Real Time Seasonality Calendar

Real Time Seasonality | Chef Network and Keeling's Select

JULY 2020


Find out what's in Season!

Chef Network in partnership with Keeling's Select are working to give you updates every month on the latest and freshest fruit & veg coming into season so you can make the best of the seasonal produce on your menu.

Update your menu and utilise the ingredients that will give you the freshest flavour, inspire your team and delight your customers!

PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI

A more versatile broccoli

Purple Sprouting Broccoli is mostly dark green. The outside edges of the florets have a purple tinge to them, which is where the name originates. However, when cooked this purple tinge will also turn green. The stalks, leaves and heads of purple sprouting broccoli are all edible. The leaves are similar in taste to mustard, while the stalks can be said to have an asparagus flavour.

Purple sprouting broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and also a great source of vitamins K and A. In one cup of purple sprouting broccoli you’ll find 135% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C, helping to support your immune system.

Purple sprouting broccoli is often found to be more versatile than common broccoli as it’s naturally more tender and cooks quickly under high heat, while still retaining its textural integrity. You can also sautée, steam, roast, grill and fry this vegetable to experiment with different dishes. Purple sprouting broccoli's flavour is often said to marry well with seasonal spring companions such as leeks, kale, chicory, green garlic and citrus.

Purple sprouting broccoli is stored in the same way as traditional broccoli. You can also extend the shelf life of your broccoli by blanching the florets in water and freezing them.



This month's Purple Sprouting Broccoli from Keeling's Select comes from Christopher Keane in Millview Farms, Co Dublin

Purple Sprouting Broccoli - Chef Network Real Time Seasonality with Keeling's

COURGETTES

Also known as Zucchini

Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a summer squash from the Cucurbitaceae plant family which also includes other foods such as melons, spaghetti squash, and cucumbers. Although courgettes are often considered a vegetable, they are in fact botanically classified as a fruit. There are several varieties of courgettes, which range in colour from deep yellow to dark green.

Courgettes are an ample source of vitamin A, helping to support your vision and immune system. They also contain significant amounts of vitamins B6, riboflavin, folate, C, and K, and minerals, like potassium and manganese.

Courgettes can be prepared using a variety of cooking techniques, including steaming, boiling, grilling, stuffing and baking, barbecuing, frying, or incorporating them into other recipes such as soufflés.

To store courgettes, keep them in the fridge. They keep best when stored whole, dry and unwashed. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, try storing them in a plastic or paper bag with one end open (to encourage air circulation). They'll keep there for 1 to 2 weeks, though you'll probably see the skin start to shrivel over time



This month's Courgettes from Keeling's Select comes from Denise Buckley in St Margaret’s, Co Dublin.

Courgettes - Chef Network Real Time Seasonality with Keeling's

BLACKBERRIES

Occasionally called Bramble Raspberries


The blackberry (also known as bramble or occasionally "bramble raspberry") is well known across the world. Often found growing by the roadside throughout Ireland during the months of June and July. In fact, they have been part of the Irish diet for centuries due to their availability and delicious taste. According to some botanists, the blackberry is in fact not an actual berry, but an aggregate fruit that has numerous drupelets which ripen into black or dark purple fruits.

The list of reasons to eat blackberries is a long one. Not only are they naturally low in fat, sugar and calories, but there has also been scientific research to show that they are natural health boosters. Blackberries contain a wide array of important nutrients including potassium, magnesium and calcium, as well as vitamins A, C, E and most of our B vitamins. They are also a rich source of anthocyanins - the powerful antioxidants that give blackberries their deep purple colour.

Blackberries, much like raspberries, are an easy berry to grow. Once this berry is ripe, get ready for an abundant harvest, picking every couple of days! Be sure to freeze any of your leftover blackberries for to use throughout the year when they’re not in season.

Blackberries can be eaten fresh or used in cooking to make desserts, jams, jellies, and even wines.


This month's Blackberries from Keeling's Select comes from Keeling’s Own Farm in County Dublin.
Blackberries - Chef Network Real Time Seasonality with Keeling's



SEE WHAT WAS IN SEASON IN JUNE 2020

JUNE 2020

WHAT'S IN SEASON FOR JULY 2020

JULY 2020


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Keeling's Select

In Partnership with Keeling's SELECT


Keeling's Select are one of Ireland’s fastest-growing foodservice suppliers. Our philosophy is simple, to add value to every customer's business by supplying the best possible locally sourced produce, dairy and ambient goods. We always try to grow and source local produce. We know this is important to our customers. While farming is in our blood, service is in our nature.
Our Passion for achievement is evident in our teamwork, dedication to our customers and our integrity…. Because people matter. We are always growing, so come on the journey with us. Demanding kitchens rightly demand the best. No one knows how to select better than Keelings.