Quince, citrus, pears, cranberries – in tarts or simply poached
Getting in your ‘five a day’ is even more important in cold and flu season. But don’t be tempted by the unseasonal and overpriced strawberries on offer. Eat with the seasons to find inspiration for afters.
Fresh cranberries
Not just for Christmas, alongside the turkey, these tart red berries are increasingly widely available in fresh form. They are a great source of vitamin C too. Try them in fruit sauces, tarts and berry compôtes.
Pears
Pears poached in red wine and spices is one of the simplest and most beautiful desserts you could make.
Apples
Baked apples with dried fruit and chopped nuts is a classic winter standby.
Quince
Harder to find than their cousins – pears and apples – so snap them up if you see them. Firmer-fleshed than pears, they need over an hour’s poaching time.
Citrus fruit
The ‘easy peelers’, i.e. satsumas, clementines and tangerines, are at their best in the winter. Have them as they are, vitamin C rich and unadorned. Simple.
