Great Pork Recipes

Great replacements – for when your favourite foods are out of season

It's officially spring and that means that your winter, summer or autumn favourite foods won't be in season. Now you'll still be able to buy your favourite foods, thanks to the wonders of technology and international transport, but whatever they are, they're likely to be bland, unripe or have a very short shelf-life, so shouldn't we be looking for tasty seasonal alternatives instead?

Let's go through some of the favourites and see what the months of April and May can tempt us away with. Replace the out of season apple or pineapple with bananas, kiwi fruit or oranges for that sweet fruity kick and to make it more interesting, why not combine all three into a smoothie or fruit salad? Both are perfect for a healthy lunch box or 3:30pm pick me up.

Peas, green beans and sweetcorn are not in season, so why not buy leeks, carrots, broccoli and spinach instead? You can do all sorts with these, from pies and quiches to stir fries and pasta bakes and they all contain vital vitamins and minerals for a healthy body and immune system. A great recipe idea is chicken and leek pie with puff pastry which can be eaten hot with mashed potato (the potato is also in season) or cold the next day with a watercress, rocket and spring onion salad ' fiery greens that are all in season.

When it comes to meat, chicken, beef and pork are in season all year round which is great but if you fancy mixing up your protein, branch out and try rabbit or wood pigeon. Don't be scared if you've never eaten either before, they are really delicious if you like fantastic gamey flavours. Both are becoming more widely available in butchers and local supermarkets and are great for anything from warm day salads and hearty curries. Don't forget that this is the perfect time to enjoy tender lamb too; it is smack bang in season and couldn't be tastier or more succulent than right now.

If you like fish and seafood, crab is currently in season and can be eaten hot and cold depending on the weather or your mood. Buy dressed crab from the butcher or fish counter to save you the hassle, or be adventurous and cook it yourself.

Trying new fairtrade food recipes is exciting and buying seasonal produce means you learn about the way the planet works and why ethical food is so important.