March seasonal foods

The first signs of spring promise a new gathering of vegetable, fruit, meat and seafood. Keep a look out for purple sprouting broccoli, spring onions, baby leeks and spinach this month.

Don't miss the chance to savour some rabbit and flavoursome venison. Finally, this is the month to enjoy wonderful mussels, a bit of luxury with scallops and fresh oysters.

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.

Rabbit

Although popular on the Continent, rabbit is often overlooked as a dinner option in other countries. Don't miss out – rabbit recipes are inexpensive and the meat is lean yet flavoursome.

Fish and Shellfish

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.

Salmon

Packed with brain-boosting omega 3 fatty acids salmon is incredibly good for you and it doesn't taste half bad either. Here's some of our best salmon recipes to get your tastebuds going.

Oysters

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

Crab

Crab meat is flavoursome yet delicate treat. Pick it up from your local fishmonger or supermarket when it's in season and why not even have a go picking the meat yourself?

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.

Vegetables

Radishes

Crunchy, peppery, juicy and colourful - how can you resist radishes? Use them in salads or slaw, pickle them or add them to Vietnamese summer rolls.

Leeks may look like giant spring onions but that's because they're from the same family. They're also related to garlic, and this pungent flavour comes through, though their taste is much more subtle.

Purple sprouting broccoli

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

Beetroot

Obama hates it, but we – and millions of others – love the earthy flavour and versatile nature of nutritious beetroot. Here are some beetroot recipes, including a cake (don't knock it until you've tried it).

Spring recipes

Celebrate the wonderful foods that Spring brings with these seasonal meals and recipes.

Spinach

Spinach is a great source of vitamins. It's popular, delicious and versatile in salads, pasta, pies and tarts.

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.