May is the perfect time of year to stock up on essential vitamins and minerals from seasonal Kiwi-grown produce. Catherine Milford delves into the pantry for some tasty fare that’ll help keep the bugs at bay.
Rebel red
You might have noticed there’s a new kid on the block in the kiwifruit world over autumn. Available between April and June, ruby red kiwifruit looks fantastic on the plate. With a flavour that’s not unlike if you paired berry fruit with a green kiwi, it brings a touch of novelty to the table. They are quite sweet, and the red colour indicates antioxidants called anthocyanins, which, research shows, help improve mood and well-being. Unlike their green and gold cousins, red kiwifruit benefit from being kept in the fridge, and their delicate skin and soft flesh mean they can bruise easily.
Super celery
This fabulous flavour ingredient was first used as food in Italy in the Middle Ages, and although we know it as a vibrant green veg, celery was originally white and grown in the dark. Crisp and slightly bitter, some people do struggle with the flavour of celery, however, it’s easily hidden in cooked dishes. Sauté finely chopped celery with onions and garlic at the start of a mince or legume dish, and use it as a base for stews, soups, stocks, and sauces. Celery also provides a perfect edible spoon for all kinds of dips, and having a side dish of celery sticks when you’re tucking into spicy food, such as buffalo wings, can take the sting away from a particularly hot bite.
Pantry staple: cloves
Often only rolled out to stud the ham at Christmas, cloves are a remarkable little power spice. One stud can transform an otherwise dull dish, bring warmth and flavour to mulled wine, and contribute to the aromatic blend of a comforting chai. Cloves also provide a host of nutrient benefits. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help lower symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and joint pain. Chewing a clove a day works wonders for your digestive health, too, and a study in 2022 found clove extract is beneficial for your liver. It’s also an age-old remedy for tooth pain: chew down on a clove on the offending tooth for immediate relief. However, clove oil is far more concentrated than the spice, so don’t ingest it.
