These days the fruit and veg aisles in the supermarket have more choice than before. There are also more unusual options to choose from, giving you a chance to experiment with new flavours in your cooking and try something different from the norm. Take a look at these more unusual varieties of fruit and veg and recipes you could try using them. You can also impress guests with your new found culinary expertise.

Purple sprouting broccoli

The clue is in the name for this one! They have long thin stems with a small cluster of buds which are distinctly purple. They have also been around since Roman times so aren’t exactly new. Like normal broccoli they are rich in vitamin C and are a source of iron, folic acid, calcium, fibre and vitamin A.

Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Mozzarella and Tomato Pasta Bake from Vegetarian recipes magazine

You’ll need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small leek, sliced
• 350-400g purple sprouting broccoli
• 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 200g mozzarella, roughly torn
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh or dried marjoram or oregano leaves
• Sea salt and ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
• Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle

Get the recipe

Cavolo Nero (black kale)

A close relative of kale, this vegetable originates from Tuscany, Italy where it has been enjoyed for centuries. It has long dark green, almost black leaves with an intense and slightly sweet flavour. Like kale it is full of goodness such as iron, manganese, fibre, calcium and vitamins  A, C and K.

A Tasty Gratin of Cavolo Nero from The English Kitchen

You’ll need:

• 300g cavolo nero
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 140g diced pancetta
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 375ml cream
• 1 heaped tbsp of Dijon Mustard
• Buttered crumbs

Get the recipe

Kumquats

These small citrus fruits closely resemble oranges, but are much smaller in size. They are also the only citrus fruit that can be eaten whole, with the skin actually sweeter than the inside, resulting in an interesting clash of flavour.  They contain vitamins A and C and are also a source of fibre, potassium and calcium.

Kumquat Upside-Down Cake from Alexandra’s Kitchen

You’ll need:

• 1½ lbs. kumquats, halved
• 4 oz or 113g unsalted butter
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 3 T. honey
• ½ tsp vanilla
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 1/3 cup flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp salt
• 8 oz or 226g unsalted butter, softened (if using salted use less salt)
• 1 1/3 cup sugar
• 5 eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla

Get the recipe

Samphire

You’ve most likely seen this used on cooking shows like MasterChef, they resemble green stalks and are a succulent. They grow in rocky and marshy areas and have a salty, crisp taste. They are also packed full of minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium, with vitamins A, B, C and a healthy dose of fibre.

Crispy Dover Sole with Garlic, Lemon and Fresh Samphire from Queen of Tarts

You’ll need:

• 2 Dover soles (or other fresh white fish)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• A large knob of salted butter
• 50ml dry white wine
• 2 large garlic cloves
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 heaped tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
• A sprig of fresh thyme
• ½ tsp chopped red chilli (optional)
• Fresh black pepper and sea salt to taste
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• A clump of fresh samphire (200g for 2 people)
• A small knob of salted butter

Get the recipe

Physalis

These bright orange berries are wrapped in a papery lantern like husk and are also known as the cape gooseberry. They are similar to tomatoes with a mild flavour and acidity. Their health benefits include beta-carotene, vitamin C and B vitamins like B12.

Cape Gooseberry Cake from Le Creuset

You’ll need:

• 125g cape gooseberries
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• 200g butter
• 250g castor sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 500g cake flour
• 10g baking powder

Icing:

• 80g butter
• 125g cream cheese
• 5ml vanilla extract
• 500g icing sugar (sifted)
• Fresh cape gooseberries (to garnish)

Get the recipe

We hope we have inspired you to try something new when you’re cooking if you don’t already experiment with new flavours and dishes. Who knows, one of them might become a favourite. Get experimenting with cooking and learn about the hottest food trends this year. If you’re in need of spares for your cooking appliances take a look in our kitchen spares.

Tags: Cooking, different varieties of fruit and veg, new recipes, unusual fruit and veg