AUTUMN INGREDIENTS
Pear
The seasons are turning and the days are getting shorter, meaning less sunlight. There is still harvest to be had, however, and for those looking to savour the flavours of the past seasons, canning and jarring fruits and vegetables is the answer. The following autumn dishes are rich and warming and combine bold flavours with Cricket St Thomas cheeses.
A perfectly ripe pear is bursting with a gentle flavour and lots of sweetness. Whilst there are more than 3,000 pear varieties grown worldwide, the two most popular varieties grown in the UK are the ‘Doyenne du Comice’ and the ‘Conference’ pear. ‘Conference’ pears now account for more than 90% of UK commercial production. Coined Britian’s favourite pear, Conference pears can be consumed firm or fully ripe depending on your preference and how you’d like to use this fruit in a dish—fresh or baked.
Truffle
Truffle Hunting Tips
The UK is home to a variety of truffles, including the Burgundy truffle (Tuber uncinatum), usually harvested from September to December, and the Summer truffle (Tuber aestivum). These species thrive in the temperate climate of Britain and can be found growing underground in woodlands and forests. UK truffles have a subtler aroma and flavour, but they’re still highly valued for their culinary potential. The key to finding these hidden gems is knowing where to look and when to search. While truffles can be found across the UK, certain regions are particularly known for their truffle-rich landscapes. In Southern England, counties like Dorset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire have soils and climates conducive to truffle growth. The dense woodlands in these areas are perfect for truffle hunting.
1. Know Your Trees: Truffles thrive in partnership with specific tree species, particularly oak, hazel, beech, and birch, finding sustenance and shelter amongst their roots. 2. Truffle Dogs Can Help: Breeds like the Lagotto Romagnolo possess an exceptional ability to detect the distinct aroma of truffles hidden beneath the soil. 3. Watch Your Step: Look for subtle disturbances around the base of trees, telltale signs of truffle activity. As they grow, truffles often cause the earth to crack slightly, revealing their presence to the observant eye.
Chutney, while traditionally made with fruit, can also be made to cater to evolving palates offering a mixture of flavours to dishes. Chutneys now feature a wide range of ingredients including seasonal vegetables and sweeteners like honey mixed with elements of heat. Chutney works well when paired with soft mould cheese, amongst a variety of other dishes, offering layers of texture and flavour that can be unexpected. Vegetable Chutney
*Sources: https://truffleguysuk.com/blogs/news/finding-truffles-in-the-uk#:~:text=While%20 truffles%20can%20be%20found,are%20perfect%20for%20truffle%20hunting https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/features/fascinating-facts-and- figures-pears and https://www.britishapplesandpears.co.uk/pear-varieties/
https://www.specialityfoodmagazine.com/food-and-drink/uks-favourite-chutney-and-pickles
| CRICKET ST THOMAS - SEASONALLY BRITISH MENUS 24
ISSUE N 0 3 2025 | 25
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software