January can feel long, dark and a little heavy after the festive rush of December. But it’s also the perfect time to embrace comfort food – those hearty, warming dishes that nourish us while celebrating the best of what’s in season across the UK! From slow-cooked stews to simple soups, the foods we turn to in winter remind us of the deep connection between farming, seasonal cycles and our kitchens.

What’s in Season Now? 

Winter may seem sparse compared to summer gluts, but British farms are still brimming with produce:

Leeks – grown widely in Wales and Yorkshire, with a sweet, mild flavour perfect for soups and pies

Cabbage – a staple from Lincolnshire fields, crunchy and packed with vitamins

Root veg – carrots, parsnips, swedes and turnips, often sweeter after a frost

Potatoes – grown all over the UK, the backbone of winter comfort food

Even in the cold months, UK farmers keep us supplied with fresh, seasonal veg, which is the base of many beloved winter dishes.

Inspiration: Comfort Food Recipes to Try 

These are simple, wholesome meals that showcase seasonal produce while supporting local farmers:

• Leek & Potato Soup – Smooth, creamy, and classic. Pair with crusty bread from a local bakery
• Cabbage & Sausage Hotpot – Layer sliced cabbage, potatoes, and good-quality British sausages for a one-pot meal
• Honey-Roasted Parsnips & Carrots – A sweet, caramelised side that’s perfect with Sunday roasts
• Beef Stew with Root Veg – Slow-cooked with British beef, carrots, and swede – the ultimate comfort dish

Spotlight on UK Producers 

By choosing from these producers – or farm shops and markets near you – we keep food miles low, eat fresher, and support British farming.

• The Organic Pantry in Yorkshire – A family-run farm delivering seasonal veg boxes packed with winter staples like leeks, cabbages, and root veg
• Pembrokeshire Leeks in Wales, such as Puffin Produce – Wales’ mild climate makes it one of the best leek-growing regions
• Mash Direct in Northern Ireland – Known for turning locally grown potatoes, carrots, and cabbages into ready-to-eat comfort foods
• Riverford Organic Farmers – Delivering boxes of seasonal British produce to doorsteps nationwide. Check out one of their videos below:

Food Security Reflections After Christmas 

The weeks after Christmas often highlight issues of food security. Demand for imported goods peaks in winter, but seasonal eating helps reduce reliance on long supply chains. Choosing British produce in January means:

• Less waste – farmers grow what’s suited to our climate.
• More resilience – supporting local farms keeps rural communities strong.
• Better sustainability – fewer air miles, less packaging, fresher food.

With global challenges such as climate change, inflation, and political uncertainty, supporting local farms is important for all of us. With it being January and the start of the year, from all of us at Eat Farm Now, we wish you a very happy and healthy 2026!