Veg news 8th May
The UK asparagus season gets going this week with our first arrivals from Bedlam in Cambridge and Lucy Watts in Lincolnshire. Asparagus benefits enormously from being fresh – it retains a sweetness, bite and vitality just not found in stalks that have to travel further. We love keeping it simple – grilled or steamed with a squeeze of lemon and a little olive oil. Traditionally the UK season only lasts a matter of weeks, so be sure to enjoy some while it’s at its best.
Lancashire pak choi is something to behold at the moment, local heads from Duncan Gielty (Ormskirk) came in big and beautiful this morning while Glebelands (Sale) start on a loose, finer version from tomorrow. Alongside great spinach and chard, the range of UK leaves is offering lots of choice.
The Scottish washed carrot supply is coming to an end, so we tentatively look towards Europe to fill the gap until the new season in June. UK stored “old” potatoes are also entering their last few weeks with varieties and quality dwindling. Unusually for us this means we are sourcing new potatoes out of Europe until the Cornish season kicks off at the end of the month.
Across the water, produce is moving northwards: French fennel, broad beans and a smattering of courgettes will be on the shelves this week. Also expect good volumes of Spanish nectarines and peaches, with Spanish Charentais melons at the weekend too.
