Using seasonal food is not only the best way to enjoy the freshest and highest quality ingredients, but it also reduces our impact on the environment.

Consuming food which is out of season means that produce will have to be transported from different countries or grown in specially-built micro environments, all of which increase emissions, adding to our own carbon footprint.

Britain has an abundance of great fruit and vegetables regularly available, and cooking within the seasons will keep your diet varied and interesting.

There are some great resources out there that offer guides to what is in season and provide useful recipes using seasonal produce.

Want to know what’s in season? These sites are a good starting point. 

What’s in Season – This site does exactly what it says on the tin, providing a month by month guide of what’s in season, which includes an extensive range of fruit and vegetables.

National Trust – Overwhelmed with the amount on offer?  Then the National Trust site could be your answer. Focusing on one fruit or vegetable, the National Trust offers a guide and a number of recipes and handy tips for what to do in your garden from month to month.

BBC Good Food – This massive site has a wealth of information and recipes, offering a month to month guide to what’s in season.  The BBC Good Food site is a brilliant resource. 

If you’re just after some seasonal recipes, try these sites.

Harvest Brighton and Hove – Not satisfied with solely being a great guide to growing your own, Harvest also offers a selection of seasonal recipes, ranging from light summer salads to warming winter soups.

Seasonal Food Recipes – This site has a good selection of ideas and recipes for that special occasion - including parties and a great guide to making the perfect Christmas pudding.