Some Food Choices this March

Well, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere we hope that Spring is on the way, bringing plenty of fresh seasonal food ingredients with it. Foods such as delicate mushrooms and spring onions (scallions) can both be used in a wide variety of dishes or served as the star of the show – try a mushroom omelette for an easy brunch. For herbs, hardy rosemary adds a fragrant aroma to stews and casseroles as well as fragrant bakes. Papaya can add a summery, tropical twist to both sweet and savoury dishes, perfect for sunnier days ahead.

Papaya 

This sunny tropical fruit, which hails from the Americas, is delicious in both sweet and savoury recipes. Look for fruits with smooth, firm skin and an even yellow tone. Streaks of green indicate that the fruit isn’t ripe. Try using in place of mango – they have a similar sweetness and texture, but they also work well together. 

Papaya's, Fruit of the Angels, and a Thai green papaya salad (som tum) recipe can be seen here

Spring onions 

Less bitter than other alliums, spring onions (scallions) have a fresh, peppery flavour and add a punch to all kinds of dishes. Don't discard the green tops: they have a milder taste than the white bulb and can be shredded into fine ribbons and used in salads or dressings.

Recipes for 'Cilantro & Lime Cauliflower Rice with a taste of spring onion/scallion' and a 'Greek island salad with chicken & avocado & spring onions/scallion' can be seen here

Mushrooms 

Mushrooms are a fungus which come in a wide range of varieties that belong to two distinct types: cultivated and wild. There’s plenty of varieties to experiment with in the kitchen – from giant Portobello mushrooms (perfect for veggie burgers) to delicate chanterelles and porcini. 

Some recipes using mushrooms:

Lemon Garlic Pork Steaks with Mushrooms : Low Carb and Gluten Free, details here

Mushroom Bourguignon with Celeriac Mash : Vegetarian, details here 

Cheesy mushroom omelette, details here

Onions and shallots 

A household staple, versatile onions are the first ingredient in a whole host of dishes. Choose onions that feel firm, with papery skins and store in a cool, dry place. To avoid watery eyes when chopping onions, freeze for 10 minutes beforehand and avoid cutting through the root. As well as providing the base for sauces and stews, onions can shine on their own.

Some recipes using onions/shallots: 

Bistro Beef In Beer, using button onions or shallots, details here

Chicken Korma, a lower carb Curry, using brown onions, details here

Know your onions - some health benefits, details here

Rosemary 

This fragrant herb is great for perking up dishes as it retains its flavour and aroma even after slow-cooking. Traditionally associated with roast lamb and savoury dishes, you could try something different with this hardy herb, such as using it to infuse soft drinks. 

Garlic and Rosemary Cauliflower Bread, details here 

Lamb Rump with Rosemary Cauliflower Mash, details here

Pomegranate rosemary spritzer, details on this post here 
Rosemary and citrus spritz, see here

spring flowers to bring a smile

You will find a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas within this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy ... but please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. 

All the best Jan