FOOD + DRINK
A Year Of Kentish Food:
FROM FIELDS, FARMS AND FISHING BOATS TO FORKS
THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND IS HOME TO AN ABUNDANCE OF FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE THAT SHINES YEAR-ROUND. FROM CELEBRATED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO AWARD-WINNING MEATS AND SEAFOOD, THIS IS A REGION WHERE SEASONS BRING A CONSTANTLY CHANGING PALATE OF FLAVOURS. HERE, insideKENT’ S FOOD CALENDAR OFFERS A DELICIOUS JOURNEY THROUGH THE YEAR AHEAD.
MAY: Asparagus & Early Strawberries Tender, sweet and fleeting, Kentish asparagus is a spring hero. Grown mainly in the Thanet area, it’ s known for its sweetness and quality. This month also heralds the arrival of Kent strawberries, such as the beloved Cambridge Favourite, bursting with the flavour of summer.
Try: Chiltern Manor Farm near Ashford for exceptional asparagus and soft fruit, and Lower Ladysden Farm in Goudhurst for pickyour-own strawberries.
JUNE: Whitstable Oysters & Rye Bay Scallops Kent’ s coastline comes to life with the start of summer, making June the perfect month to indulge in Whitstable oysters; boasting a global reputation for their clean, crisp flavour. Further along the coast you’ ll find renowned Rye Bay scallops reaching their peak. Sustainably harvested from the clear waters off the Sussex coast, this sweet and tender treat is perfect for light summer dishes.
Try: The Whitstable Oyster Company for local oysters steeped in history, and Chapman’ s Seafoods in Sevenoaks for responsibly sourced scallops.
JULY: Cherries & Early Apples Kent is the UK’ s cherry capital! With a history dating back centuries, this is the month where Kent’ s cherry orchards are in full swing, with varieties like Summer Sun and Morello offering sweet and tangy fruit. Kent’ s climate and soil are perfect for orchards, with the county home to over 100 varieties of apples. Discovery apples, one of the earliest to ripen, begin to appear this month.
Try: Brogdale Farm in Faversham, home of the National Fruit Collection, and Perry Court Farm in Wye for heritage apple varieties and juices.
AUGUST: Romney Marsh Lamb & Game Birds Raised on the salt-rich grasses of Kent’ s marshland, Romney Marsh lamb( which has received several Protected Designation of Origin( PDO) awards, ensuring its place in Kent’ s culinary heritage) offers a beautiful tender meat with unique flavour. The end of the summer also signals the start of game season, with partridge and pheasant becoming available; ideal for hearty autumn meals.
Try: Romney Marsh Wools for authentic lamb reared with high welfare standards, and Godmersham Game for responsibly sourced wild game.
SEPTEMBER: Pink Lady Apples & Kentish Wine Sweet, crisp and blushing pink, Pink Lady apples are a modern Kent success story and are at their best in September, their balance of sweet and tart flavours make them perfect for snacking or baking. Meanwhile, Kent’ s burgeoning wine scene, arguably the best in England, comes into full swing, with award-winning vineyards offering exceptional sparkling wines and whites, perfect for pairing with local produce.
Try: Biddenden Vineyards( Kent’ s oldest), Chapel Down in Tenterden and Simpsons Wine Estate near Canterbury for outstanding sparkling and still wines.
OCTOBER: Venison & Wild Mushrooms Autumn means rich, gamey venison, often sourced from wild fallow deer in Kent’ s woodlands. While foraged mushrooms like ceps and chanterelles pair beautifully for hearty seasonal dishes.
Try: Stour Valley Game for ethically sourced venison and wild meats and check out The Foundry Brew Pub in Canterbury where owner Jon is pioneering sustainable luxury mushroom cultivation in the heart of the city.
NOVEMBER: Jerusalem Artichokes & Cabbage November brings the harvest of earthy Jerusalem artichokes, a versatile root vegetable which thrives in Kent’ s loamy soils, that can be roasted, pureed or made into soup. This month also marks the abundance of Savoy cabbage, a favourite for winter dishes, known for its sweet, mild flavour and tender texture.
Try: Ripple Farm Organics in Wye for organic seasonal veg boxes and Kent-grown artichokes and greens.
DECEMBER: Dover Sole & Christmas Vegetables The iconic Dover sole, landed along Kent’ s coast, offers a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture that is renowned world-wide. Of course, Christmas wouldn’ t be complete without Brussels sprouts, carrots and parsnips, all of which are grown to perfection in Kent’ s fertile soils at a host of local farms.
Try: Fisherman’ s Wharf in Ramsgate for ultra-fresh sole and Watts Farms for a range of festive veg grown across Kent.
JANUARY: Celeriac & Winter Greens As the new year begins, celeriac comes into its own, a nutty, earthy root perfect for warming soups and roasted dishes. Kale, chard and winter spinach are also at their best in January, adding a healthy, hearty boost to cold-weather meals.
Try: Macknade Food Hall in Faversham stocks an excellent selection of Kentish veg from trusted local growers.
FEBRUARY: Leeks & Jerusalem Artichokes Leeks reach their peak in February, adding sweetness to winter stews and soups. This is also the season for a second wave of Jerusalem artichokes, which remain sweet and nutty, ideal for the start of the year’ s cosy meals.
Try: The Goods Shed in Canterbury, where seasonal veg from Kent’ s small producers is always on offer, alongside artisan breads and cheeses.
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