One of the great things about having a polytunnel is being able to grow and eat your own food all year round in the UK. At this time of year, your thoughts may be turning to next years growing plan. But it would be a shame to neglect the possibilities that arise from winter crops in your polytunnel. If you have planned ahead, you should still have a steady supply of winter greens to enjoy throughout the winter. Here are a few ideas to help you to make the most of winter greens from your polytunnel:
If you have abundant kale and other winter greens, it can be easy to tire of the same flavours day after day. There are a number of recipes, however, that make use of those leafy greens in different ways. For example, making a pesto is a fantastic way to incorporate green leaves of different types, as well as windowsill herbs, into your meals. Use a home-made green leaf pesto on pasta, in a quiche or tart, or layered into a lasagna, or in a range of other ways.
Kale and other sturdy brassica leaves can also be used to make crisps. Healthier than potato crisps, kale crisps can be a delicious, low calorie snack throughout the winter months, and can be served with roasted vegetables or with a range of enticing home-made dips.
Wilting down a range of winter greens as you would spinach allows them to be easily used in a number of different recipes. Many greens can be treated in the same way as spinach and used in layered bakes, casseroles, pies and a wide array of winter meals to provide nutrition and flavour.
Fresh stir fries are fantastic to make with pak choi, winter cabbage and other winter vegetables and vegetables from your stores. Simply pop all your greens and other vegetables in a wok and drizzle on some soy sauce and you have a quick and easy, mood-boosting mid-week meal.
We tend to think of salads as more of a summer thing, but there are plenty of delicious warming winter salads to try. Use winter greens, cooked or uncooked, as the base for a salad for another easy mid-week winter option, or for quick lunches throughout the season.
Those are just some of the many ways to use up your stock of winter greens. By using your imagination, you can enliven your seasonal diet and make sure that you make the most of the produce you grow in your polytunnel.
