Hello,
Today, I thought the discussion of seasonality should be prefaced with what my interpretation is of the term itself. Some seasonal items are already a part of our culture here in Texas…the piece of Luling watermelon in the summer, a tomato grown in the garden of someone you know.
We are fortunate to live in a state where beef, chicken, pork, and wild game (dove and quail in the fall, venison tenderloin and sausage in the winter) are almost available year round. I hope you have that hunting family member who will keep giving you white butcher paper–wrapped treasures. When it comes to protein, we are covered, so today we will concentrate on produce.
As much as the phrase “seasonal items” is mentioned, what exactly is the definition of that term? As a chef, the knowledge of seasonal items is absolutely required to be successful. From the consumer point of view, there has never been more to choose from! I have to go with the old adage, “Let the market write the menu.” There is a reason there is a pallet of peaches in the middle of the produce aisle… it’s peach season! We sometimes walk into a store with what we want already in mind, but to shop seasonally, I believe you should seek out the produce that is prevalent and abundant. Try those blackberries or that spaghetti squash just for the reason that it’s in season. Not to mention, the simple fact that things are picked at the height of their season, look, feel, and taste better. After a while, shopping seasonally will become second nature and fun. On a chef’s note, if you have children, I highly encourage the introduction of as many fruits and vegetables as possible. I feel young children today have the highest food knowledge than ever before.
We will be discussing seasonality in depth in this blog. This post is just some groundwork before we go forward in many discussions on this subject. Being aware of seasonality will alter the way you shop for products and see the market altogether. Remember, the first step to any good meal is good ingredients.
Thank you,
Chef Charles
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