Getty Images

What’s In Season In The UK This March?

6 hours ago

Recipe inspiration for the new season

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

The sun is shining and spring officially begins in a couple of weeks. So how should we be switching up our grocery shopping to make the most of the seasonal shift? Although it’s a while off before classic spring vegetables like asparagus and snap peas have their moment, the first few green shoots begin to burst through in March – and purple sprouting broccoli comes into season. Read on to discover what’s in season in the UK in March, plus some of our favourite recipes to try over the next few weeks.

5 Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables For March

Purple sprouting broccoli

March is the peak season for purple sprouting broccoli, the variety of broccoli known for its deep purple hue. It has a slightly sweeter, nuttier taste than the regular kind – plus it’s even quicker to prepare, thanks to its tender stems, which cook rapidly. This vegetable works well in a variety of dishes, including Asian-inspired stir fries, pastas, salads and tarts.

Social Pantry’s rhubarb tart

Forced rhubarb

This pretty pink vegetable is trending right now, with Tesco reporting a surge in sales. Although regular rhubarb sprouts later in the spring, the forced variety can be drawn out earlier thanks to being grown in dark conditions. This gives it a sweeter taste, hence why it’s widely used in cakes, crumbles and jams, as well as in drinks like gin and cordials.

Wild garlic

Nothing heralds the beginning of spring like the unmistakable scent of wild garlic. Around this time of year, the pungent plant begins covering woodlands – hence its popularity with foragers. Early in the season, it’s best to pick the leaves while they’re still young and full of flavour, then use them within a couple of days. Wild garlic adds flavour to an array of dishes including pesto, risotto and soup.

Spring onions

While these fresh green onions are available year-round, they’re most tender in the spring (hence the name). Simply chop them up and add them to salads with fresh tomatoes and feta, or sprinkle them over stir fries to add a bit of crunch.

Getty Images

Nettles

You might know them as the stinging plant, but believe it or not nettles can be eaten. They begin to appear in late February or early March, and are packed with health benefits – high in vitamins C and A, and rich in magnesium and calcium. Nettles grow in abundance across the UK, but be sure to use rubber gloves when picking them, then lay them on a tray or wash them in hot water – once wilted, they can no longer sting you. You can’t eat them raw, but the leaves can be cooked to make soup or tea.

Which Other Vegetables Are In Season In March?

Beetroot
Carrots
Leeks
Parsnips
Celeriac
Chicory
Kale

What Meat & Fish Are In Season In March?

In the UK, there’s usually an abundance of gurnard, halibut and pollock around March, as well as shellfish like mussels and oysters. However, this changes year on year so it’s best to check the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide to see what’s available near you.

When it comes to meat, spring lamb is known to be very tender, although it’s sometimes said to be less flavoursome as the lambs haven’t had much time to graze. Nonetheless it works well roasted, barbecued or stewed with herbs like rosemary and garlic, and is a regular fixture on Easter tables.