What's in Season - April
Seasonal eating means two things, really: building meals around foods that have just been harvested at their peak - and adjusting your diet to meet the particular health challenges of Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn.
While it may seem like a luxury to have any food we want, anytime we want it, eating foods in season offers many benefits.
Simple joys
For starters, it connects us to the calendar reminding us of simple joys - the first taste of Asparagus in Spring, the smell of ripe Strawberries newly picked in Summer, Apple picking on a clear Autumn day, celebrating Winter holidays with hearty, warming meals
Tastes Better
In-season produce is fresher and tastes better, sweeter - when perfectly ripe.
When Fruits and Vegetables are picked for consumption that have naturally reached perfection in the ground, on the vine, or on the tree - and harvested at the right time, they will have much more flavour and nutrition
More vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
Produce eaten at its peak generally has more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than foods harvested before they’re ripe and then shipped long distances.
Eat a more well-rounded and balanced diet
A pleasant added benefit of eating what's in season is that you get a broader variety of foods in your diet. Those foods can broaden your palate, for one, but they may also expose you to dishes and ingredients you may not have otherwise explored.
Supports small and midsize Farmers
Eating seasonally often means eating locally grown foods, so it’s good for the environment too. It supports small and midsize local farmers, cuts down on pollution from shipping and transporting food and reduces your carbon footprint.
Saves you money
And if all that’s not enough to get you to make some simple switches in your diet, - In-season foods will usually save you money.
Time to eat Seasonal
Each Meat, Fruit or Vegetable has a prime time when it is at its seasonal best - and they tend to complement each other. That means extra flavour, extra crunch, extra juiciness - all super-fresh and great value.
And so here is what is in season - and most popular - in April to help you eat seasonally:
Leaves and Stems
- Asparagus
- Brussels Sprouts
- Celery
- Chicory
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- *Lettuce
- Pak Choi
- Radicchio
- Savoy Cabbage
- Sorrel
- Spinach
- Spring Green Cabbage
- Wild Garlic
- Wild Nettles
Flowers, Fruits and Seeds
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Roots and Bulbs
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Tubers
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* Denotes coming into season
And here is just a summary of the main Meat Cuts that become popular in April:
Thrifty Cuts
- Bavette Steak
- Beef Fillet Tails
- Rolled Brisket
- Salt Beef
- Braising Steak
- Shin of Beef
- Beef Meatballs
- Lamb Breast Roulade
- Breast of Lamb
- Chicken Breasts
- Whole Chicken Legs
- Hand Diced Chicken
- Chicken Plum Parcels
- Chicken Lemon and Coriander Parcels
- Toulouse Sausages
- Gluten-free Cumberland Sausages
- Pork Collar Steaks
- Shoulder of Pork Boneless
- Mini Porchetta with Chorizo
- Belly of Pork
- Pork Mince
- Pigs Cheeks
- Tame Rabbit
- Bacon Knuckles
Roasts, Casseroles and Stews
- Beef Picanha
- Carvery Rib of Beef
- Topside of Beef
- Silverside of Beef
- Flat Cut Brisket
- Carvery Leg of Lamb
- Rack of Lamb
- Shoulder of Lamb
- Mini Leg of Lamb
- Saddle of Lamb
- Otter Valley Organic Chicken
- Special Reserve Chicken
- Church Hill Farm Chicken
- Leg of Pork
- Shoulder of Pork
- Porchetta with Chorizo
- Whole Duck
- Marrowbones
Seriously Low and Slow
- Beef Short Ribs (Jacobs Ladder)
- Rolled Beef Brisket
- Shin of Beef
- Oxtail
- Ox Cheeks
- Leg of Lamb
- Lamb Shanks
- Lamb Middle Neck
- Belly of Pork
- Unsmoked Gammon
- Venison Saddle Eye
- Beef Marrowbones
- Pork Caul
Quicker cooking
- Flat Iron Steaks
- Fillet Steak
- Rib Eye Steaks
- T-Bone Steaks
- Marinated Rump Steaks
- Freshly Ground Beef Mince
- Master Beef Steak Burgers
- Calves Liver
- French Trimmed Lamb Cutlets
- Lamb Steaks
- Lamb Henrys
- Lamb Garlic Rosettes
- Lambs Liver
- Chicken Suprêmes
- Chicken Paupiette
- Handmade Chicken Kievs
- Marinated Chicken Kebabs
- Chicken Skewers
- Boerewors Sausages
- Traditional Lincolnshire no colouring or preservative Sausages
- Gluten-free Cumberland Sausages
- Pork Chops
- Pork Steaks
- Marinated Pork Ribs
- Veal Chops
- Hand Diced Veal
- Barbary Duck Breasts
- Venison Steaks
Every month we will pick out one Seasonal product and explore a little more about how best to prepare it
This April we feature Free Range Chickens
Every year in the UK over 64 million people consume around 910 million Chickens - that is 17.5 million Chickens a week.
That shows just how popular a meat Chicken is - ranging from a gloriously Whole Roast all the way through a plethora of dishes - to the famous Chicken Curry
Yet 98% of those Chickens produced are intensively farmed
Intensively farmed Chicken
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has tirelessly championed the fight against the horrors and personal health threats of intensively farmed Chicken - which he comprehensively and accurately chronicles in his excellent book The River Cottage Meat Book
Here is a very shortened list of what intensive Chicken producers need to do to produce birds to a price:
Genetics: use a breed that will gain weight quickly, thus taking less time to get to market
Intensity: a high number of Chickens per barn lowers your unit costs
Antibiotics: rely heavily on antibiotics to fight off disease due to overcrowding
Remember what your Chicken eats - you eat
Feed: use high protein (often GM) foods to encourage rapid weight gain
And that is why we offer only truly Free-Range Chicken
Undoubtedly Organic Chicken is the gold standard of Chicken husbandry - but not everyone can afford the cost of raising such birds - but if you can - you will be more than amply rewarded in texture, taste and the sheer eating quality of the Meat
Less onerous rules
With Free Range Chickens the rules are less onerous and open to being stretched to the limit with some so-called Free-Range Chickens being housed in hangers containing up to 10,000 birds
Raised in small numbers
That’s why we source only from flocks that are raised in very small numbers - and who genuinely want to get out - to truly roam and forage freely
A big difference
In the world of Free-Range Chickens there is a big difference between Chickens that are happy to naturally roam freely - and those that are “free to roam” - which can mean - as long as they are prepared to crawl over the other 9,999 cooped up Chickens - in the hope of finding a nearby pop hole to get outside
So we are fastidious in checking on the husbandry standards of each of the farmers we source from
Healthy, sublime flavours, textures
That way we not only know our customers are eating healthily - but also enjoying the unique flavours that should naturally be in birds that have been allowed to solely build healthy muscle and forage for all the wild ingredients that add to the sublime flavours, textures and supreme quality of Meat of all of our Chickens
So now you know you are cooking with Chicken that is the best money can buy - what options are there for preparing your Chicken?
Here are some tips:
A whole roast truly Free-Range Chicken is a joy - but to save money, buy a whole Chicken and let us joint it for you - instead of buying pre-packed portions - it works out a lot cheaper, you can freeze what you don’t use, and you will be left with a carcass that will make the best Chicken Stock ever.
Always store Chicken in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer (for up to 6 months) and remember to defrost thoroughly before cooking.
How to cook Chicken
Almost every part of Chicken can be used and our How to Cook Related Recipes featured with every Cut will help you to get the most out of it.
And now with our Love your Leftovers Recipes Tab - you can stretch that Premium Quality produce even further - at little - or no extra cost
Season first
When cooking Chicken, always season the Chicken first - you can keep it simple with Salt and Pepper, or rub in Butter or alternatively rub in Oils infused with Garlic, Herbs or Spices
The Meat should always come up to room temperature - both outside and inside - before cooking
Always use a Meat Thermometer, not just for more consistent results - but to ensure the Chicken is properly cooked through.
It is necessary to cook Chicken through completely before eating.
Rest
Once cooked - cover and leave it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes - which allows the Meat to relax into tenderness, resulting in a Chicken that will be juicier and more tender
Slow methods for cooking Chicken
Slow cooking is a great way to get the most out of Chicken. The Legs, Thighs and Whole Bird are most commonly slow cooked Cuts, with roasting, braising, poaching and confiting also being popular methods.
Poaching Chicken provides very succulent Meat and can be done in any flavoured liquid you chose, providing a great opportunity to add extra flavour.
Quick methods for cooking Chicken
You can cook Chicken quickly by pan-frying or in the oven, with the Suprêmes, Breasts, Thighs, Drumsticks, Chicken Fillets and Livers proving the best quick-cook Cuts. Overcooked Chicken is unpleasantly dry and almost powdery in texture, so try not to over-do it.
Conveniently sized, one-portion Cuts
Chicken Supremes, Breasts, Thighs, Drumsticks, Chicken Fillets and Livers are conveniently sized, one-portion Cuts. To add more flavour before pan-frying or roasting, marinate the Chicken Suprêmes or Breasts overnight, or cut a pocket into the flesh, stuff it with Herbs and Butter and wrap with Bacon before baking.
Chicken Livers are often used to produce velvety Pâté and Parfaits, but are also sensational when quickly fried in a little Butter and served up on toast with some Salt and Pepper.
What goes with Chicken
Chicken is one of the more versatile Meats around, which perhaps explains its immense popularity. Traditionally, the bird is roasted and served with a variety of Vegetables and Roast Potatoes.
The soft, mild, but rich flavour of Free Range Chicken is often well supported by stronger, piquant flavours, which may explain while Chicken Tikka is now a staple dish..
Chicken is also wonderful in a Salad and as mentioned before, Chicken Curry is a national favourite - or for something less spicy - try a glorious Chicken and Mushroom pie
Splendidly seasonal Recipe suggestions:
April seasonal recipes to try include:
• Poulet Sauté au Vinaigre - by Henry Harris
Chicken on the bone gently cooked with tart Vinegar, delicate Tarragon, punchy Mustard and Cream - a real French gem.
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time 30 mins - 1 hr. Click here for Church Hill Farm Chicken, Special Reserve Chicken, Otter Valley Organic Chicken, Fresh Chicken Stock, Stokes Dijon Mustard
(Click here for recipe)
• Preserved Lemon Roast Chicken with Freekeh Salad - by Rosie Birkett
A main course bursting with fresh flavours, citrusy Chicken with Mint, Radish and Spring Onion-spiked grains - a new way to serve your roast
Preparation time less than 15 mins : Cooking time 1 hr 35 mins. Click here for Church Hill Farm Chicken, Special Reserve Chicken, Otter Valley Organic Chicken
(Click here for recipe)
• Buffalo Spatchcocked Chicken - by Donal Skehan
What is a Spatchcocked Chicken you ask? This is when you remove the Chickens backbone, so it lays flat. The main benefit of this is that it will halve the time to roast or grill a whole Chicken.
Preparation/Cooking time 1 hr. Click here for Special Reserve Chicken, Church Hill Farm Chicken, Otter Valley Organic Chicken - ask us to spatchcock your Chicken
(Click here for recipe)
• Easy Chicken Parmesan - by Jennifer Segal
This recipe takes a few shortcuts, making it doable on a weeknight, yet tastes as good as the Chicken Parmesan from your favourite Italian restaurant.
Preparation time 25 mins : Cooking time 20 mins. Click here for Chicken Tenders
(Click here for recipe)
• Chilli Chicken Breast, Jersey Royals & Romesco Cakes - by Graham Campbell
Capitalising on Catalunya's Romesco Sauce and Britain's Jersey Royals, this recipe makes a terrific lunch or light dinner
Preparation/Cooking time 1 hr 15 mins - plus marinating time. Click here for Chicken Breasts
(Click here for recipe)
• Escalope of Chicken with Rocket, Sage & Lemon - by Paul Merrett
This is an impressive meal that's as easy on your wallet as it is your waistline
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time 10 to 30 mins. Click here for Chicken Breasts
(Click here for recipe)
• Chicken Wings, Gnocchi, Morels, Asparagus & Chicken Emulsion - by William Drabble
William Drabble gives Chicken Wings the gourmet treatment in this lavish Chicken Wings with Morels recipe. Make sure you get everything prepped before starting the dish - any trimmings from the Morels can be used to further enrich the Sauce
Preparation/Cooking time 2 hrs 15 mins. Click here for Chicken Breasts, Chicken Wings, Fresh Chicken Stock
(Click here for recipe)
• Chicken with Wild Garlic & Asparagus - by Colin McGurran
Seasonal, springtime ingredients are combined sumptuously in this Chicken with Wild Garlic recipe. The raw Mushroom garnish may not be to everyone's taste but helps to accentuate the earthy nature of the dish. Asparagus is a great addition to this dish.
Preparation/Cooking time 1 hr 30 mins - plus salting time. Click here for Chicken Thighs
(Click here for recipe)
And now for some other different Meat Seasonal Recipes:
• Grilled Balsamic and Rosemary Flat Iron Steak
Heavenly - Marinated in Red Wine, Garlic, Balsamic Vinegar and Rosemary - and when cooked - finished off with a reduced down luscious Sauce to spoon over the top. Click here for Flat Iron Steaks
(Click here for recipe)
• Taiwanese Beef Stir-fry - by Erchen Chang
Inspired by a dish Erchen had in a night market in Taipei, this dish stars Beef marinated in Honey, Soy and Oyster Sauce, and takes just 15 minutes to cook
Preparation/Cooking time 15 mins - plus marinating. Click here for Rib-Eye Steak
(Click here for recipe)
• Slow Cooker Short Ribs - by Kat Boytsova
Few things feel as special - and as satisfying - as a well-cooked Beef Short Rib. This is fall-off-the-bone tender and insanely flavourful, thanks to a quick sear before slow cooking and a Sauce that would make anything taste good.
Preparation time 25 mins : Cooking time 9hrs 25 mins. Click here for Beef Short Ribs - ask us to cut crosswise into 5 cm pieces
(Click here for recipe)
• Fillet of Beef, Braised Oxtail, & Morel Madeira Sauce - by Simon Haigh
Prime Fillet of Beef paired with braised Oxtail and a Madeira Sauce made with Veal Glacé. If you can't get hold of the Glacé, simply reduce 500ml of Beef Stock by half. The addition of Morels makes this a great dish for early Spring.
Preparation/Cooking time 3 hrs. Click here for Fillet Steak, Oxtail, Fresh Beef Stock, Fresh Chicken Stock
(Click here for recipe)
• Braised Beef Cheeks with Salsa Verde
Warm up with this meltingly tender Beef Cheeks and creamy Mashed Potato topped with tangy Salsa Verde.
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 5 hrs. Click here for Ox Cheeks
(Click here for recipe)
• Grilled Barnsley Chops with Crushed Peas & Mint Sauce
Oh! - my word - Barnsley Chops don’t get much better than these!
Preparation time 15 mins : Cooking time 15 mins. Click here for Barnsley Chops
(Click here for recipe)
• Air Fryer Rosemary Garlic Lamb Chops - by Alida Ryder
Fragrant Rosemary and Garlic add so much flavour to these juicy Lamb Chops. Using Air Fryers that are at least 5 qt or larger will allow you to cook all the Chops in one layer for the full batch. If you only have a small Air Fryer, you can cook these chops in 2-3 batches.
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 14 mins - plus marinating and resting. Click here for Lamb Chops
(Click here for recipe)
• Double-Cut Lamb Chops with Garlic-Caper Rub - by Mary-Frances Heck
Punchy Anchovies and Garlic mellow during their short cook time, adding umami to Double-Cut Lamb Chops. Reverse-searing using the broiler results in perfectly cooked Lamb with a crispy exterior. Serve the carved Chops over cooked Orzo to balance out the meal.
Preparation/Cooking time 15 mins. Click here for Godfreys Florentine Lamb Chops
(Click here for recipe)
• Grilled Rack of Lamb, Crushed Jersey Royals & Anchovy Butter - by Dominic Chapman
A Rack of Lamb is paired with crushed Jersey Royals and Anchovy Butter in this springtime recipe from Dominic Chapman. Serve with Purple Sprouting Broccoli to make it even more seasonally focused.
Preparation/Cooking time 60 mins. Click here for Rack of Lamb
(Click here for recipe)
• Easy Lemon Herb Grilled Lamb Ribs - by Alida Ryder
Grilled Lamb Ribs Marinated with Garlic, Herbs and Lemon are savoury and absolutely mouth-watering. If you’ve never tried Lamb Ribs before, now is the time!
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 30 mins - plus 1 hr marinating. Click here for Lamb Riblets
(Click here for recipe)
• Herb-crusted Leg of Lamb with Red Wine Gravy - by James Martin
Thanks to a Breadcrumb coating made with Parsley, Mint, Rosemary and Garlic, this roast joint is a cut above the rest
Preparation time less than 25 mins : Cooking time 2 hrs - plus resting. Click here for Carvery Leg of Lamb, Fresh Beef Stock, Stokes Dijon Mustard
(Click here for recipe)
• All-in-one posh Lamb Balti - by Sarah Cook
Feed a crowd with this gorgeous slow-cooked Curry made from tender Lamb Shanks.
Preparation time 35 mins : Cooking time 4 hrs 20 mins - plus overnight marinating. Click here for Lamb Shanks
(Click here for recipe)
• Lemon-and-Herb stuffed Shoulder of Lamb - by The Hairy Bikers
The Hairy Bikers walk you through the simple steps to a gourmet Lamb Sunday.
Preparation time less than 1-2 hrs : Cooking time 1-2 hrs. Click here for Shoulder of Lamb Boneless - ask for the bone, Fresh Chicken Stock
(Click here for recipe)
• Neck of Lamb with Lemon & Thyme - by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Neck of Lamb is a cheaper Cut of Meat, but no less delicious if cooked long and slow with plenty of seasoning.
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time 30 mins to 1 hr. Click here for Middle Neck of Lamb
(Click here for recipe)
• Chilli Marrakech - by Sara Buenfeld
If you love spicy, aromatic dishes like Tagine, this one-pot will become an instant favourite - it uses lean Lamb Mince but Beef also works
Preparation time 30 mins : Cooking time 1 hr - plus heating from frozen. Click here for Lean Lamb Mince
(Click here for recipe)
• Slow Cooker Duck a l’Orange
This Slow Cooker Duck a l’Orange recipe has a fantastic combination of flavours. The Duck combined with the Citrus Sauce results in a dish that is impossible to refuse seconds.
Preparation time 145 mins : Cooking time 8 hrs. Click here for Whole Duck
(Click here for recipe)
• Sausage & Broccoli Carbonara
A spin on the Italian classic using Sausage Meatballs, Spaghetti and Greens - on the table in half an hour.
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 20 mins. Click here for Lincolnshire Chipolatas
(Click here for recipe)
• Black Pudding Meatballs - by Nigella Lawson
“These are one of my absolute favourite things to eat, an instant sparker of joy; I honestly feel so much better about life knowing there’s always a container or three of them in the freezer. I thrill at their deep gloriousness every time I eat them.”
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time 1-2 hrs. Click here for Beef Mince, Ramsays Black Pudding Slices
(Click here for recipe)
• Honey-Garlic Pork Steak - by Alida Ryder
Juicy Pork Steak in a sweet Honey-Garlic Sauce is an easy, delicious dinner recipe your family will love. Ready in minutes! Gluten free
Preparation time 5 mins : Cooking time 15 mins. Click here for Free Range Pork Collar Steaks
(Click here for recipe)
• Chashu Pork Belly Ramen
Ramen is a famous Japanese Noodle Soup. Making the dish at home takes a little effort, but the results are well worth it - especially this recipe for Chashu (Japanese braised Pork Belly).
Preparation / Cooking time Prep/Cook: 2 hours 40 minutes, plus overnight pickling, setting and infusing time. Click here for Pork Belly Slices
(Click here for recipe)
• Roast Pork with Fennel & Rosemary - by Mary Cadogan
Tender Meat scented with Herbs and Spices to serve as part of a light lunch - the Gravy is super-simple too. Gluten-free.
Preparation time 25 mins : Cooking time 2 hrs - plus optional 24 hrs marinating. Click here for Shoulder of Pork, Boneless Loin of Pork
(Click here for recipe)
• Pork Dumplings - by Adam Bush
Make your own boiled Pork and Chive Dumplings in just 45 minutes. Soft and pillowy, they're best served with Soy Sauce, Chiu Chow Chilli Oil and chopped Chives
Preparation/Cooking time 45 mins. Click here for Pork Mince
(Click here for recipe)
• Asparagus with Fettuccine & Smoked Bacon - by John Torode
A Pasta Carbonara with a special summer treat of fresh Asparagus Spears. Ready in no time, and such a luxury.
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time 10-30 mins. Click here for Tamworth Smoked Streaky Bacon
(Click here for recipe)
• Slow Cooker Ham with Sticky Ginger Glaze - by Sara Buenfeld
A small Gammon will easily fit in a Slow Cooker. Cook it low and slow for homemade glazed Ham that's ideal for Sandwiches, buffets or simply sliced and served with Chips. Freezable. Easily halved.
Preparation time 20 mins : Cooking time 7 hrs 20 mins. Click here for Smoked Gammon
(Click here for recipe)
• Fillet of Venison and Wild Mushroom Sauce - by Antonio Carluccio
Excellence from the late, great Antonio Carluccio. Once past the marinade, this easy Venison recipe is so quick. Let the flavoursome ingredients do your work for you.
Preparation time - overnight : Cooking time 30 mins to 1 hr. Click here for Venison Saddle Eye
(Click here for recipe)
So there you have it - Free Range and Organic Chicken and other seasonal meat Recipe ideas for April using seasonal ingredients - with sometimes a delightful symbiosis of seasonal meats, fruits and vegetables - all on the same plate - just as nature intended!
Enjoying all the benefits
Now armed with all that information - what is stopping you to start eating seasonally and enjoying all the benefits that come with the healthier approach that each month has to offer?
So whether you choose one of the recipes above - or are just inspired to explore further recipes we hope we have given you much food for thought for your April meals
Give it a Click
So why not give it a Click - and experience a whole new way to enjoy Godfreys Free Range Premium Meats and Poultry - all week long - or month long - by ordering from the comfort of you own home - or workplace - at a time that is convenient to you
We do the rest - be it if you would prefer delivery direct to your door Nationwide - or at our Click and Collect Points in Highbury or Finsbury Park – or visit our Shop in Highbury – a favourite destination for many of our treasured customers .
Bon Appétit!
