The British growing season is starting to hit its stride. Highlights this month include Jersey Royals (see our Seasonal Highlight blog post), asparagus, outdoor rhubarb and wild garlic – more info below.
FRUIT
South Africa is a key player at this time of year, exporting grapes, plums, nectarines, peaches, grapes, figs and even pomegranates.
It’s nearing the end for Yorkshire forced rhubarb, as outdoor supplies arrive and bring down prices.
Leafy citrus is still a good bet, including nardecotts and lemons. We also recommend mangoes this month.
Melons from South America are available but flavour is not at their best. There are some good looking Spanish strawberries about – blackberries, blueberries and redcurrants also available. Cherries are South American and pricey. English apples and pears are over.
VEG
Jersey Royals are still king of the spuds. The outdoor season has just started and prices will gradually ease.
The first crops of British asparagus are dear, but the season starts in earnest towards the middle of April – warm weather permitting – when supplies pick up pace. Traditionally, the asparagus season starts on April 23rd, St George’s Day.
Both purple and white sprouting broccoli are decent options. Other brassicas also still strong. Note that kale is coming to the end of the British season as the weather warms up.
It’s still early days for peas and broad beans, but both are over from Southern Europe. Other veg options worth considering are kohl rabi, artichokes and fennel. In terms of mainstream items such as peppers, the season is now shifting from Spanish to Dutch.
EXTRAS
Wild garlic and nettles are both very fashionable for restaurant menus these days, as our friendly chef consultant Steve Walpole has explained in his latest post from Chef’s Corner.
Wild mushrooms are always dear at this time of year, but ceps, trompette, girolle and morels can all be had for a (hefty) price.
