May
Peas
Podded and eaten fresh the young peas of spring are delicious still retaining much of their sweetness and goodness that is gone by the time they are frozen or reach old age in summer. Garden peas are best when slightly immature - when fully mature they become hard and loose the sweet taste. Harvesting them early also encourages them to produce more. As a guide, peas are normally ready for harvest three weeks after flowering, don't forget to look out for peashoots too.
Peas are a prime example of the difference between shop purchased vegetables and those fresh from the garden.
Asparagus
There is nothing like English Asparagus, it is best eaten simply but will add something to everything. Its season is the most clearly defined of all lasting exactly 6 weeks from spring into summer and best eaten on the day its picked. According to the BBC foodie information a small area in the Cotswolds is renowned for the quality of its asparagus and each year the season is celebrated with a festival. The week of festivities includes special asparagus menus at local pubs and hotels, competitions to cut and tie the fastest bundle and a parade and auction. All the best asparagus is cut for this auction and chefs, restaurateurs and those in the know travel from miles around to bid for this luxurious vegetable. British asparagus is available at a reasonable price during high season so eat up!
Jersey potatoes
Potatoes have been grown commercially in Jersey since the late 18th century. Before long the Island farmers realised that Jersey was ideal for growing early potatoes. Traditionally regarded as peeking in late May when fully grown, today we price the smaller new potatoes lifted as early as april. Look out for those grown under seaweed!
Spud news! In 1880 Hugh De La Haye from Bushy Farm in St. Helier found a huge potato with 15 shoots on the stall of the great variety hunter Jean Lecaudey. Hugh cut this potato into 15 pieces, planted them and grew the first 15 Jersey Royal Flukes as they were first called.
I don't peel Jersey potatoes but it is up to you, just scrub any flaky skin gently from the surface. and pop into boiling water, top tattie taste!
Recipe: Smoked Caesar Buttermilk Jerseys
Also in season
cauliflower
parsley
mint
sage
wet garlic
lettuce
spring onions
spring greens
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