Embracing Winter's Bounty and New Year’s Fresh Starts
First and Foremost Happy New Year from all of us at Groombridge Farm Shop. We hope you had a wonderful holiday season, full of good food and warmth. As we welcome January 2025, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the season’s offerings, embrace the joys of winter produce, and look forward to fresh starts in the new year.
Here at our farm shop, we are excited to share the fruits of the season with you, as well as a few tips and recipes to make the most of the winter months. January may bring chilly weather, but it also brings hearty, nutritious, and warming foods that will nourish you throughout the month.
What’s in Season: Winter’s Best Produce
Winter doesn’t mean bland, tasteless food. In fact, January is a month full of rich and vibrant produce, all grown locally and packed with flavour. Here’s a look at some of the seasonal delights you can find in our shop:
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Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, turnips, and swedes are in their prime this month. These earthy vegetables are perfect for roasting, mashing, or turning into comforting soups.
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Brussels Sprouts: A winter classic, these tiny cabbages are packed with vitamin C and fibre. Roasted with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and perhaps some chestnuts, they make a great side dish. We also have the whole stalk which generally keep for longer in a cool storage place. We also sell sprout tops which are great in a stir fry.
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Kale and Winter Greens: Kale, Broccoli and other hardy greens thrive in the cold and offer a wealth of nutrients. Add them to salads, soups, or stir-fries for an extra health boost.
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Citrus Fruits: January marks the height of citrus season, and we have fresh, juicy oranges, grapefruits, and lemons available. Perfect for a refreshing winter salad or for brightening up your morning with a vitamin C boost. For marmalade chefs we have Seville oranges, the season is short so pick yours up now, you can even freeze them to use later.
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Apples and Pears: Local apples and pears continue to be in good supply, with varieties like Bramley and Conference providing excellent options for baking, stewing, or snacking.
New Year, Healthy Starts
The start of a new year often brings the desire to eat a little healthier and focus on wellness. Luckily, winter produce is full of vitamins and minerals that can support your new year’s goals. Here are a few tips for staying on track this January:
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Focus on Seasonal Vegetables: Eating what's in season is not only environmentally friendly but also ensures you're getting the freshest and most flavourful produce available. Root vegetables, greens, and citrus are all fantastic additions to your meals.
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Batch Cooking for Busy Days: January can often be a hectic month after the holiday rush. Consider batch cooking soups, stews, and roasted vegetables that can be enjoyed throughout the week. These can easily be frozen for future meals when you’re too busy to cook.
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Mindful Eating: Take time to enjoy your meals slowly, appreciating the seasonal flavours. This can be a refreshing change after the indulgence of the festive period and can help you feel more connected to your food.
Supporting Local and Sustainable - Upcoming Tastings
At the shop, we’re committed to supporting local producers, on the theme of health, we have Booyah Vitality Health Drinks (https://linktr.ee/booyah_vitality) visiting the shop on Saturday 18th January for a tasting. This family run business produces raw kombucha, turmeric shots and dandelion coffee. They are passionate about using food as medicine that tastes good, using natural organic ingredients (whenever possible) they are designed to nurture the gut, liver, and immune system. Come and try out their products with us.
Looking Ahead to Spring
While we’re embracing the beauty of winter, we’re also excited for the arrival of spring. In the coming months, we’ll see new produce like early rhubarb, spring greens, and fresh herbs. We’ll keep you updated on what’s coming into season as we move into the next phase of the year.
For now, enjoy the hearty, comforting foods that January has to offer, and remember that we’re here to help you create delicious meals from the freshest, locally grown ingredients.
Thank you for supporting Groombridge Farm Shop. We wish you all the best for a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!