Seasonal sensations

Eating seasonally makes sense. Not only does it cut air miles and reduce our food’s carbon footprint but it supports local growers and we get fresh produce that’s cheaper and tastes better. Who needs green beans that have flown in from Peru or apples that have been stored for two years before they hit the supermarket shelves when Scotland produces so many tasty options at this time of year? 

The North-east is known for the quality of its fish, seafood and meat. Buying direct from a local fishmonger or Torry-based wholesaler means you get the freshest of catches and most are happy to do the prep work for you, or offer serving suggestions. Haddock, cod and coley are plentiful at this time of year, but it makes sense to look for sustainably caught fish. Crabs, mussels and clams are also good in the autumn months. 

Given the time of year, it can be worth asking your butcher about cheaper cuts, like beef cheeks, skirt or shin that can be slow-cooked in stews and spicier dishes like chillies, adobos and curries. Similarly, buying a whole chicken is much more economical than buying pre-packed breasts. Game is also in season, with venison making a change from beef. Try venison sausages, burgers or use it to make posh stovies. Game birds, like pheasant, partridge, wood pigeon and guinea fowl are available from specialist retailers, as is rabbit, but these are often more accessible when they come neatly pre-prepared and vacuum packed, unless you’re okay dealing with fur, feathers and shotgun pellets.

In general, the less processed the food, the cheaper it is and the better it will taste. Mushrooms, particularly wild mushrooms, are great at this time of year. If you can’t tell your chanterelles from a death cap, it may be best to use a supplier like Rosemount’s Pasta Plus or one of the local veg suppliers rather than foraging for them in the woods. 

Mushrooms aside, there are plenty of things worth foraging for as autumn’s harvests peak. Brambles are worth seeking out in hedgerows and you may get lucky and find some damsons. Neighbours often have too many apples or plums to make full use of, or have too much produce from their veg plot. Scottish apples and pears tend to be at their best in September and October, either fresh or as a seasonal crumble. Plums are also in season now. 

There’s a bumper harvest of root veg at this point of the year, with carrots, parsnips, beetroot, shallots, onions and potatoes all ready now. Young leeks, celeriac, broccoli and kale are also in season, as are pumpkins, sweet potatoes and an exciting array of squash.  

Local farmer markets and farm shops are always worth a visit, particularly at this time of year, when you can find everything from locally cured bacon to baked goods and lots of interesting specialities, like cheeses, sauces and jams. You may even find a few things worth putting by for Christmas gift hampers or just your own festive table as well as plenty of new things to try.