April is a month of surprises; one day you get caught out by an unexpected downpour, or a sharp frost. Or perhaps you’re on a favourite woodland walk and spy a lush blanket of bluebells or aromatic carpet of wild garlic, which weren’t there a week or two previously, and assail the senses in the loveliest of ways. (unless you can’t stand the smell of garlic!)
We haven’t even got to the other seasonal stars like roast lamb, Simnel cakes and of course, lots and lots of chocolate eggs.
But the ultimate seasonal treat for April is asparagus.
Enjoy it while you can as the season for British crops only lasts about 6 weeks!
Vegetables to buy and enjoy this spring
Rhubarb
Purple sprouting broccoli
Spring cabbage
Spring onions
Radishes
Rocket
Spinach
Spring onions
Swiss chard
Turnips
Radishes
BTW – If you love radishes, spring is the time to buy them. Wash and eat them straight from the bunch or bag. Serve thinly sliced with salad or make a simple pickle with red wine vinegar and 2 tablespoons of caster sugar. Toss the radishes in a bowl with a pinch of sea salt and leave to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes. Delicious. If you’ve never tried radishes with bread and butter…it’s a game changer! The crunch and softness of the bread and butter is divine. The French eat them with a baguette, but try them sliced on fresh sourdough with butter. Layer the ruby orbs with a sprinkle of sea salt and Mmmm…sensational!
