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.

In Season .... April

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.

Rhubarb is still in season carrying on from March – so this April Fool’s Day why not indulge in a Rhubarb Fool – click here for a link to the recipe from 'Not Quite Nigella' – which I thought a great name for a food blog!

Easter is soon upon us – Good Friday on the 10th April, Easter Sunday 12th April and Easter Monday falls on the 13th this year so why not take a trip to your local farm shop that weekend or before to scout out some locally produced Easter goodies!

Spring lamb is traditionally served with the Easter roast. The taste is milder than summer or autumn lamb and it is deliciously tender. The first herbs are appearing now - allowing us to add some fresher flavours to our food. Look out for wild garlic, chives, sorrel and rocket.

Click here for a link to a full Easter Menu to inspire you!

If you need to keep your kids entertained over Easter then why not let them have a go at making their own Easter eggs – for them to give to friends and family of course (but maybe let them have one themselves for their effort!?) Click here to see how. Well we couldn't write about Easter without mentioning eggs somehow!

Other treats in season this April: cockles, crab, lettuce, Morel mushrooms, rosemary, spinach – Enjoy natures April bounty!

That’s all from us for April – be sure to check back in May for our new ‘In Season..’ updates.