Spring fruit and veg: What’s in season?

Spring is here! Daffodils are everywhere, the trees are blossoming, and – best of all – it stays light past 5pm! After a long winter, I’m ready to embrace these brighter, warmer days. Plus, I’m excited to savour all the fresh, delicious produce harvested at this time of year. Which brings me to today’s question…

What fruits and vegetables are in season right now?

There are various fruits and vegetables that come into their own during the spring months (March to May). Some that come to mind are peas, spring greens, asparagus, rocket, and strawberries. And these are some of my favourites…

Asparagus

Arguably, asparagus is the spring veg. The harvesting season only lasts about 8 weeks in the UK, so there’s only a short window when you can enjoy this most seasonal of crops. Each spear is harvested by hand, which makes growing asparagus a labour of love. I like them roasted (or grilled on the barbecue), but they can be boiled, steamed, or sautéed too. My favourite way to eat asparagus is dipped as soldiers into a runny egg yolk, or drizzled with hollandaise sauce. They also make a great addition to a simple springtime risotto.

Jersey royal potatoes

I grew up in Jersey, so (for me) seeing bags of freshly dug Jersey royals on roadside stalls is the ultimate sign of spring. The best way to cook these wonderful golden nuggets is also the easiest. Wash them under the cold tap to remove any soil (don’t peel!), then pop them in a saucepan and cover with water. Let them simmer for 10–15 minutes until tender. Just add a dollop of butter on top, and a few sprigs of mint, if you like.

Rhubarb

Come springtime, the slender stalks of rhubarb bring a splash of colour to our kitchen tables. You can’t beat the tangy sweetness of rhubarb crumble, and there’s something so good about the classic combination of rhubarb and custard. This year, I’d also love to prepare some refreshing rhubarb cordial to enjoy with sparkling water – or wine!

During spring, you’ll also find:

VEG

Artichoke, asparagus, aubergine, beetroot, broccoli, purple sprouting broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, chard, cucumber, wild garlic, kale, leeks, lettuce, marrow, morel mushrooms, wild nettles, new potatoes, parsnip, peas, peppers, radishes, rhubarb, rocket, salsify, samphire, sorrel, spinach, spring greens, spring onions, savoy cabbage, sweet cabbage, swede, watercress, white cabbage.

FRUIT

Strawberries.

HERBS AND FLAVOURINGS

Basil, chervil, chicory, chillies, chives, coriander, dill, elderflower, mint, nasturtium, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon.

What are your favourite seasonal fruits and veg at this time of year? I’m excited to see what’s available at my local farmers’ market next week!