October sees peak of locally grown British produce and lower CO2

This October, a broad range of locally grown fruits and vegetables are at their peak across Britain, offering ingredients for warming autumn dishes and potential environmental benefits from reduced transport and energy use, conservation charity the National Trust said. The month follows September, the country’s most abundant month for homegrown produce, and remains rich in harvestable crops suited to stews, bakes and soups.

Among the items commonly in season are apples and pears, late-season raspberries, and quince, alongside a wide selection of root vegetables and brassicas. Shoppers can expect beetroot, carrots, parsnips, swede, turnips, potatoes and celeriac, as well as kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, leeks, onions and shallots. Autumn and winter squashes and pumpkins, Jerusalem artichokes, kohlrabi, celery, chard, pak choi, spinach and rocket are also in season, together with chillies and marrow in some areas.

The National Trust advises that choosing these seasonal options can reduce the environmental cost of food. Produce in season locally is more likely to be grown nearby rather than imported, which can cut down on food miles and the associated greenhouse gas...