Finding comfort and flavour in winter

Living by the sea, it often feels as though we are deeply in tune with the rhythm of the seasons, watching the tides change and braving the winter winds. Yet, despite this closeness to the world around us, our connection to what we eat can sometimes fall short. 

In an age of abundance, it’s easy to slip into habits of buying and eating the same items week after week, relying on produce that may have travelled across the world to reach our plates. These fruits and vegetables might look delicious and inviting on the supermarket shelves, but they can lack both the flavour and the nutritional benefits of food that’s grown closer to home.

Eating seasonally brings fresher flavours, more nutrients, and food that simply tastes better. While it may feel easier in the summer, we are fortunate have plenty of Farmers’ Markets and farm shops where its possible to find some stunning seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as other local produce. By choosing these over the supermarket, we not only support our farmers and local economy, but this variety of foods also boosts the nutrients in our diets.

While winter may bring fewer bright colours to our tables, it offers its own kind of comfort; hearty root vegetables, winter greens, and dishes that sustain us through the colder months. There is so much on offer that nourishment doesn’t have to take a hit. Take the apple for instance, often overlooked, but at its best in November. British varieties like Cox, Jazz, Empire, and Golden Delicious shine at this time of year. They’re naturally high in fibre, great for our gut and support heart health too. No wonder the old saying, “an apple a day…” still rings true.

One of my favourite ways to enjoy apples is this high-fibre, high-protein Nutty Apple Breakfast Bowl. It’s rich in healthy fats, omega-3s, and minerals. It’s pan-toasted with extra virgin olive oil, which gives it a nutty, almost granola-like taste without being too sweet. With 11g fibre and 15g protein, it’s the perfect breakfast to kick start your day.