Which fruits, vegetables and fish are in season in France this April?
Strawberry season begins, compensating for end of winter vegetables
France is known for using fresh local produce in its dishes
ESstock/Shutterstock
Spring has fully arrived this April in France, with highs of 20C expected across the country for the first weekend of the month.
It marks the end of winter dishes across France.
To this effect, the French government provides a list of locally available produce in France using the manger bouger website to help use local ingredients.
The website also offers recipe ideas for all the ingredients listed, helping you plan a dish around a star purchase, or use up extra portions in your fridge or pantry.
The Connexion reviews some of the fresh produce available as part of a monthly series – below, we look at April’s offerings.
Shelves may seem emptier
Despite the advent of spring, April sees perhaps the smallest list of fresh available produce from the calendar.
The season for winter vegetables that clung on throughout March is at an end due to the warmer weather.
New available vegetables include asparagus, red cabbage, mesclun (common in French salads) and peas.
In addition, spinach, endives (chicory), leeks, and radishes are still easy to find, alongside onions, beetroot and turnips.
Fewer fruits are available, however apples and bananas remain in plentiful supply alongside mangoes and passionfruit.
The first of France’s strawberries will come into season, heralding more summer fruits in May and June.
Read more: Did you know? France invented the strawberry
Rhubarb will be available. Despite often being used in desserts it is actually a vegetable.
Sea bream and pike are in abundance
Seafood also follows a seasonal calendar as does cheese.
Whilst the small spring break for several popular seafoods such as mussels, langoustine and oysters continues, fish such as pike, sea bream, and herring are again easy to find at fishmongers.
Favourites cod and hake also remain available.
