In Season - Asparagus

It lasts just a couple of months, the British asparagus season is short and sweet and definitely too good to miss.

Apr 30, 2023

brown chopping board — Photo by Christine Siracusa on Unsplash

Hello

Firstly apologies for the lack of newsletter last week (and I was doing so well this year). Life in general has been crazy busy the last couple of weeks. Among other things, the kitchen renovations have continued and I have now prepared and resealed the kitchen floor. That’s it on the kitchen for the time being, the next step is to replace some kitchen cupboards and all the cupboard doors but that will not happen until the summer at the earliest.

Last Saturday, the London City Voices choir of which I am a member had it’s spring concert at the fabulous Hackney Empire, so there was a lot of extra rehearsals and practice. The concert was a sell out and great fun, but exhausting. Then on the Sunday I found myself out and about supporting my son running the London marathon for the first time. He completed it in 3 hrs 55 mins and raised £2200 for a local Childrens Hospice. Needless to say I am very proud of him.

Anyway enough of me, lets talk about food. Last Sunday was St.George’s day which also marks the start of the British Asparagus season which runs until about the summer solstice on the 21st June when traditionally all British commercial growers stop cutting asparagus.

Any new spears that appear after that date are left to grow into ferns and help the plant prepare for the following season.

That said, by using poly tunnels some growers are producing an autumn crop and are looking to extend the season further. Although these are always likely to command a significant price difference

I love British asparagus which I think has a superior flavour to the many imported asparagus stems from other parts of the world available all year. It really is hard to beat locally grown fresh produce in season. So I for one will be making the most of it over the next few weeks.

British asparagus is delicious cooked simply and served by itself, and can be boiled, steamed, roasted, grilled or even barbecued (if that big yellow ball in the sky ever shows itself again).

And of course you can enjoy it it many recipes.

You can also find it for sale almost anywhere when the season is in full swing, including all the major supermarkets.

British asparagus is packed full of goodness, so not only are you getting a delicious vegetable but a healthy one too:

Eating asparagus promotes healthy bacteria in the large intestine and can help reduce bloating
Asparagus contains vitamin K, essential for healthy blood clotting
It is a rich source of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system
Asparagus is a mild diuretic and is believed to help detoxify the body

Well if that hasn’t got your taste buds going not sure what else will. So enjoy this delicious vegetable why you can.

Until next time

Have a delicious week

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