February
This month is when most of our winter fruit reaches maximum production; it’s the middle of the avocado season, and a great time for grapefruit, kumquats and oranges. We also have a continuing supply of fresh vegetables, many of which are available year-round.
As well as fruit and vegetables, winter is when turmeric becomes available, which we sell as the fresh root. Have a look at our seasonal growing calendar below to find out more, and for information about this month’s featured products.
Turmeric
Available December – March
Turmeric has historically played a major role in classical Indian and traditional Chinese medicines, being prescribed to help with gastrointestinal and liver problems, as an anti-inflammatory, or for treating colds, allergies, skin problems and a range of other conditions. It is an almost magical plant!
Turmeric rhizomes should be kept in a cool, dry and dark place; a paper bag or container in the coolest part of the fridge is ideal. Make sure they stay dry to avoid mould developing, and don’t come into contact with odours from other foods.
Grapefruit
Available November – May
Our main grapefruit season runs from December to April, though some varieties are also harvested a bit earlier in November, or later in May. Grapefruit, like most citrus fruits, is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Apart from being eaten whole or squeezed for the fresh juice – which is the most advisable way to take advantage of its nutrients – it can be used in juices, jams and sauces, and in both sweet and savoury cooking. Try it in a delicious salad with spinach!
Limeqaut
Available December – March
Limeqauts are about 3-4cm long. It is an interesting and versatile fruit, with an edible skin that can be eaten raw as well as cooked (if cooking remove the seeds, or they will add a bitter taste). The skin is sweet and like the kumquat it has a tart pulp, with a flavour similar to lime.
Limeqauts are often used in baking, for jams or preserves, and are an ideal raw ingredient in salads, juices, smoothies or cocktails. Cooked, it can be used as a seasoning or garnish for main dishes and appetisers. It’s great flavour to add to fish, but we recommend trying them fresh with a little olive oil and salt – they’re delicious!
Our growing season
This is a list of all the fresh produce we grow and sell, with a guide to the months of the year when they are on offer. We also stock nuts, herbs and spices, wine and other dry goods: have a look at our producers’ individual profile pages to see who grows what, or contact us to find out more.
If you are a buyers’ group or a wholesaler, or would like to find out about developing a relationship with Tierra y Libertad – or if you are just interested in learning more about who we are, how we work and the products we offer – we’d be happy to hear from you.
Vegetables
Fruit
Always growing
Interested in finding out more about any of our producers, or whether Cooperativa Tierra y Libertad could help your shop or buyer’s group? Write to us at sales@tierraylibertad.coop, or use our contact form.
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