In Season ...... May

In season ... May
Eating seasonally means eating food that is at its peak in terms of flavour and nutritional content, while at the same time cutting down on those food miles. Each month, Local Food and Drink brings you a guide to what's in season. The emphasis is on fresh and locally produced food and drink. Duck Traditionally, ducks in Britain were bred in Aylesbury, but now most duck production takes place in Lincolnshire. Even though duck is farmed and available all year round, it's at Easter and Christmas that larger, fresh birds are available. It's true that duck has a hefty layer of fat but don't let that put you off. The fat ensures that the meat underneath is tender and flavoursome and most of it melts away during cooking, leaving a crisp skin. Why not try this tasty recipe - Soy roast duck with hoisin gravy – click here for link. Asparagus The true British asparagus season is very short, lasting for about six weeks from late-April to mid-June. Asparagus is available from different parts of the world all year round, but British asparagus is well worth the wait for its unbeatable flavour and freshness. A classic in the aphrodisiac world. Whether boiled or steamed asparagus is an effective stimulant. This erotic shaped vegetable is best cooked and consumed whole. Part of the lily family, asparagus contains plenty of vitamin A and C. Consume over three consecutive days for the most powerful effect. Why not try out this delicious Asparagus Frittata recipe – click here for link. Rocket A peppery treat, rocket is worth the wait. It's available all year thanks to supermarkets and there are varieties that can be sown in the autumn to survive mild winters, but its well worth waiting and growing your own - you won't be able to beat the taste and value for money. Rocket is a relatively new addition to our palette, becoming fantastically popular in the 1980s and 1990s, but now has settled into position as a rather curious salad ingredient, adding a peppery taste to the salad bowl. The flavour gets stronger as the leaves get bigger and is an interesting addition to any green salad. Recently I was at a party and the hostess added rocket to the top of a vegetable pizza – this is well worth a try – making pizza the healthy option and one of your 5 a day – can’t be bad! Simply cook your pizza of choice and straight away when you take it out the oven place rocket leaves on the top – the leaves will then wilt slightly and give your pizza a gourmet touch. That’s all from us for May – be sure to check back in June for our new ‘In Season..’ updates.