What’s in season – December

As the dark and cold evenings settle in, embrace the warmth of our comforting winter dinner ideas. And while fresh produce may be in short supply, you can still prioritise your health with our selection of invigorating winter salad recipes and wholesome healthy winter recipes, all designed to give your immune system a boost during the chilly months.

December seasonal produce

1. Jerusalem artichokes

These cook in very much the same way as potatoes, and coincidentally, they taste great together. Mash or roast, or fry into fritters, as we have below. Substitute them entirely for potatoes in our smoked haddock & Jerusalem artichoke gratin, a savoury and comforting dish that beautifully highlights the unique flavour of artichokes. Alternatively, warm yourself this winter with our truffled Jerusalem artichoke soup, a hearty option that promises to satisfy.

Jerusalem artichoke fritters (serves two)

Peel then coarsely grate 400g potatoes and 100g Jerusalem artichokes. Wrap both tightly in a clean tea towel and squeeze out any excess moisture. Tip into a bowl with 2 tbsp plain flour, 1 large egg and 1 tsp natural yogurt, stir, season and mix again. Heat a ½cm depth of vegetable oil in a large, deep non-stick frying pan and fry the mixture by the tablespoonful, pressing down a little and turning once or twice until crisp and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil, then put on a baking tray and keep warm in a low oven while you fry the rest. Blitz 1 bunch of mint with 1 bunch of flat-leaf parsley (stalks trimmed), 2 tbsp cider vinegar and 2 tbsp olive oil in a small food processor or with a stick blender until finely chopped, then stir in the juice of ½ lemon, 1 tsp fennel seeds and 1 tbsp capers. Spoon the herb dressing over the fritters, then serve the fritters with more yogurt on the side.

See our Jerasalem artichoke recipes for more inspiration.

2. Brussels sprouts

Originating in 16th-century Belgium, brussels sprouts are kin to cabbage, boasting a comparable flavour profile with hints of mustard, sweetness, and, according to some, a touch of bitterness. Boiling tends to amplify their bitterness, making stir-frying or roasting the optimal cooking method. Try our brussels sprouts pad Thai for a vegan-friendly way of using leftover Christmas sprouts. Or, for a non-traditional kick to this quintessential Christmas side, try our charred brussels sprouts with yeast extract butter for extra umami flavours. These versatile greens can also be enjoyed raw, finely shredded, and incorporated into vibrant slaws or refreshing salads, such as our brussels sprout slaw.

See more sides in our brussels sprouts recipes.

3. Celery

Optimal for cooking, the tougher outer stalks of celery are easily separated at the base. A peeler efficiently removes any stubborn strings. Conversely, the inner, more tender stalks are perfect for raw consumption. Snap them off, trim the ends, and quickly wash them. Additionally, the leafy tops contribute excellently to salads. Try our celery salad for a speedy lunch option. This celery soup recipe is perfect for this time of year as it’s warming and comforting without being too heavy or rich. But, do reserve the celery leaves to use as a garnish – they have a more delicate flavour than the stems, and also add texture.

See our celery recipes for more ideas.

4. Clementine

Oranges in all their varieties, including the delightful clementine, bring a vibrant touch to Britain's winter months. During the festive season, clementines take centre stage as one of the most cherished varieties, distinguished by tight, glossy skin.

For those embracing a vegan twist on a classic dessert, make our baked vegan cheesecake with raspberries & clementine, a delightful treat that makes the perfect addition to Christmas celebrations. Alternatively, elevate your dinner party with a showstopping clementine, cranberry & pistachio meringue wreath.

The sweet and tangy essence of clementines extends beyond puddings. Consider incorporating them into a spiced feta, pistachio & clementine salad – a light, no-cook lunch option that serves as a refreshing counterbalance to the decadence of the Christmas season.

5. Leeks

A great way to cook leeks is to blanch them, then char them on the outside. You'll end up with a great mix of textures, and the sweetness of the inner leaves is balanced by the blackened edges. This burnt leeks on toast with Romesco recipe makes a delicious starter.

Try using leeks in place of onions in your recipes – they're especially useful when cooking for one, as you can cut off a small piece and leave the rest in the fridge for another day.

Try this hearty veg in our leek recipes.

Browse recipes for, and information on, other ingredients in season in December:

• Clementine
• Grapefruit
• Radicchio
• Bramley apple
• Cranberry
• Leek
• Kale
• Whiting
• Pheasant
• Date
• Apple
• Quince
• Pear
• Turnip
• Mussels
• Pomegranate
• Oyster
• Pumpkin
• Celeriac
• Celery
• Chestnut
• Brussels sprouts
• Salsify
• Onion
• Goose
• Jerusalem artichoke
• Venison
• Cabbage
• Spring onion
• Parsnip
• Beetroot
• Swede
• Duck
• Sweet potato

See our seasonal calendar for more inspiration.

Seasonal food dates in December:

24 December – Eggnog Day & Christmas Eve

Kickstart Christmas with a glass of festive eggnog. Make our classic recipe, or try our non-alcoholic and vegan versions.

Discover activities and food to get you in the Christmas spirit with our things to do on Christmas Eve guide and top Christmas Eve dinner ideas.

25 December – Christmas Day

Make Christmas extra special this year with our next-level Christmas menu and best-ever Christmas recipes.

25 December-2 Jan – Hanukkah

Check out our Hanukkah recipes to celebrate this Jewish festival.

26 December – Boxing Day

Check out our Boxing Day recipes for inspiration on repurposing your Christmas leftovers.

31 December – New Year's Eve

Celebrate this New Year in style with our top New Year’s Eve cocktails and New Year’s Eve menu.

Other food dates for your diary:

20 December – National Sangria Day

Normally considered to be a summer drink, it turns out that National Sangria Day is in December! Check out our sangria recipes, which are perfect all year round.

Check out more seasonal recipes

Top 20 winter recipes
Top 10 ways with red cabbage
Top 10 ways with parsnips
Top 10 winter soup recipes

What are your favourite ingredients to cook with in December? Leave a comment below...