

Pomegranates

Sweet, succulent and reminiscent of Christmas, pomegranates don't look like much from the outside, but open this exotic fruit up and you'll find that seeds are truly the jewels in nature's crown.

Apples

Savoury or sweet, apples are always a treat, and they come into their own at this time of year, complementing meat and filling pies and cakes. Take a look at some of our favourite apple recipes.