As we transition from Summer to Autumn, September brings a bountiful array of delicious seasonal food and drink.
Dave Stitson, Head Chef at PARADE at Chester Racecourse shares his top tips on the fresh produce and flavours that are perfect for celebrating the changing seasons.
One of the highlights of September is the abundance of late summer vegetables such as tomatoes, courgette, celeriac and runner beans, not to mention the last of the summer salad leaves like rocket. These vegetables are at their peak in September, making it the perfect time to enjoy delicious salads, soups, and roasted vegetable dishes.
September also brings with it a unique opportunity to indulge in a variety of meats that are at their prime and with the changing of the seasons, our palates naturally shift towards heartier and richly flavoured dishes.
In all the seasonality, don’t forget the all-rounders, like beef. Whilst beef is reared all year around, as barbecues are swapped for Sunday roasts, beef really becomes the star of the show. There are so many cuts to choose from, rib for the ultimate roast dinner (with marbling, although not the leanest), steaks for casseroles and hearty pies and, of course, mince. And then there’s the oysters which are at there best when the water is cooler.
September is also a great time for enjoying fruits such as apples, pears, blackberries and grapes, which are in season and incredibly flavourful. And figs are great this time of year, super sweet and amazing simply roasted and served in a salad or with parma ham, cheese and rocket as a starter.
When it comes to drinks, September is the perfect time to start incorporating warm and comforting beverages into our routines. Whether it’s a a pumpkin spice latte, or a hot apple cider, there are plenty of options for enjoying a cosy drink as the weather starts to cool down. September is also a great time for enjoying the last of the summer cocktails before transitioning to fall flavours. Margaritas made with fresh, juicy limes and mojitos infused with mint from the garden are perfect for savouring the final days of summer.
