What is in season in the UK in October? Eating local, seasonal produce all year

The chilly nights and crisp autumn mornings are finally upon us. Many people think that the cooler weather signals the end of British-grown produce. Luckily this is not the case – so check out our list of what is in season in the UK in October to keep your seasonal eating going all year round.

corn on the cob ready for harvest in a field

5 minutes to read

What is in season in the UK in October – fruit

The summer berries are all but gone (apart from blackberries that don’t mind the chilly air so much). But there are still plenty of fruits that are in season in the UK in October. Remember – even if some of them do require the aid of a greenhouse, they are still grown in the UK and require far fewer food miles to reach us.
 
what is in season in the uk in October Pinterest pin
 
A list of some of the commercially-grown fruits that are in season in the UK in October:
 
  • Apples
  • Blackberries
  • Damsons
  • Elderberries
  • Pears
  • Quince

 

For a decadent October dessert, this sticky ginger pear pudding is the perfect end to a weekend roast dinner or a Friday night family meal.

sticky ginger pear pudding made with seasonal UK pears

What is in season in the UK in October – vegetables

Autumn vegetables in the UK lend themselves perfectly to all of our favourite autumnal meals, from stews and curries to soups and roast dinners.

So what is in season in the UK in October when it comes to vegetables?

  • Aubergines
  • Beetroot
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Butternut Squash
  • Carrots 
  • Cauliflower
  • Celeriac
  • Celery
  • Cucumber
  • Garlic
  • Kale
  • Leeks
  • Onions
  • Parsnips
  • Peas
  • Potatoes
  • Pumpkins
  • Radishes (until mid-October)
  • Spinach
  • Swede
  • Sweetcorn
  • Turnips
  • Wild mushrooms
  • Winter squash

 

This delicious aubergine teriyaki bowl makes use of seasonal aubergines, carrots, garlic and radishes and is a lovely, quick weeknight meal. Add crispy fried tofu or grilled chicken for an extra bit of oomph.

aubergine teriyaki bowl with rice

If you’ve not tried crispy kale yet – now’s the time! I always used to steam my kale until I discovered this recipe and now it’s crispy every single time. My children even request it – which is unheard of for green things usually.

What’s in season in the UK in October – meat, fish & seafood.

The majority of British meats and fish are farmed year-round, but you’ll find better prices and quality by sticking to what’s in season.

Be careful to make sure that what you buy is sustainably-sourced as well as locally-produced, especially when fish is concerned. A good place to start is the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide. It’s also good to double-check what’s available as close to you as possible. This is because fish and seafood seasons can vary slightly depending on where in the UK you live.

Here’s what’s in season in the UK in October when it comes to meat, fish and seafood:

Meat

  • Goose
  • Grouse
  • Lamb 
  • Pheasant
  • Wild duck

 

lamb is in season in the UK in October

 

Fish & seafood

  • Clams
  • Crab
  • Hake
  • Mackerel
  • Monkfish
  • Mussels
  • Pollack
  • Sardines
  • Skate

 

This roast monkfish with lemon and parsley butter works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does if you have friends over for lunch. Try serving with the crispy kale mentioned above and roast potatoes.

Your in-season food creations for October

We would love to see your seasonal meals and will share our favourites. To make sure we see them, either tag @ailunacommunity on Instagram or post in our Ailuna Community Facebook group for everyone to see!

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