What's in season in February? UK fruit, vegetables

Shoots of green are beginning to appear everywhere, promising that the uplifting colours of spring are just around the corner. Those who diligently planted bulbs in the autumn will soon be rewarded with hyacinths and daffodils, but for now, delicate, petite snowdrops are the stars of the show.

In terms of seasonal eating, forced rhubarb season is in full swing. Steeped in heritage and tradition, Yorkshire forced rhubarb, recognised by Slow Food UK, offers a pop of fuchsia pink to brighten winter days. The sweeter stems of this early rhubarb crop help fill the long gap for fresh produce between winter and spring. Below, you’ll find a list of the best seasonal vegetables available this month and ideas for savouring the season in February.

What produce is in season in February?

Vegetables in season in February in the UK:

There’s plenty of hearty root vegetables to add bulk to stews and casseroles, while leeks make the perfect pairing with various cheeses, lemon and mushrooms. Jerusalem artichokes are one of the more unusual on the list. Extremely knobbly and rather unattractive on first glance, Jerusalem artichokes are actually a great alternatives to potatoes. They’re sweet and nutty, plus, after a good scrub, there’s no need to remove the skin, which helps reduce waste. Purple sprouting broccoli also tends to be at its best from now until April.

brussels sprouts
cauliflower
celeriac
chicory
Jerusalem artichokes (also known as sunchokes)
kale
kohlrabi
shallots
turnips
leeks
parsnips
potatoes (maincrop)
purple sprouting broccoli
salsify
swede

Fruit in season in February in the UK:

And of course, as we’ve already mentioned, cheerful forced rhubarb is in season and generally available until the end of March.

Browse the full list of seasonal fruits and vegetables by month in the UK.

February recipe spotlight

Stewed rhubarb recipe

How to stew forced rhubarb for a vibrant topping for desserts and breakfasts.

Learn more about slow food

Discover the history of the slow food movement.

Slow, seasonal activities to enjoy in February

As nature begins to emerge from its wintery slumber, it’s time to head out into the garden and start preparing for the spring. From pruning back roses to clearing leaves, there’s plenty to do at this time of year. Just pick a day when the ground has thawed. It’s also time to order new seeds to sow over the coming months.
British grown tulips become available this month. These tend to be grown under cover, while we’ll have to wait a little longer for those in our gardens. Why not support slow flower growers rather than buy imported blooms? We love Smith & Munson for their beautiful tulip varieties which are delivered without plastic packaging. British grown tulips are a fantastic seasonal alternative to out of season Valentine’s roses, too.
With Pancake Day also taking place this month, stewed forced rhubarb could be a new topping to try.
Pot up some small spring bulbs and green moss to make a seasonal centrepiece. Vintage pots and dough bowls make for perfect vessels.
Did you know that galanthophile is the name given to snowdrop enthusiasts? February is the month to enjoy these delicate flowers.

More seasonal guides:

Slow Food