Did you know that using seasonal ingredients can not only enhance your snack platter, but can also help reduce your ecological footprint by up to 30%? In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, choosing local and seasonal products is a simple but powerful step. In this blog post, we invite you to join us in discovering the possibilities of seasonal ingredients that not only enhance the taste experience of your snack platter, but also enhance its visual appeal. Get inspired and make your next drink a feast for both the senses and the environment!
Spring: Fresh flavours and colourful ingredients
Spring is a season that is full of new flavors and vibrant colors. This period brings with it an abundance of fresh vegetables and herbs, making it the perfect time to prepare healthy and flavorful dishes. In this section, we explore the different ingredients that are available in spring and how you can use them to create an attractive snack platter.
Fresh Spring Vegetables
Asparagus
Asparagus is a true symbol of spring. It is not only tasty, but also rich in nutrients. You can prepare it in different ways:
- Boiled or steamed: Perfect as a side dish.
- Grilled: This gives a smoky flavor that goes wonderfully with a yogurt dip.
- In a salad: Combine with radishes and a vinaigrette for a fresh taste.
Radishes
Radishes are crispy and have a spicy flavor. They are not only tasty but also very versatile. Try them:
- In salads: Add them to a mix of different lettuces such as the fresh Lollo Rosso and Batavia.
- As a snack: Serve with a homemade hummus from Hummus Bros, which perfectly matches the crunchiness of the radishes.
Spring Lettuce
Several types of lettuce are available in spring, such as lamb's lettuce and rocket. These are ideal for a light snack platter. Use them to:
- Making salads: Mix different types of lettuce with avocado, cucumber and a citrus dressing.
- How to make wraps: Fill leaves of Lollo Bionda with hummus, smoked salmon and capers for a colorful and tasty snack.
Delicious Dips
To complete your snack platter, dips are essential. Here are some suggestions:
Hummus
A fresh hummus is an excellent choice. You can vary with flavors, such as:
- Classic Hummus: Usage Hummus from Alfez for an authentic taste.
- Beet Hummus: Add roasted beets for a beautiful color and earthy flavor.
Yogurt sauce with herbs
A creamy yoghurt sauce is perfect to combine with vegetables. For example, use Fage Greek Yogurt and mix this with:
- Fresh dill: For a fresh, spring feeling.
- Coin: This gives a surprising twist and is ideal for summer.
Young Cheeses and Fruit
Young Cheeses
Choose young cheeses such as Leerdammer Young or Old Amsterdam for a rich flavour. These are delicious served with:
- Various nuts: Think almonds or walnuts for a crunch.
- Candied figs: This provides a sweet counterpoint to the savory flavors.
Seasonal Fruit
In spring there are also many types of fruits available that can enhance your snack platter. Consider:
- Strawberries: Serve this with a dollop of mascarpone or in combination with a sweet balsamic vinegar.
- Rhubarb: Make a rhubarb compote to serve with cheese or as a topping on crackers.
Example of a Spring Snack Board
Below you will find an example of how you can put together an attractive drinks platter with the ingredients mentioned:
| Ingredient | Sample product | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | Green asparagus from Sun meal | Boiled or grilled |
| Radishes | Radishes from Albert Heijn | In salads or as a snack with hummus |
| Spring lettuce | Lamb's lettuce from AH Organic | Salads or wraps |
| Hummus | Hummus from Hummus Bros | Dipping sauce for vegetables |
| Yogurt sauce | Greek Yogurt from Fage | Dip sauce with fresh herbs |
| Young cheeses | Leerdammer Young | Served with nuts |
| Strawberries | Strawberries from SUN | Fresh or with mascarpone |
| Rhubarb | Rhubarb from Farmland | In compote or as a topping |
With these fresh flavors and colorful ingredients, you are ready to create an inviting and tasteful snack board that fits perfectly with the spring season. By using seasonal products, you can not only enjoy the best flavors, but also contribute to a sustainable diet.
Summer: Delicious and Refreshing
Summer is the season when nature spoils us with an abundance of tasty, juicy fruits. These fruits are not only delicious on their own, but can also be combined in different ways to create a refreshing and colorful snack platter. In this article, we will discuss some of the most suitable fruits, charcuterie, cheeses and grilled vegetables that are perfect for summer snacks.
Ripe and Juicy Fruits
Summer fruits are an essential part of any summer snack platter. Not only are they delicious, they also offer a range of health benefits. Here are some popular options:
- Peaches: These soft, sweet fruits are perfect for a refreshing snack. Try the Zeeland peach, which is known for its excellent taste.
- Melons: Watermelons are particularly refreshing. The Sugar Baby Watermelon is an excellent choice because it is exceptionally sweet and juicy.
- Berries: Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are not only delicious, but also rich in antioxidants. For a particularly tasty addition, you can choose Bioshop organic strawberries.
Charcuterie: A Savory Complement
Besides fruit, charcuterie is another important component of a summer snack platter. Combining sweet and savory flavors will definitely surprise your guests. Here are some recommended products:
- Prosciutto di Parma: This Italian ham has a delicate, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet fruits like melon. Choose Parma ham from Salumificio Fratelli Beretta for an authentic experience.
- Salami: A tasty, spicy salami like Felino salami adds an extra dimension to your drinks platter.
- Cheeses: Choose from a selection of cheeses, such as Brie de Meaux or Camembert, which combine wonderfully with sweet peaches and berries.
Grilled Vegetables: A Rich Taste Experience
Grilled vegetables are a great addition to your summer platter. They not only add color, but also a smoky flavor that goes perfectly with the other ingredients. Here are some vegetables to consider:
- Zucchini: Cut the zucchini into slices and grill them with a little olive oil and sea salt. The Zucchini Green is an ideal choice because of its firm texture.
- Bell pepper: Red, yellow or green peppers can also be grilled. Choose the Sweet Bell Peppers for an extra sweet taste that goes well with the savoury elements of your drinks platter.
An example of a summer snack platter
Here's a suggestion for a balanced and attractive snack platter:
| Item | Product name | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit | Zeeland peaches | Sweet and juicy |
| Sugar Baby Watermelon | Refreshing and hydrating | |
| Bioshop organic strawberries | Rich in antioxidants | |
| Charcuterie | Parma ham from Salumificio Fratelli Beretta | Authentic Italian ham |
| Felino salami | Spicy taste | |
| Cheeses | Brie de Meaux | Creamy and full of flavour |
| Camembert | Soft and rich in flavour | |
| Grilled Vegetables | Zucchini Green | Firm and tasty |
| Sweet Bell Peppers | Sweet and colorful |
With these tips and products you can create a delicious, refreshing snack platter that is perfect for summer days. Enjoy the flavors of the season!
Fall: Hearty and warm flavors
Fall is a season that invites us to enjoy the rich, savory flavors that nature has to offer. From pumpkin and mushrooms to nuts and seasonal fruits, the possibilities are endless. In this blog section, we explore some of the most popular fall ingredients and how you can use them in your culinary creations.
Pumpkin: The Star of the Season
Pumpkin is one of the most iconic ingredients of autumn. It is versatile and can be used in many dishes.
- Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup is perfect for the cooler evenings. Try the Homemade Pumpkin Soup from Albert Heijn, which is delicious and easy to make.
- Dishes: Roast pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt and pepper and add them to a salad with feta and walnuts for a nutritious meal.
- Spread: Make a pumpkin hummus by mixing pumpkin puree with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. This is a great dip for fall drinks.
Mushrooms: Earthy and Umami
Mushrooms are another fall favorite, offering a rich umami flavor that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.
- Risotto: Usage Mushrooms from Lidl or Shiitake from Ekoplaza in a creamy risotto. Add some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Toppings: Sautéed mushrooms make an excellent topping for bruschetta or can be used as a filling for a quiche.
- Sauces: Make a mushroom sauce with Portobello or Oyster mushrooms for your meat or pasta.
Nuts: Crunchy and Nutritious
Nuts are not only delicious, they also add texture and nutrients to your meals.
- Salads: Joint Pecans or Almonds to your fall salads for a crunch. The brand Nuts About You offers a delicious mix of nuts that are perfect for this occasion.
- Spread and Pesto: Make a nut spread with cashews and herbs or a pesto with walnuts and basil for a unique twist on the classic pesto.
- Dishes: Use chopped nuts as a topping for casseroles or vegetable dishes to add a crunchy layer.
Cheese: For a Rich Flavor
Cheese is an essential part of fall cooking. From aged cheese to blue cheese, they can take your meals to the next level.
- Cheeses: Try Old Mature Cheese from Old Amsterdam or Roquefort from Tomme de Savoie for a more intense flavor.
- Plates: Create a fall cheese board with a variety of cheeses, nuts, and seasonal fruits like apples and pears.
- Dishes: Add melted cheese to your pumpkin soup or use blue cheese in salads for an extra kick.
Seasonal Fruits: The Sweet Counterpart
Don't forget the sweet flavors of fall. Apples and pears are the perfect complement to savory dishes.
- Salads: Cut Granny Smith apples or Williams pears slice and add to a salad with lamb's lettuce, nuts and cheese.
- Desserts: Make an apple pie with Jonagold apples or a pear pie with Doyenné of Comics. These are deliciously sweet ways to celebrate fall.
- Drinks board: Serves a selection of seasonal fruits with cheese and nuts for a perfect autumnal appetizer platter.
By combining these autumnal ingredients, you can create delicious dishes that not only highlight the flavours of the season, but also bring a sense of warmth and cosiness. Be inspired by the abundance that autumn offers and enjoy the culinary possibilities that this beautiful time of year brings.
The perfect seasonal mix for every drink
In conclusion, integrating seasonal ingredients into your snack platter not only enriches the taste, but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. By consciously choosing local and seasonal products, you can create a unique and tasteful experience that benefits both your guests and the environment. Be inspired by the products that each season has to offer and enjoy a delicious, varied snack platter.
