Which fruits, vegetables and fish are in season in France this January?
Fresh seasonal produce remains plentiful despite the cold winter months
Local produce can be a great addition to new year’s resolutions to eat better
Theemanan Chantaraphanich/Shutterstock
The Christmas period – and the abundance of food associated with it – is over, with people returning to their typical routines including in the kitchen.
The start of the new year sees the pledging of resolutions, sometimes related to changing our cooking or eating habits.
Even in the winter months there is an abundance of locally-produced vegetables (and fruit) in France that can be used to make healthy dishes.
The French government’s manger-bouger website lists local produce readily available in France each month, alongside recipes in which they can be used.
Below, we look at foods that are in season at the start of the new year.
Root vegetables remain available
Many winter staple and root vegetables available at the end of last year remain in season, including carrots, parsnips, turnips, beetroot, and Jerusalem artichoke.
Alongside these, sprouts and cabbage remain plentiful, as do gourds and squashes.
At the same time, new vegetables including endives, as well as other artichokes – crosne (Chinese or Japanese artichoke) and cardon (artichoke thistle) come into season.
This is alongside leafy greens including spinach, mâche, and oseille (docks and sorrels).
Read more: French firm aims to cut food waste through 'upcycling'
Citrus fruits easy to find
“This month, the orchard is a little less generous than the vegetable garden,” the website states.
However “citrus fruits are still in abundance: lemons, clementines, mandarins, oranges, blood oranges and pomelos.”
Alongside these tropical fruits such as guava, pineapple, and bananas are grown in French overseas departments and territories.
Read more: France at risk of shortage of citrus fruits after Spanish floods
Seasonal seafood also in abundance
Similarly to fruits, vegetables and cheeses, seafood is also seasonal in many cases.
Some produce – oysters, langoustines, sardines – are available fresh all-year round (oysters are usually naturally available between May - August, but can be grown in cages for the rest of the year).
Others, however, are only occasionally in season. January sees octopus, cockles, and scallops at their freshest.
Hake (colin), pollack (lieu jaune et noir) and sole fish are coming into season, as is horse-mackerel (chinchard).
Bouchot mussels will be out of season by the end of the month, so you should take advantage of their availability whilst you can.
