Learn how to prepare and cook asparagus with this simple recipe – we've focused on cooking asparagus in the oven but also included other methods below.
When is asparagus in season? Asparagus is typically available for just two months of the year, from late April to June, so be sure to make the most of it while it lasts. The earliest shoots are called ‘sprue’. They’re thinner and usually tender all the way through. The later and thicker shoots can have very woody ends that need to be removed. Simply bend each stalk with both hands, gently, until it snaps – the break will happen where the woody part meets the tender part. Sometimes what needs to be discarded can be quite substantial – you can use these ends to make a stock for soups and stews. See our ideas for how to serve asparagus below, and also check out our collection of asparagus recipes. Discover the best way to grow asparagus, at GardenersWorld.com. How to prepare asparagus Watch our video guide for how to prepare asparagus, and follow these simple steps: Break off any woody ends by bending the asparagus spears until they snap at their natural breaking point. Trim off any uneven ends with a sharp knife. What is the best way to cook asparagus? Asparagus can be cooked in various ways, each bringing out different textures and flavours. Roasting asparagus in the oven is a hands-off method almost guaranteed to give you a juicy interior and crispy exterior, making it a great addition to salads or grain bowls. However, it can take longer than other methods and may dry out if overcooked. Boiling on the hob is one of the quickest and simplest ways to cook asparagus, resulting in a tender, vibrant green spear—ideal for serving with butter or hollandaise. The downside is that it can become soggy if left in for too long, and some vitamins are water-soluble, so you lose nutrients using this method. Griddling is perfect for adding a smoky, charred flavour and a slight crunch, making it an excellent side for a roast chicken dinner or other mains. However, thicker spears work best for this method, as thin ones can scorch quickly. The cooking time will vary with each method, so it’s worth considering the texture you wish to achieve and what dish you’re pairing it with. Pan-frying is the best method for speed, although this does require constant monitoring to ensure it doesn't burn.
The month of May is a dream when it comes to seasonal produce. Sandwiched between spring and summer, expect plenty of fresh greens and much more.
Although summer is on its way, spring produce is still at its best in May, and you might even get the chance to have your first meal in the garden. All of these seasonal dishes would taste great eaten al fresco, even if it’s only warm enough to open a window. Be inspired by our collection, below, for perfectly fresh spring meets summer recipes. Find more exciting recipe ideas in our spring recipes, spring greens recipes and spring baking recipes. We also have our guides on what to eat in April and June. View Green Video on the source website May seasonal food 1. Cucumber There's more to cucumber than Greek salads and tzatziki (although we're big fans of both). On warm spring days serve this refreshing cucumber soup for a light lunch or whip up this fresh cucumber & apple salad in under 5 minutes. If you're entertaining, make our cucumber prawn cocktail cups recipe for people to share. For more recipe inspiration, see our cucumber collection. 2. Asparagus We’re in peak asparagus season now so use it while you can. For an easy family dinner try our simple lemon roasted spring chicken with asparagus traybake or filling risotto primavera with crispy parmesan & prosciutto. Treat yourself to a crab & asparagus omelette for a weekend brunch or, for a completely new way with this spring veg, make asparagus fries and baconnaise for a decadent starter. See our how to cook asparagus guide for more expert advice. Tip: to prep, bend each stalk until the stem snaps off at its natural break point. This bit you’re left with, no longer attached to the spear, will be woody and stringy to eat, but you don’t have to bung it in the compost bin just yet. Instead, try making a stock to use in soups or green veg-heavy risottos. For more recipes, see our asparagus collection. 3. New potatoes Naturally slightly sweeter than fully grown potatoes, these taste great tossed in a hearty salad, smashed into a savoury tart or thinly sliced on a white pizza with cheese and rosemary. And surely no barbecue or garden party is complete without a big bowl of potato salad? If you've got time to spare on a weekend, bake our hearty new potato & rosemary focaccia recipe. Tip: dressing the potatoes while they’re still warm helps them soak up all the flavour. Visit our new potato recipe collection for more suggestions. 4. Wild garlic Wild garlic isn't around for long so if you're lucky enough to be able to forage some here's how to make the most of it. Blitz it into an incredibly vibrant wild garlic soup, impress guests with savoury jamon & wild garlic croquetas or make a dinner party worthy centrepiece with this wild garlic crusted salmon recipe from Tom Kerridge. For a gourmet twist on a retro classic, try our wild garlic chicken kyiv recipe. Discover more ways to cook with wild garlic this season. 5. Elderflower Elderflower comes into peak season from late May into early June. This fragrant summer bloom can be served in a variety of refreshing drinks and cocktails, cakes, desserts and even salad dressings. Bake a rhubarb & elderflower sponge cake, try these elderflower apple cream puffs or layer up a strawberry & elderflower trifle with an irresistible lemon drizzle base. For a wonderfully refreshing drink, turn your hand to our summery strawberry & elderflower rosé punch. See more ideas on how to use elderflowers as well as our elderflower collection. Browse recipes and find information on more seasonal ingredients: Broad beans Carrots Cauliflower Peas Radishes Rhubarb Rocket Spring onions Watercress Seasonal food dates in May 2 May – World Tuna Day Celebrate the versatility of tuna with our curated tuna recipes collection, which includes budget-friendly tinned tuna recipes and exquisite tuna steak dishes perfect for a special date night. 3 May – National Lemonade Day Mix up a pitcher of homemade lemonade for a refreshing alternative to shop-bought soft drinks. 13 May – World Cocktail Day Take your pick from our classic cocktails, including cosmopolitans, old fashioneds, mojitos and martinis. 13 May – International Hummus Day Try our tasty recipes for hummus and make your own chickpea dip with peas, peppers or beetroot. 19-25 May – British Sandwich Week Indulge in an epic sandwich stack worth celebrating. 21 May – National Strawberries and Cream Day Transform the iconic strawberries and cream pairing into summer puddings, towering cakes and rosy biscuits. 25-31 May – National BBQ week Find the perfect recipe for you in our barbecue hub. 29 May – National Biscuit Day Fill your biscuit tin with goodies from our ultimate biscuit collection, including crinkle biscuits and shortbread. Other dates for your diary: 9 May – World Fair Trade Day 16 May – Eurovision Song Contest Catch the grand final on BBC One (8pm) and find Eurovision recipe ideas if you’re hosting a party. See our seasonal calendar for more inspiration. More seasonal recipes and information Our top spring recipes How to use wild garlic Foraging: a beginner's guide Spring greens recipe collection 10 recipes to make you feel like spring is here Healthy spring recipes Top 10 rhubarb recipes 12 ways to serve asparagus Bank holiday recipes
Serve tender and flavoursome pork chops every time with our top tips and recipe ideas. This meat is delicious when griddled, pan-fried, roasted or grilled
Pork chops, like steak, are versatile and easy to cook. Taken from the loin of the pig, they have a generous fat layer on one side and sometimes have a small piece of bone left in. Served with vegetables and mustard or a simple sauce, they make a great speedy meal. But they can easily become tough and dry if you’re not careful with the temperature or timings. Cook with confidence Download the Good Food app to get full access to exclusive videos, plus handy tools like cook mode, timers and stay awake settings. Get 3 months for 99p Tips for cooking the perfect pork chops The key to flavoursome chops is cooking the fat on the outside really well over a high heat. This should be done quickly so as not to dry out the meat inside. You can help keep the chops nice and tender by doing one of the following: Soaking the chops in a brine Resting them after cooking Finishing them in a low oven Cooling the pan of seared chops by adding a liquid such as cider Roasting them on top of vegetables so as to protect one side from the intense heat What is the best way to cook pork chops? The best method to cook pork chops depends on how much time you have and the number of people you are serving. It also depends on other factors such as desired texture. The quickest way to cook pork chops is to pan-fry or griddle them. As the chops can be quite large, this method is best when serving one or two people. If you’re cooking for more you might want to try roasting or grilling. Pork chops shouldn’t be served raw or rare, so it’s a good idea to test the meat with a skewer before serving – the juices should run clear. Check this at the thickest part or, if the chop is on the bone, test as close to the bone as you can, because that area can take longer for the heat to permeate. Pan fried pork chops recipe Serves 2 1 tsp oil (such as sunflower or light olive oil) 2 pork chops Rub the oil on the chops and season well with salt and pepper. Heat the pan over a medium-high heat then add the chops and pan-fry for about 7 mins on each side until cooked through. Remember to brown fat on the edge, too. Take the pan off the heat and leave to rest for a few mins, then pour the resting juices over the meat to serve. How to cook pork chops in the oven Serves 4 750g new potatoes 500g vine-ripened tomatoes 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3-4 rosemary sprigs, leaves finely chopped olive oil 4 pork chops Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Wash the potatoes, but don’t peel them. Cut into thickish slices then cook in boiling water for 6-8 mins until almost tender. Drain. Slice the tomatoes to the same thickness. Drizzle a little olive oil in the base of a shallow ovenproof dish wide enough to take the chops in one layer. Arrange rows of potatoes and tomatoes across the dish, seasoning as you go and sprinkling with half the rosemary and all the garlic. Drizzle a couple more tbsps of olive oil over the vegetables and bake for 15 mins, then sit the pork on top, season and sprinkle with the remaining rosemary. Return to the oven for 35-45 mins, until the pork and potatoes are tender. Grilled pork chops recipe Serves 4 4 pork chops Optional extras: 4 tbsp apple sauce 100-140g blue cheese Turn on the grill. Season the chops on both sides. Grill under a moderate heat for 12-16 mins, turning once, until just cooked (or 16-18 mins if not adding a topping). Add the topping if using. Thinly slice the cheese (don’t worry if it breaks up a bit). Spoon the apple sauce over the chops and top each one with a couple of slices of cheese. Slide back under the grill for 2-3 mins until the cheese is melted and tinged brown. Serve with mashed potatoes and a green veg such as leeks or broccoli, and with any melted cheesy bits from the bottom of the pan. What to serve with pork chops Due to pork chops’ mild flavour, they are highly versatile and can be served with a vast range of food. Why not pair your protein with our best ever creamy mashed potatoes? Add a little colour to the plate with our chilli charred Brussels sprouts. Apple and pork is a classic flavour pairing, so slather your meat in our easy-to-make, three-ingredient apple sauce. Our top 5 pork chop recipes: 1. Quick honey & garlic pork chops You can prep these speedy chops using storecupboard ingredients in just five minutes and cook them in 10. Perfect for an easy midweek dinner. Discover more 15-minute meals. 2. Air fryer pork chops Put your air fryer to brilliant use with these easy pork chops, resulting in a seared finish with minimum effort. It makes for a speedy family dinner, ready in less than 20 minutes. We seasoned ours with paprika, mustard, onion powder and parmesan, and served with wilted greens and peas. Discover more air fryer recipes. 3. Pork chops with broad bean & minted Jersey smash Make the most of seasonal summer ingredients with pan-fried pork chops served with colourful broad beans, spring onions, mint and Jersey Royals. Discover more broad bean recipes. 4. Oven-baked pork chops Enjoy oven-baked pork chops cooked in a honey and wholegrain mustard glaze with new potatoes for a deliciously easy dinner. Just add your favourite veg. Discover more new potato recipes. 5. One-pot roast pork chops Throw your meat and veg into a pan with Italian-style flavourings, then roast for a no-fuss dinner. Discover more Italian-inspired recipes. Find more delicious pork recipes Pork chops recipe collection Pork recipe collection How to make the perfect pork belly How to make the perfect pulled pork How to make pork pie How do you like to cook pork chops? Leave a comment below...
Celebrate the best of spring with our ideas for April seasonal food using edible flowers, radishes, rocket and more. Plus, check out dates for your diary
View Green Video on the source website April is a month of surprises; you can be fooled on day one, caught out by an unexpected downpour or two, happen upon a blanket of bluebells or crack open an Easter egg. Discover what fruit and veg are in season in April and make the most of them with our recipe suggestions. These April favourites will add balancing freshness to the table next to other seasonal stars like roast lamb, dried fruits, marzipan and, of course, lots and lots of chocolate eggs. Discover our best spring dinner ideas, top spring one-pots and spring salads for the new season. For a seasonal tipple to accompany your meal, try our spring cocktail recipes. We also have our guides on what to eat in March and May April seasonal produce 1. Radishes Look for radishes that are firm and feel heavy for their size. If they come with their leafy tops on, all the better because you can eat those, too. Try making our vibrant radish salad, a perfect starter for Easter, topped with a crispy pangrattato. It can be served with bread for scooping, or as part of a larger charcuterie spread. Tip Try adding halved radishes to a stir-fry.They’ll need about 3-5 minutes so add them towards the end of cooking. Great with pork and black bean sauce. Visit our radish recipes for more ideas. 2. Rocket This peppery leaf is easy to grow and extremely versatile. You can cook it like spinach in quiches or frittatas, build salads, or turn it into pesto and dollop generously on pasta or a homemade pizza. How to grow rocket "Sow seeds in pots or in the ground, covered with a thin layer of soil, and water well. Within a few weeks you’ll be able to snip off leaves. They grow back about three or four times. Keep watering and cut flowering stems. Both flowers and seeds are edible." Miranda Janatka, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine 3. Edible flowers If you’re out picking, not all flowers are edible and some can be very toxic. Check the RHS website and if in doubt, leave them. If buying flowers, check they’re unsprayed (organic) and free from chemicals, or opt for packs of edible flowers available online or from some larger supermarkets. They make a showstopping finishing touch to lots of dishes, but you’ll need to add them at the last minute as they wilt quickly. Alternatively, try crystallising them for a more stable decoration. Use edible camomile flowers to bake our lemon & yogurt loaf cake or check out our larger collection of botanical baking recipes for more inspiration. How to crystallise flowers Holding a flower or petal with tweezers, use a small paintbrush to paint both sides with lightly beaten egg white. Spoon over caster sugar and shake off the excess. Leave to dry for 3 hrs or overnight. Will keep for up to four weeks. Try making our violet creams, topped with crystallised roses and violets or these delicate floral shortbread biscuits. 4. Round lettuce With its crispness and subtle sweetness, round lettuce is well complemented by bitter cousins like little gem or endive in a salad, dressed in a mustard vinaigrette. Lots of lettuces cook well, too, so on a colder day try this light and flavourful soup. How to make mustard vinaigrette Whisk 2 tsp Dijon mustard with 3 tsp red wine vinegar. Season, then slowly add 2 tbsp sunflower oil, whisking as you go until the mixture is thick and smooth. Stir in 4-5 chopped chives, then dress your salad. Try these gochujang pork belly lettuce wraps or sticky pork lettuce wraps for another delicious way to enjoy this type of lettuce. 5. Rhubarb Botanically, rhubarb is a vegetable (it's related to sorrel and dock) but its thick, fleshy stalks are treated as a fruit, despite their tart flavour. Rhubarb grows in two crops. Forced rhubarb arrives earlier in the year and is grown in darkness, giving a more tender and delicate flavour of the two. Explore our ways with rhubarb guide for more ways to use rhubarb, including turning it into an easy compote. Try baking our rhubarb, ricotta & pistachio cake and rhubarb & custard pavlova this weekend, or discover more seasonal rhubarb dishes for spring. To make your rhubarb last longer, read our how to freeze rhubarb guide. More seasonal fruit and veg in April Cauliflower Morels Nettles New potatoes Pea shoots Purple sprouting broccoli Spring onions Sorrel Spring greens Watercress Wild garlic Seasonal food dates in April 4 April – International Carrot Day Celebrate with our favourite carrot recipes. 7 April – World Health Day Find lots of health and nutrition advice on our health hub. 21 April – National Tea Day Brew fragrant flavours from our tea recipes. Other dates for your diary: 1 April – April Fool’s Day 1 April-9 April – Passover 3 April – Good Friday 5 April – Easter Sunday Check out our best Easter recipes. 23 April – St George’s Day Mark the day with traditional English recipes. 26 April – Virgin Money London Marathon Fuel yourself for the event with our Friday marathon training meal plan. See our seasonal calendar for more inspiration. More seasonal recipes and information Our top 20 spring recipes Foraging: a beginner's guide Spring greens recipe collection 10 recipes to make you feel like spring is here Healthy spring recipes Top 10 rhubarb recipes Easter hub page
Follow our recipe for achieving perfectly cooked brown rice every time. With our expert tips, you can avoid chalky undercooked grains or squishy overcooked mush.
Also known as wholegrain rice, brown rice is the same as white rice except that the bran and germ of the grain are still attached. With this outer layer left on the grain, brown rice is more nutritious and is higher in fibre. Our recipe guide will show you how to achieve perfectly cooked rice with a firm texture, such as in our zingy salmon & brown rice salad, miso brown rice & chicken salad and chunky vegetable & brown rice soup. For more inspiration, try our brown rice recipes, healthy rice recipes and other storecupboard recipes. Brown rice vs white rice White rice has a softer, more delicate flavour, while brown rice has a stronger, nuttier taste that stands up well to punchier flavours like smoked fish, ginger and soy sauce. Tips for how to cook perfect brown rice every time The key to success every time is to use the right amount of water to rice – for brown rice you’ll need double the amount of water to rice. You should also give it enough time to absorb the water. Most packs of brown rice will say to boil for longer than white rice, so for around 30-35 mins. The trick is to simmer it for most of that, then for the last 5-10 mins leave it, well covered, to absorb the water off the heat – resulting in light perfectly tender grains every time. To get the best results, you will need a medium sized saucepan with a well-fitting lid. How to store cooked brown rice All rice should be eaten on the day it’s cooked. If you cook too much rice and want to eat it cold or save some for later, you need to cool it down quickly (within an hour) and put it in the fridge – don't leave it out at room temperature. Once stored, use it up within 24 hours, and if you're reheating it you must do so thoroughly and only do so once. See our guide for more information on food safety. How much brown rice to serve per person? Portion size will depend on individual energy needs as well as whether you are having the rice as a main dish or side. Generally we suggest aiming for between 50 to 75g per person (dry weight).
Learn how to make classic Italian meatballs with our easy recipe and cook them so they're perfectly browned on the outside but still juicy in the middle.
What are meatballs made from? To make meatballs, finely chopped or minced meat such as beef will be seasoned and sometimes flavoured with ingredients like chopped onions, herbs and spices then will be shaped into small balls before cooking. Typically, meatballs will be somewhere between the size of a large cherry and a golf ball. Recipes such as Swedish meatballs and Italian-inspired meatballs are often made with a mixture of both beef and pork, but meatballs can be made with any red meat, game, poultry or a mixture. Meatballs pop up in a wide range of different cuisines, and that’s no surprise as they’re simple to serve, easy to eat and a good way of making a relatively small amount of meat go that bit further. How to stop meatballs from falling apart Making them with just meat and seasoning alone can result in the meatball becoming dry or falling apart during cooking. For this reason, many recipes will include a binding ingredient like egg, and a filler like breadcrumbs. You only need a small amount of egg – it’s there only to help the cooked meatball retain its shape, and shouldn't detract from the meat's flavour or texture. Filler ingredients like breadcrumbs or flour are important too because they stop the meatballs becoming dry. The breadcrumbs absorb the juices from the meat as it cooks, trapping them within the meatball. Again quantity is important here; too much and your meatball will be more like stuffing or a dumpling. What to serve with meatballs A popular Italian-American classic, spaghetti and meatballs is comprised of meatballs drenched in a tomato sauce served with spaghetti and topped with finely grated parmesan cheese. Or, this meatball traybake combines them with crispy chunks of garlic bread and a melty cheese topping for a comforting family-friendly dinner. As well as classic Italian tomato sauce based dishes, these are some other delicious ways to serve meatballs: Gravy-based dishes such as our Swedish-style meatballs or meatball stroganoff Curries - try our Red Thai meatball curry or fragrant lamb kofta curry Legume-based dishes - make this hearty meatball black bean chilli or Spanish meatball & butter bean stew for flavourful midweek meals. For something different: bake them with French fries to make the perfect party sharing platter with our meatball marinara fries In most cases, it’s better to cook the meatballs separately first before adding them to your chosen sauce at the last stage. This ensures that the meatball is cooked properly, provides deep caramelised flavour to the outside of the meat and stops them breaking up in the sauce.
Discover seasonal recipe ideas for February and key foodie dates for your diary. Make the most of purple sprouting broccoli, turnips, sprouts, swedes and much more.
View Green Video on the source website February might seem like one big chilly Tuesday, but look closer and it’s a lot more action-packed than you'd think. Like it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is here. This can be the perfect opportunity to cook and impress someone special or simply avoid those crowded restaurants. The seasonal recipes below would all work very nicely as a cosy dinner for two but could easily be bumped up for a crowd if you’re throwing an alternative bash with friends. Check out more top tips for a successful Valentine's Day. Shrove Tuesday is another important date to mark in your calendar: check out our collection of Pancake Day recipes for both sweet and savoury inspiration. Once your produce is ready to go, check out our February recipes for delicious dinner inspiration. February seasonal food Salsify Salsify, a member of the dandelion family, earns its alias as the oyster plant due to its reminiscent taste when prepared. Resembling a lengthy, slender parsnip, its root boasts a creamy white interior enveloped by a substantial skin. Like various root vegetables, salsify lends itself to diverse culinary applications, being suitable for boiling, mashing or incorporating into soups and stews. Grow your own salsify between October and February, and use it to make a topping for crumpets. Our salsify crumpets make a delicious breakfast for two, perfect for enjoying with your loved one for a Valentine’s breakfast showcasing fresh produce. Consider preparing a stir-fry of duck & winter vegetables for a crowd-pleasing February feast. This wholesome dinner choice highlights succulent duck breast paired with seasonal essentials like celeriac, parsnips and salsify. Treat your guests to a healthy and flavourful culinary experience that embraces the richness of winter produce. Check out these spicy roots if you’re looking for a more adventurous side dish to a Sunday roast this February. Flavoured with lemon, curry powder and Chinese spice powder, no one will be complaining of a bland dinner. Winter cabbage Leafy winter cabbage is at its best from October to April. Try this garlicky linguine with cabbage & anchovy from food writer Silvana Franco. This thrifty dish of pasta, cabbage and herby ‘pangrattato’ breadcrumbs is delicious in its simplicity. Try our potato & savoy cabbage soup with bacon for an equally quick and hearty dinner. It’s a great midweek dinner option as you can whip it up in only 20 minutes and it’s freezable. For a gathering that caters to diverse preferences, including those who prefer plant-based options, consider serving this vibrant vegan main dish: Italian-style roast cabbage wedges with tomato lentils. It's a colourful and flavourful choice that ensures everyone, meat-eaters and non-meat eaters alike, can savour and enjoy the meal together. See more of our cabbage recipes. Forced rhubarb Rhubarb is a vegetable with long, red or green stalks. By keeping the rhubarb crowns in a dark place for a few weeks, the shoots will grow faster and earlier than normal, looking for light. These shoots are long, thin and pale, and they have a sweet and juicy flavour. Rhubarb can be eaten raw, but it is usually too sour for most people. Cooking it with sugar makes it more palatable and delicious. Rhubarb pairs well with ginger and strawberries, creating a wonderful combination of flavours. Make this tipsy rhubarb & blood orange jelly for the perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Or try infusing your own rhubarb gin. Find more inspiration with our rhubarb recipes. Purple sprouting broccoli Purple sprouting broccoli has a short season, so grab it while you can. Look for ones with fresh, crisp leaves and deep purple florets – although, be aware, the colour will fade during cooking. Purple sprouting broccoli is a great alternative to asparagus, so try it griddled and served with poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and toasted English muffins or sourdough. This warm broccoli, feta & preserved lemon salad by contributing editor Diana Henry is a real treat; roasting the broccoli brings out a little sweetness which pairs brilliantly with the sour yogurt and bitter lemon. Check out more of our purple sprouting broccoli recipes. Brussels sprouts Not just for Christmas, Brussels sprouts are around until early spring. If you buy them on the stalks, don’t forget the top leaves are edible too (just cook them like cabbage). This cheesy sprout fondue recipe will convert any sprout hater, and for great flavourful family meal options, try our chicken tagine with spiced Brussels sprouts & feta or our Brussels sprouts pad Thai. Both can be ready in under an hour. Discover more Brussels sprouts recipes. Turnips Winter turnips have a stronger, peppery flavour compared to summer’s baby turnips. Try swapping some of the potatoes in a hotpot, gratin or dauphinoise for turnips, like in our turnip tartiflette or lamb, turnip & celeriac hotpot. They’ll make the dish a bit lighter and really crank up the flavour. We’re coming to the end of the season, so make the most of them, served raw in this crispy salmon with turnip, mandarin & noodle salad. Check out more turnip recipes. Swedes Belonging to the cabbage family, the swede is frequently mistaken for the turnip despite their distinct appearances. Swedes exhibit a rounded shape with purple-green skin, while their yellowy-orange flesh boasts a sweet, earthy flavour. Caution is advised against overcooking, as swede tends to disintegrate easily; hence, it's crucial to adhere to recommended cooking times for optimal results. By replacing half of your pasta with swede ribbons in this duck ragu with pappardelle & swede and opting for duck breast over the leg, you create a leaner yet equally delectable dish. This offers a healthy, hearty winter option that can be conveniently frozen for those nights when cooking feels like a daunting task. Or, for a flavoursome alternative to your typical bangers and mash, try this seasonal sausage & maple swede traybake with roasted red onions and apples for a much more colourful option. Find more inspiration from our swede recipes. Primrose flowers Edible flowers are a fantastic and easy way of decorating sweet dishes like cakes and desserts. They can add a much-needed pop of colour and often a fresh peppery taste, depending on the flowers used. Try them in savoury dishes, too, like salads and open sandwiches such as these smoked salmon tartines – it would make a really special light lunch. Or cut the toast into bite-sized pieces and serve as canapés at your next celebration. Smoked salmon tartines Toast 4 slices of rye or sourdough bread, then spread with 100g crème fraîche. Flake 150g hot smoked salmon over the top and garnish with a few capers, 1 finely chopped pickled gherkin and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season, then scatter over ½ tsp chopped chives and 8-10 primrose flowers. Serves 4 Discover more ingredients in season in February: Kale Celeriac Clementine Grapefruit Radicchio Bramley apple Whiting Orange Lemon Turnip Pomegranate Oyster Chicory Purple sprouting broccoli Brussels sprouts Celery Leek Salsify Mussels Cod Onion Rhubarb Jerusalem artichoke Venison Cabbage Carrots Parsnip Swede Garden tasks for February Sow seeds for many of the year’s crops. This is the time to start tomatoes you’re going to grow in a greenhouse, while Brussels sprouts, summer cabbages, onions, peas and spinach can be sown under cover now. Cage your crops to keep them safe from hungry wood pigeons. They will devastate cabbage and kale beds in cold weather. Plant fruit trees and bushes. Mulch beds with well-rotted compost or manure to prepare them for spring sowing and planting. For more seasonal gardening tips, see Gardeners’ World. See our seasonal calendar for more inspiration. Seasonal food dates in February: 1 Feb: British Yorkshire Pudding Day Celebrate the perfect accompaniment to a roast by checking out our Yorkshire pudding recipes. 9 Feb: National Pizza Day The Italians got it right with this masterpiece. Don’t reach for the takeaway menu this National Pizza Day. Choose from our range of classics from our pizza recipes. 17 Feb: Pancake Day Celebrate Shrove Tuesday with one of our pancake recipes. Whether you're a fan of the sweet or savoury variety, there's a pancake for everyone. 22 Feb: National Margarita Day Whether you prefer your margaritas frozen or spicy, check out our range of party drinks for inspiration. Check out more seasonal recipes Top 20 winter recipes Top 10 rhubarb recipes Top 10 winter soup recipes The health benefits of broccoli What are your favourite ingredients to cook with in February? Leave a comment below.
Discover seasonal recipe ideas for March and key foodie dates for your diary. We showcase fresh herbs and hearty veg like broccoli and spring greens
View Green Video on the source website Welcome to March. After a long winter, produce is brighter and greener, and it's a welcome sight. It’s a great time to get out into the wild and try foraging, but, if you are going to do so, make sure you know your stuff. Be sure to get permission from the landowner and, if you’re new to foraging, take someone with you who knows what you can and cannot take. Better still, why not sign up to a hands-on foraging course? Nettles and wild garlic are some of the easiest to identify, but, as with any wild food, if you’re not sure, leave it. Visit our foraging beginner's guide for more advice. For more inspiration, visit our March recipe collection and March seasonal calendar page. If you want to expand your spring cooking repertoire, explore our spring recipes for inspiration, including spring cocktails, spring baking, vegetarian spring dishes, and budget-friendly spring meals. March seasonal food Purple sprouting broccoli Purple sprouting broccoli has a short season, so grab it while you can. Look for broccoli with fresh, crisp leaves and deep purple florets – though be aware the colour will fade during cooking. Try our purple sprouting broccoli with almonds for a simple yet satisfying dish. Boil the broccoli and drizzle over olive oil, then top with toasted flaked almonds – it's a great side to any roast. Alternatively, whip up a nourishing breakfast with this buckwheat dutch baby with harissa-roasted purple sprouting broccoli, whipped feta & dill – the buckwheat flour adds a nutty flavour that pairs well with the greens. See our purple sprouting broccoli recipes for more inspiration. Spring greens Cut out any tough central stems of your spring greens using a small, sharp knife or kitchen scissors, then use these offcuts in stocks or in place of celery in sofrito (a base for soups and stews). Our spring greens with lemon dressing bring much-needed freshness to any comforting dinner. Or, enjoy them alongside butter beans in this balanced and easy chicken traybake, paired with a punchy herb and caper salsa. Find extra ideas with our spring greens recipes. Wild garlic Also known as ramsons, wild garlic comes into season in late March-early April, and is one of the best additions to flavoured butter or pesto. For wild garlic pesto, simply blitz wild garlic with olive oil, then stir in finely grated parmesan. Make our flaky wild garlic borek with mozzarella, feta, spring onions (another seasonal treat!), and sesame seeds, which can be served either warm or cold. Alternatively, try garlic butter, which is a delicious spread for picnic flatbreads. For more ideas, see our wild garlic recipes. Forced chicory Also referred to as endive, chicory is a forced crop that's cultivated in absolute darkness, which creates its unique white leaves tinged with yellow tips. It has a characteristic cigar-like shape and averages around 12cm in length, and has crisp leaves with a subtly bitter flavour profile. While chicory remains accessible throughout the year, it thrives in Britain from January to mid-March. Sliced chicory leaves bring complex bitterness to dressed salads, like our blue cheese & grape salad with caramelised pecans, and to our chicory collins, a special pre-dinner cocktail. Or, for a weekend lunch, make quick-cook polenta and serve as the base for this chicory, sausage & black olive polenta tart. Find more unique ideas with our chicory recipes. Hamburg parsley If you can find or grow it, hamburg parsley is worth seeking out. It’s a sweet, dense root vegetable that's similar to a parsnip, with delicate, buttery flavour – almost verging into sweet potato territory. Hamburg parsley orecchiette Peel 1 large or 2 small hamburg parsley roots and chop into small chunks, then cook in a pan of boiling salted water for 10 mins. Drain, then fry in 15g butter and 1 tsp olive oil in a large non-stick pan until golden. Meanwhile, cook 150g orecchiette following pack instructions, then drain. Add the cooked pasta to the hamburg parsley, toss to combine and season with plenty of black pepper and a little salt. Spread 4 tbsp crème fraîche over two plates and create a large well in the centre of each using a spoon. Dot over 1 preserved lemon, chopped, and top with the pasta mixture. Garnish with few parsley leaves, 1 tsp lumpfish roe and ½ tsp poppy seeds. Serves 2. Spring onions Spring onion is such a versatile ingredient, particularly at this time of year, when the herb garden isn’t quite in full swing yet. Slice the white and green parts separately and scatter the finely sliced green tops over the finished dish in place of herbs. They can also be served whole, as in our spring onions & teriyaki tofu or trimmed and used to elevate any side, as in our smoky new potatoes with charred spring onions. See more inspiration with our spring onion recipes. Nettles Use foraged wild nettles in these creative ideas. Similar to spinach in taste, nettles are a versatile addition to soups, pesto and pie fillings, and can even be used as a flavourful toast topping. For a springtime spin, substitute nettles for spinach in our nettle spanakopita. With their sweet and nutritious profile, young nettles provide a delightful and cost-free alternative to spinach. Alternatively, simmer nettle leaves in stock with onions, carrots, leeks and potatoes, then blend with butter and cream to make nettle soup, which can be frozen and enjoyed later. For more ideas, don’t miss our nettle recipes. Discover more ingredients in season in March Spring lamb Sorrel Grapefruit Radicchio Bramley apple Cauliflower Orange Lemon Watercress Salmon Mussels Potato Pak choi Oyster Onion Rhubarb Spinach Jerusalem artichoke Cabbage Parsnip Leek Celeriac White asparagus Seasonal food dates in March: 1 March: St David's Day Celebrate St David's Day on 1 March with our Welsh-inspired recipes, from classic Welsh cakes and bara brith, to modern twists on the traditional, like rarebit muffins. 15 March: Mother's Day Whether you're treating Mum to breakfast in bed, baking a cake or preparing a three-course dinner, we've got all the Mothering Sunday recipes you need. 20 March : Eid-al Fitr Discover the traditions of Eid al-Fitr and celebrate the end of fasting with a feast using our Ramadan recipes. 17 March: St Patrick's Day Celebrate St Patrick's Day with some of our favourite Irish recipes, including soda bread, Guinness chocolate puddings and Irish stew. Other food dates for your diary: 2-8 March: British Pie Week The first week of March is British Pie Week, a tradition that has been going on for 15 years. Enjoy your favourite sweet and savoury pies. Enjoyed these recipes? See more inspiration: The best recipe boxes, tried and tested How to use wild garlic The health benefits of broccoli What to do with root vegetables How to steam vegetables Which vegetables will you be using this March? Leave a comment below.
Best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wine 2026
Discover the best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines for booze-free drinks options that are sophisticated and full of flavour, ideal for entertaining or special occasions
With more people choosing to drink less alcohol or seeking out alcohol-free alternatives, non-alcoholic wine is enjoying a surge in popularity. Whether you are giving Dry January a go, need a sophisticated non-alcoholic option for social occasions, or simply want to enjoy the ritual of a glass of wine without the effects of alcohol, there are now a wide range of choices. When selecting a non-alcoholic wine, it’s worth considering the style and sweetness. Many alcohol-free wines tend to be on the sweeter side – if you prefer a drier style, look for options that are specifically described as crisp or refreshing, or consider sparkling varieties, which often offer a lively, balanced flavour. To help you find a bottle that suits your taste, drinks experts Miriam Nice and Jonathan Hatchman have taste-tested a selection of the best non-alcoholic wines to buy, from prosecco styles to aromatic German rieslings. Whether you’re hosting, celebrating, or simply unwinding at home, there is a non-alcoholic wine to suit every occasion. There are also a few of our recommendations for low-alcohol wines, for those of you are choosing a lower-alcohol approach rather than going completely alcohol-free. These sparkling wines bring no fewer bubbles than their standard counterparts, and deliver a lighter tipple with all the same flavour. For more non-alcoholic advice, check out our review of the best non-alcoholic spirits or the best non-alcoholic champagnes and sparkling wines. Best non-alcoholic wines at a glance Best non-alcoholic wine for prosecco lovers: Mille Bolle Alcohol Free Sparkling, £5.99 Best non-alcoholic wine for cava lovers: ¡H! Barcelona Hola Alcohol Free Sparkling, £4.99 Best eye-catching non-alcoholic wine: Von Buhl Zero Secco Alcohol-Free, £8.99 Best non-alcoholic sweet wine: De Bortoli The Very Cautious One gewurtz riesling, £5.70 Best full-bodied non-alcoholic red: De Bortoli The Very Cautious One shiraz, £5.70 Best non-alcoholic vegan red wine: Eisberg cabernet sauvignon, £18 (case of 6) Best non-alcoholic sauvignon blanc: Eisberg sauvignon blanc, £18 (case of 6) Best alcohol-free merlot: Eisberg alcohol-free merlot, £18 (case of 6) Best for making alcohol-free mulled wine: M&S alcohol-free merlot, £4 Best non-alcoholic German wine: Leitz Eins Zwei Zero riesling, £13.99 Best non-alcoholic wine for a spritzer: Torres Natureo muscat, £9.41 Best non-alcoholic rosé wine: Torres Natureo rosé, £5.45 Recommended low-alcohol wines at a glance Best low-alcohol sparkling rosé: Hacienda de Lluna Moscatel Rosado,£5.99 Best low-alcohol Spanish sparkling wine: La Chica Bonita, £5.99 Best low-alcohol Asti: Le Monferrine Moscato d'Asti Frizzante, £7.99 Best low-alcohol sparkling red wine: L'Occhiolino Semi-Sparkling Red, £7.99 Jump to: Best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines to buy in 2026 How we tested non-alcoholic wine How is non-alcoholic wine made? What are the disadvantages of non-alcoholic wine? Best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines to buy in 2026 Mille Bolle Alcohol Free Sparkling Available from Laithwaites (£5.99) Best non-alcoholic wine for prosecco lovers Rating: 4.5/5 ABV: 0% Crafted with Chardonnay and Glera grapes, the wine is gently de-alcoholised using modern, environmentally friendly techniques, which aim to preserve more of the wine’s natural characteristics. Yeast and grape juice are added for a secondary fermentation which gives the alcohol-free wine more depth and rounded flavour, with fruity notes of green apple, honeydew and peach, and its fine bubbles. JH Available from: Laithwaites (£5.99) ¡H! Barcelona Hola Alcohol Free Sparkling Available from Laithwaites (£4.99) Best non-alcoholic wine for cava lovers Rating: 4/5 ABV: 0% This wine is produced by Belgian entrepreneurs Christopher Heirwegh and Christel Weemaes, who moved to Barcelona with a dream of producing the world’s best cava. Just like cava, this non-alcoholic brut wine is produced with the region's local grapes, Macabeo, Parallado and Xarel-lo, then fermented and carbonated. It’s certainly reminiscent of cava, although with more sweetness and tropical fruit character alongside the vibrant bubbles, bright green apple and lime notes. JH Available from: Laithwaites (£4.99) Von Buhl Zero Secco Alcohol-Free Available from Laithwaites (£8.99) Best eye-catching non-alcoholic wine Rating: 3.5/5 0.5% A non-alcoholic take on their hugely popular Secco wine, Von Buhl Zero Secco Alcohol-Free comes from Germany’s historic Reichstrat Von Buhl winery, which was founded in 1849. The estate is known for having some of the most well located vineyards in the Pfalz region, more than 40% of which are classified as grand cru, as well as crafting innovative new wines such as this alcohol-free option. Bold fruit notes of grapefruit, lime, green apple, pear and apricot are joined by floral undertones and a mineral finish, all presented in an eye-catching ceramic bottle. JH Available from: Laithwaites (£8.99) De Bortoli The Very Cautious One gewurtz riesling Available from Ocado (£5.50) Best non-alcoholic sweet wine ABV: 0.0% Rating: 5/5 Part of the De Bortoli Wines portfolio based in Australia, this wine has heady aromas of lychee and beeswax. It's unsurprisingly sweet with lots of rose petals, peaches and overripe nectarines on the palate. You might detect a touch of minerality at the end which adds interest and stops it tasting too sickly and soapy. We advise serving well chilled. MN Available from: Ocado (£5.50) De Bortoli The Very Cautious One shiraz Available from Ocado (£5.50) Best full-bodied non-alcoholic red ABV: 0.0% Rating: 5/5 This pours as a dark ruby red. It is nuanced and complex with floral notes of rose, honeysuckle and sweet pea blooms on the nose, which then move into dark fruits, raspberries and blueberries on the palate, leaving you with red apple skin tannins and tobacco. It's another great Australian entry to the list. MN Available from: Ocado (£5.50) Eisberg cabernet sauvignon Available from Morrisons (£3.25), Amazon (£3.50) Best non-alcoholic vegan red wine ABV: 0.0% Rating: 4.5/5 Aromas of cooked cherries and jammy strawberries appear along with a touch of green peppers, juicy blackcurrants and blackberry. There is a touch of acidity on the palate but this gives way to a smooth, rounded mouthfeel, lots more fresh cherry flavour and a touch of tannic astringency providing a moreish finish. Serve at room temperature, but, as with all these wines, keep chilled the rest of the time once opened. They don’t keep more than a day or two without the preservative qualities of alcohol. MN Available from: Morrisons (£3.25) Amazon (£3.50) Eisberg sauvignon blanc Latest Deals Best non-alcoholic sauvignon blanc ABV: 0.0% Rating: 4/5 This has delightfully tempting fresh floral aromas of elderflower with hints of green apple. The flavour is supported by lots of juicy ripe pear, peach and more elderflower with a touch of melon. We suggest serving this very well chilled or in a spritz to keep the sweetness in balance – as a helpful reminder to serve this cool, 'eisberg' is the German word for iceberg. MN Latest Deals Eisberg alcohol-free merlot Available from Ocado (£3) Best alcohol-free merlot ABV: 0.0% Rating: 4/5 Raspberries, blackberries and a hint of a woody aroma appear here along with a dash of clove and vanilla. On tasting you’ll find rich, juicy black cherry skins and soft blackberries. As the flavour develops on your palate, the dry and tannic qualities appear before leaving you with a lingering gentle return of cloves and a touch of cocoa. MN Available from: Ocado (£3) M&S alcohol-free merlot Available from Ocado (£4) Best for making alcohol free mulled wine ABV: 0.05% Rating: 4/5 On the nose you’ll find black cherries and stewed plums. The tastes evokes a light mulled wine there’s a lot of warming festive spices, baked orange and more slow cooked stone fruits. The tannins and the dry finish keeps the sweetness in check for what is an accessible and easy drinking merlot. MN Available from: Ocado (£4) Leitz Eins Zwei Zero riesling Available from Amazon (£13.99) Best non-alcoholic German wine ABV: 0.0% This wine has some earthy notes on the nose to begin with, but on the palate it tastes like a German riesling with peachy fruit, blending sweetness and acidity. This actually made me want another glass. MN Available from: Amazon (£13.99) Torres Natureo muscat Available from DryDrinker (£9.41) Best non-alcoholic wine for a spritzer ABV: 0.0% The Natureo range from Torres, one of Spain’s biggest producers, is probably the best widely available low-alcohol wine. This muscat is unashamedly sweet with notes of honey and flowers. It tasted best in a spritzer with ice and sparkling water. MN Available from: DryDrinker (£9.41) Torres Natureo rosé Available from Ocado (£5.45) Best non-alcoholic rosé wine ABV: 0.0% This rosé from Torres is also pretty good. Again, there's no doubt that it's sweet (2.6g sugar per 100ml) but the sweetness suits it and the finish isn't at all cloying. If you like Mateus rosé (for those under 40, ask your parents), you’ll enjoy this. MN Available from: Ocado (£5.45) Hacienda de Lluna moscatel rosado 2024 Available from Laithwaites (£5.99) Best low-alcohol sparkling rosé ABV: 5% Even when drunk during a dull, grey British winter, this bright thirst-quencher will transport you to warmer climes. Made from the moscatel grape (one of the oldest in the world) on the sunny slopes around Valencia, Spain, this gentle fizz is an easy drinker. This has the sweetness of ripe grapes, a crisp finish and just 5% ABV, making it a lightweight tipple that will suit many palates. Available from: Laithwaites (£5.99) La Chica Bonita 2023 Available from Laithwaites (£5.99) Best low-alcohol sparkling ABV: 5% Another Valencian moscatel, this low-alcohol fizz (5% ABV) comes from winemaker Fernando Tarin Casado, a specialist of the moscatel variety. The gentle fizz brings a wave of floral notes, as well as peach, mandarin and that signature ripe grape taste. This sweetness is well balanced by a lemony freshness, and the result is an off-dry tipple that makes a pleasing apéritif or light accompaniment to food. Available from: Laithwaites (£5.99) Le Monferrine moscato d'asti frizzante 2024 Available from Laithwaites (£7.99) Best low-alcohol asti ABV: 5% Hailing from the Piedmont region of north-west Italy, asti has been classified as a denominazione di origine controllata e garantita – the highest classification Italian wine can achieve – and is the highest-producing appellation of the country. Naturally low in alcohol (this one is just 5% ABV) and made in the frizzante style, moscato d’asti is medium-sweet and full of bubbly charm. Le Monferrine brings hints of rose petal, along with the classic grape and fruity, fresh flavours. Available from: Laithwaites (£7.99) L'Occhiolino semi-sparkling red Available from Laithwaites (£7.99) Best low-alcohol sparkling red ABV: 7.5% Sparkling red wine might not quite have the same reputation in the UK as its lighter-coloured cousins, but it is steadily growing in popularity – and for good reason. This fresh Italian frizzante is best served properly chilled, and the ripe fruit and sweet spices make themselves known with the gentle bubbles. At just 7.5% ABV, it’s a much easier drink than many reds. Available from: Laithwaites (£7.99) How we tested non-alcoholic wine All wines were stored and served at the temperatures suggested by the producer. Each one was tasted in the same style of glass for the first taste, and then in a wine glass best suited to the grape variety. We were looking for bottles that accurately evoked the characteristics of the wines they were emulating, but more importantly, seeking flavour and complexity that would please both drinkers and non-drinkers alike. How is non-alcoholic wine made? Non-alcoholic wine can be made in a few different ways. A common method is vacuum distillation. This lowers air pressure in order to be able to reduce boiling temperature, before wine is boiled. This means alcohol is boiled off the liquid at a much lower temperature, which is far less destructive to the delicate flavours and aromas of the wine. Other methods of making non-alcoholic wine include using mechanical filtration or a process called a ‘spinning cone’ which separates the wine in order to isolate and remove the alcohol. What are the disadvantages of non-alcoholic wine? A word of warning: non-alcoholic wines are often sweet, much sweeter than conventional wines. A normal off-dry white will have around 4-7 grams of residual sugar per litre, and many of these have the same amount per 100ml – not a great option if you’re trying to lose weight. They're too sweet to cook with, too. Low or alcohol-free wines are made by creating a normal wine, removing the alcohol by using a spinning cone, and sweetening the resulting liquid with sugar or grape juice to give it some body. Many have a small amount of added flavouring in them, too. Some styles of non-alcoholic wine work better than others: we saw best successes in non-alcoholic prosecco and German riesling, perhaps because both are based on originals that are sweet and low-alcohol. Non-alcoholic drinks inspiration Best non-alcoholic champagnes and sparkling wines Non-alcoholic drinks recipes Mocktail recipes Top 10 non-alcoholic drinks ideas Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks ideas We’d love to hear about your favourite non-alcoholic wine. Share your suggestions in the comments below.
Best coffee subscriptions to order online
Coffee lovers – getting your fix has never been easier. Have quality coffee delivered straight to your door with our reviews of the best coffee subscriptions.
If you’re the sort of person who notices they’re running low on coffee while bleary-eyed brewing up a cup in the morning, but forget to pick any up the rest of the day, a coffee subscription is an ideal way to ensure you never run out. There's a wide variety of subscriptions to choose from – from small independent roasters to some familiar brands, all offering a variety of grinds, beans and styles to choose from. You might find your favourite new bean and stick with it like clockwork, or allow the roasters to make the choices for you – letting you go on a taste adventure through coffees from all over the world. Most places will also grind the coffee for you and do so to suit the brewing method you use, or you can purchase the whole beans to grind yourself (see our pick of the best coffee grinders). To test the best coffee subscriptions, we sampled 10 different brands, tasting at least two types of coffee from each. These were delivered as whole beans and tested in a home setting, using the same grind, water type, water temperature and brewing method across all samples. Read on to discover our reviews of the best coffee subscriptions to buy online. Best coffee subscriptions at a glance Best value coffee subscription: Rise Coffee Box, from £13 per month Best coffee subscription for never running out: Grind Coffee, from £8.95 per bag Best flexible coffee subscription: Pact Coffee, from £8.95 per fortnight Best coffee subscription for gifting: Balance Coffee, from £49.99 for three months Best coffee subscription for discovering new roasters: Batch Coffee, from £19.99 per box Best for coffee blends and easy ordering: Caravan Coffee Roasters, from £9 per bag Best for professional-grade coffee: Square Mile Coffee Roasters, from £12.50 per bag Best simple coffee subscription: Rave Coffee, from £9.95 per month Best coffee subscription for discovering new roasters: The Local Coffee Club, from £13.99 per month Best coffee subscription boxes to buy in 2026 Rise Coffee Box Available from Rise (from £13 per month) Best value coffee subscription About: B-Corp-certified brand Rise launched in 2020 after founders Alice and Ben struggled to find a coffee subscription that offered them the variety they were after. Since then, as well as working with a wide variety of independent UK roasters, the company has also developed its own house blend that supports Ugandan coffee farmers. It also gives 1 per cent of its sales back to coffee farming communities. Value for money: from £13 for 227-250g bag every month. Packaging: All of Rise's packaging uses eco-friendly materials and can be recycled afterwards, too. Subscribing: choose from whole beans or grounds, then select the number of bags (one to four) and frequency (one to eight weeks) you want to receive. Each 227-250g bag of coffee is generally roasted medium to medium-dark, and two independent roasters are featured each month so you can try unexplored varieties. As well as coffee beans, you'll receive tasty freebies in each box like barista oat milk, chocolate or iced coffee cans, as well as an eight-page coffee guide with brewing tips and information about the roasters and farmers. You can cancel, pause or delay your subscription at any point and Rise also offers a free trial to new customers, so you can sample what's on offer before signing up. Sign up to a Rise Coffee Box subscription (from £13 per month) Grind Available from Grind (from £8.95 per bag) Best subscription for never running out About: Grind started as a café-bar in East London and now comprises eleven locations, including espresso bars, cocktail bars, restaurants, a coffee roastery and a recording studio. Grind's subscription service provides you with access to its house blends, which can be bought as beans, ground or as compostable pods for a coffee machine. Value for money: £8.95 for a 227g bag of whole beans or purchase two bags for £16.95. Packaging: two refill pouches in the delivery is a neat idea, keeping the second half fresher for longer and helping you to never run out. Grind's tins are in a cheerful yet stylish pale pink with a tight-fitting lid, so are worth purchasing first before subscribing to the bags. Subscribing: choose your quantity, delivery frequency between one to eight weeks and your chosen flavours, e.g. for ground coffee whether you want their house blend, black blend or decaf. If it's your first order, you can choose the Trial Box of a mix of different blends to find the right Grind coffee for you. You can also fill in how much coffee you drink a day to estimate how much you'll need. We tasted the Black Blend, which we found to be smooth with a touch of smoke and a hint of fresh hazelnuts. It's very easy drinking and has been thoughtfully blended to be enjoyed without milk. We also tried the House Blend, which has an incredibly rich and complex aroma. This is a well-balanced coffee drink, ideal for everyday drinking and designed to work as well with milk as without. Sign up to a Grind Coffee subscription (from £8.95 per bag) Pact Coffee Available from Pact Coffee (from £8.95 per fortnight) Best flexible coffee subscription About: Pact is a B-Corp certified company with an easy-to-navigate ordering process. The coffee arrives through the letterbox, and although you can’t adjust how many bags you get, you can change the frequency instead to match your level of coffee consumption. Value for money: from £8.95 for 250g bag every fortnight. Packaging: Pact is looking for and has been conducting trials on recyclable coffee bags. Currently its resealable bags are not recyclable in all areas. However, the pods are aluminium and are recyclable. Subscribing: Subscribing is simple and very customisable. The website lets you choose early on whether you want to opt for decaf or regular and asks you to select your preferred coffee making method from a list of 8 options to determine the grind. You can also choose to the day how often your coffee is delivered – meaning instead of just every 7 or 14 days you can choose every 13 or 15. We tried Pact’s house espresso and found the beans had a milk chocolate and roasted hazelnut aroma. When brewed, the coffee had a clean complex flavour profile with hints of black tea, malt and chocolate. We also tested its La Pedregosa coffee, which is from its “microdot” premium subscription. On opening the bag you get an overwhelmingly delicious aroma of butterscotch. After brewing, the aroma is bitter cocoa, baked plums and lemon zest. There’s a touch of liquorice on tasting with a rich almost umami bitterness and more roasted plum skin as the flavour develops. Sign up to a Pact Coffee subscription (from £8.95 per fortnight) Balance Coffee Available from Balance (from £49.99 for three months) Best coffee subscription for gifting About: Balance coffee is a London-based company that sources its beans worldwide and roasts them in London. Its website explains the health benefits of coffee, and therefore the importance of testing their coffee for pesticides, mycotoxins and moulds. It has a range of gift subscriptions available, along with other coffee-related gifts and kit. Value for money: from £49.99 for three months' worth of coffee (15 cups per bag). Packaging: it's recyclable and made from paper, printed with tasting notes, roasting date and country of origin for the beans. Subscribing: Select from whole bean, filter, cafetière or espresso ground and whether you want to receive it weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You can also select the weight from 250g, 500g or 1kg bags, which makes it good for large households or small offices. For the tasting, we tried the “stability blend”. The beans gave off a fresh light aroma packed with crisp sea air and crunchy savoury biscuits. When brewed the aroma imparted diverse notes of honeysuckle and short ribs. The coffee had a beautifully rounded flavour profile, with good lingering bitterness reminiscent of papery hazelnut skins. Fresh cherries, peanut, maple syrup and fig coat the palate. We also tasted the “level up” coffee – the aroma of this coffee was packed with chocolate hazelnut richness, which continues through tasting. Cocoa-heavy brownies, a touch of toasted coconut and sour cherry notes prevented any sickliness. Sign up to a Balance coffee subscription (from £49.99 for three months) Batch Coffee Available from Batch Coffee (from £17.50 per box) Best for discovering new coffee roasters About: Batch is different from some other subscriptions, as it doesn't roast its own beans, instead packaging and curating coffee from other roasters. Batch selects your coffee from a growing list of independent UK and Irish roasters and sends out its coffee in double pack boxes, so you can try two samples side by side. Choose from five grind options or whole bean. Value for money: a coffee subscription package worth £17.50 includes two 200g bags of coffee. You can also save when you pre-pay for three, six or 12 boxes. Packaging: It arrives in a letterbox-friendly cardboard box and in fully recyclable bags. Its box and pack is peppered with QR codes, which means you can get as nerdy as you want to and there’s not lots of extraneous paperwork in the box. The QR codes link to brewing guides, lots of detail about the coffee itself and a printable flavour wheel. Subscribing: For this sample, we first tried the Hermosa from Meletius. The beans themselves had an element of red lentils/split peas on the nose, but found a lot of depth and subtle sweetness in the tasting. Scorched toast, brown sugar and vanilla sit alongside earthier notes of wood, oats and cashew nuts. We then tried Divino Nino, from New Ground. The brewed coffee had notes of roasted carrot and blanched hazelnuts on the nose but the palate explodes with walnut, touch of mint tea and dark rum. It also had lingering bitterness with a hint of liquorice. Sign up to a Batch Coffee subscription (from £17.50 per box) Caravan Coffee Roasters Available from Caravan Coffee Roasters (from £9 per bag) Best for coffee blends and easy ordering About: each bag of coffee from London-based Caravan Coffee Roasters comes with a card highlighting detailed tasting notes, a brewing guide and background information on the blend or the producers. Value for money: 1 x 250g bag every month for three months = £9 per month (£27 total). Packaging: the white paper bags are plastic lined with a resealable top, making it easy to keep your coffee fresh without needing to decant it into another container. On the front of each bag, there are details of where the coffee is from and brief tasting notes. Subscribing: a simple, step-by-step ordering process. You can completely tailor the subscription to you. Choose between filter or espresso, your pick of four flavours, frequency of delivery (weekly, fortnightly, monthly), bag size (200g or 1kg), ground or whole bean coffee and either a three, six or 12-month subscription. We tried Caravan's Special Brü and picked up tasting notes of blackcurrant and cream with low acidity. It's an easy-going coffee which transported us to a modern, city coffee shop, and would be perfectly partnered with a fried egg on a brioche bun for brunch. The Market Blend scored well too – a decent, straightforward but great quality coffee. Sign up to a Caravan Coffee Roasters subscription (from £9 per bag) Square Mile Coffee Roasters Available from Square Mile Coffee Roasters (from £12.50 per bag) Best for professional-grade coffee About: Square Mile is focused on wholesale and ensuring its coffee tastes as good as possible when it gets to the cup, so has lots of technical advice and information on its blog. Value for money: 1 x 350g bag monthly to UK = £12.50. Packaging: slightly bigger pack sizes here (350g instead of the more common 250g). Its black plastic bags are printed with a faint map design from its signature map of a square mile of London from the 1700s. Each also displays a sticker of the name of the coffee, tasting hints and a short sentence about the coffee, where it’s from and the process used. As the packs are larger, you will find the bags and boxes don’t yet fit through the letterbox, but the brand is still working on ironing that out. Subscribing: choose from a blend, its choice or decaf and whether you want to use it for filter or espresso coffee. You get an option of 350g or 1kg quantities and whether you want it weekly, fortnightly or monthly, on a recurring or fixed term subscription. The website walks you through the process seamlessly. On tasting, we found the Huye Mountain coffee very acidic, smooth and with high bitterness, like a 90% dark chocolate – not for the faint hearted. With the Muungano, we got the gooseberry straight away. There's an oiliness too that balances well, like gooseberries and custard. Superb. Sign up to a Square Mile Coffee Roasters subscription (from £12.50 per bag) Rave Coffee Available from Rave Coffee (from £8.95 per month) Best simple coffee subscription About: a note card with each coffee gives details of the coffee, the farm, the processes etc but also has a space on the back for you to pick out your tasting notes and give your own rating. The cards are small and easy to keep hold of, allowing you to build up a vocabulary of what coffee you really like. Value for money: 1 x 250g bag = £8.95. Packaging: the coffee comes in a biodegradable, resealable bag. Affixed to the bag with a bulldog clip is a card about that coffee. Subscribing: choose from traditional or discovery coffees, how you want to brew it and whether you want one, two, three or four bags a month. The subscription process is very simple to use. We tasted a couple of Rave's single origin coffees; the Guatemala san jeronimo Miramar coffee we thought was a bit more of a darker roast than we expected. It has quite a lot of bitterness but it's smooth, nicely balanced and easy drinking. Initial miso notes give way to red apple skin (red apple is a tasting note they give which we agree with) and a nice chocolate aftertaste unfolds. Their El Salvador, Los Pirineos coffee has a good balance of richness and acidity, with hints of complexity. It transports you to a cosy café. Sign up to a Rave Coffee subscription (from £8.95 per month) The Local Coffee Club Available from The Local Coffee Club (from £13.99 per month) Best coffee subscription for discovering new roasters About: this subscription service is designed to help you discover independent roasteries in your local area, covering London, Bristol and Bath, Scotland and South Wales – though you can still sign up if you live outside these areas. Each bag of coffee comes with an A4 sheet detailing the origin of the beans, how they were farmed and where they were roasted. Value for money: 1x 250g bag = £13.99 per month Packaging: Local Coffee Club sends everything in a letterbox-friendly cardboard box, and all the roasteries we received coffee from packaged the beans in recyclable bags. Subscribing: select your location (there's also an 'everywhere' option, if you want to try coffee from roasteries beyond your local area), then choose the quantity (250g, 500g or 1kg), the date you'd like to start receiving coffee from, and whether you want the beans to be roasted for filter or espresso. Our first delivery came from family-run Carnival Coffee Roasters in south London, which sent us Rotutu beans from Timor-Leste. The coffee was smooth and sweet, with notes of cherry, toffee and orange zest. We also received a guest espresso from Ethiopia via Wood Street Coffee in north-east London, and Esquipulas beans from Nicaragua via Redemption Roasters – this has notes of milk chocolate, almond and dates, and we loved it so much, we ordered a second bag. 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