What food is in season in November?

November can be a cold, dark month weather-wise, but also one filled with excitement as we look forward to the festivities of Christmas! But which foods are in season this month? Let’s take a look:

Fruits in season in November
This time of year isn’t great for locally grown and seasonal fruit, but if you decide to enjoy lunch at an Exeter cafe such as https://fresha.org/exeter-cafe/, you’ll probably find local treats including pears, apples – including Red Pippins, Cox, Empire and Golden Delicious – and quince, which are more unusual but delicious.

Vegetables in November
There are more vegetables available and you won’t run out of inspiration! In fact, you could lunch in an Exeter cafe with a locally sourced and seasonal menu, where you’re bound to find treats such as beetroot, butternut squash, cauliflower, carrots, kale, potatoes, parsnip, leeks, pumpkin, wild mushrooms and shallots. Look out too for more unusual treats including artichoke, celeriac, horseradish, salsify, and kohlrabi.

Don’t forget that if you have food gluts in November, you can preserve them to make your seasonal treats last through winter. For example, you can dry mushrooms with a dehydrator, pickle carrots and make chutney with shallots. These traditional preserving methods are a great way to fill your pantry or food cupboards in a natural way that doesn’t involve chemicals. It also results in wonderful healthy foods that will last. For example, cabbage can be made into sauerkraut which is hugely beneficial for your gut, filled with good bacteria that supports everything from your digestion to your immunity.

Herbs and nuts
November also sees a number of herbs and nuts coming into their own, so look out for watercress, sage, rosemary, cobnuts and chestnuts, all of which are absolutely delicious!

Why not try some lovely comfort food at this time of year with seasonal and local food, with a great emphasis on vegetables. The slow cooker is a particular asset at this time of year, and you can enjoy delicious soups, stews and curries without needing to break the bank with expensive ingredients.