Is it really possible to grow a wide variety of fruit and veg in the Scottish Highlands?
Indeed it is, and we’re pleased to say that our stocks of your “five a day” rarely run low, and we seldom have to resort to less flavoursome “imports” to fill our shelves. What can’t be grown outdoors in the fields and orchards can flourish in greenhouses and tunnels all year round, so Scotland is well able to grow our own fresh fruit and veg harvest, despite the relatively short optimal growing season.
We’re not only proud to be able to sell the fruits of the labours of our local growers, but it also makes sense to reduce food miles as much as possible in a world where carbon emissions have become such an issue. Keeping the produce close to home also keeps the costs down of course, meaning retail prices are reasonable, and having a local retail outlet is very helpful for the local economy.
Our High Street fruit and vegetable shop in Beauly can be counted on to see you through a year of Scottish bounty.
Beetroot gives you a colourful start to the year, along with nutritious leaves like spinach and chard.
A great month for winter veg like parsnips, swedes, and brussel sprouts.
Standby for incoming spring greens, and make good use of early rhubarb for pies and crumbles.
Spring has sprung (hopefully) along with spring onions, leeks, horseradish, and more rhubarb.
The highlight is asparagus (just a short season so make the most of it) and the first strawberries begin to appear.
Summer brings berries – gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants. There are also broad beans, peas, and runner beans in abundance.
Berries are still very much in evidence, along with plenty of green leafy vegetables and salad ingredients.
The last of the summer squash is ready to be consumed, as you see the first apples appearing and foraged wild mushrooms make an appearance.
September has a well-stocked larder of pears, damson plums, and the last of the summer berries. Baby leeks, celeriac, kale and Jerusalem artichokes are also on the menu.
It’s pumpkin time, along with great root vegetables like parsnips, turnips and carrots.
Root vegetables are perfect for warming soups, and there’s still crispy kale around.
Christmas cheer is helped along with chestnuts, and get your Christmas dinner sorted with locally grown parsnips and brussel sprouts.
You may have noticed that potatoes do not feature in the seasonal list above, and that is because this staple crop is produced and marketed all year round in Scotland, where the cool, wet climate means crop yields are plentiful and healthy. In fact, Scotland is renowned for its pest and disease-free potatoes. You’ll never run short for your “neeps and tatties”.
You’ll also find our fruit and veg store liberally stocked with tomatoes, which are being grown again commercially in Scotland after being relegated to backyard greenhouses and allotments for many years.
When you come to stock up on fresh fruit and veg don’t forget to pop next door to our delicatessen and grocer, where you’ll find all you need to complement your fresh produce purchases and create the most wonderful dishes to make the most of Scotland’s traditional larder.
As a special treat spoil yourself with a tub of award-winning Rizza’s real dairy ice-cream – it’s a household name hereabouts and when you savour this delicious taste sensation you’ll understand why.
CORNER ON THE SQUARE
1 High St,
Beauly IV4 7BY,
Scottish Highlands, UK
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