A month of leeks, artichokes, cabbage, oranges and grapefruits. Where winter vegetables and citrus fruit shine in all their variety
Definitive farewell to table grapes, welcome to the first mammals, while the sun always shines on the realm of citrus and cabbage. This could be summarized as the framework of the seasonal fruit and vegetables in January. However, among the vegetables that deserve attention in this month certainly falls leek. An ingredient to be discovered, which in Italy, however, has a moderate success compared to what happens in Northern Europe: we think, for example, to Wales, which has made it a national symbol. Without going so far, the leek is actually interesting for its taste similar to that of the onion (and, in some ways, garlic) but sweeter and more sophisticated. It can be eaten raw or cooked and gives the best of itself seasoning for soups and stews. Source of Vitamin C, iron and fibers, it also has diuretic, laxative and antiseptic properties, as well as low fat.
First mammals coming
As foreseen by the PGI specification, the collection of the former begins in January Roman artichokes, that is, the violets (or cimaroli), which in the first months of the year is flanked by thorny and violet artichokes. It is still a few examples, the beauty will come in the following months: but in the meantime we can already enjoy this specialty of Italian cuisine. Perfect ingredients for the cornerstones of Lazio cuisine such as i artichoke alla giudia, or those to the Roman. With the pennyroyal which, in most of the recipes, appears as inseparable companion. Fall among the seasonal vegetables also beets, chard, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, chicory, onions, fennel, lettuce, radicchio, radishes, rocket, celery, spinach and pumpkin.
Red and Valencia
As for fruit, January is the perfect month for the citrus fruits, from oranges to mandarins, from kiwis to clementines. As for oranges, this is in particular the period ofRed orange of Sicily PGI. It is in their sweet nuanced taste with a slightly acrid aftertaste and in the classic blood color that we find all the perfumes of the eastern coast of Sicily, south of Etna. There are three varieties: Tarot, spherical and seedless; Moro, with a typical ovoid shape and particularly suitable for juices; is Sanguinello, slightly sugary but with a high content of citric acid. They can be grown only in Sicily because they require very special climatic conditions and soil characteristics, made possible by the presence of Etna. But with the beginning of the new year it is also the turn of the oranges Valencia, the most belated variety that will accompany us until May-June, particularly suitable for juice.
Goodbye to grapes and persimmons
Instead the salons of shops and supermarkets greet thetable grapes and, except in rare cases, i khaki. Do not underestimate, among citrus fruits, also the grapefruit, mainly cultivated in Turkey and in Israel but of which also theItaly owns a small production. Present in both the yellow and pink versions, sweeter, it is excellent for making sweet and sour recipes. And it is also an ally of our health, given the amount of vitamins A, C and B that contains: grapefruit is also a fruit particularly useful for detoxification of the liver and control of LDL cholesterol levels. Season always OK also for i mushroomsas well as for the truffles winter (winter scorzone, precious black and white). Last cartridges to shoot, however, for the chestnuts.
This recipe has already been read 219 times!