Embrace Spring's Bounty: Discover the Best April Ingredients from Wild Garlic, Spring Lamb to Brown Crab in Our Monthly Market Report
When is asparagus in season in the UK?
Asparagus is only in season in the UK for six or so weeks - any found outside of this timeframe is likely imported from as far as Peru, Mexico, or at best, Italy. It is, however, a king among the vegetables - and, incidentally, pairs perfectly with spring lamb.
Impossible not to notice when walking in the woodlands, due to its incredible pungent smell, wild garlic is one of a number of plant species whose presence indicates that a wood is ancient.
It has traditionally been used in medicine, the bulb being one of the key ingredients in tonics for rheumatic problems and high cholesterol. Its leaves can be eaten raw in salads, or blanched and used in place of spinach, or made into a delicious soup and pesto. They have a mild garlic flavour and are at their best before the flowers appear. The flowers are also edible and can be added raw to salads.
Wild garlic is in season in the UK between February and June. By April, the flowers start to sprout and can be harvested right the way through to the end of the season in June.
April is the time when Spring Lamb is at its best. Whether you choose to cook a leg, a shoulder - or prime cuts, like tenderloin or the hind saddle, lamb delivers on the promise of rich yet subtle flavour and, if you cook it the right way, tenderness.
Be inspired by this Herdwick Lamb from Udale with Bonemasters stock, lettuces and morels dish created by head chef Elliot Hill and his team at the Arkle Restaurant in Chester Grosvenor, where The Staff Canteen had their third networking lunch of the year. Read more about the lunch here: The Staff Canteen Live 2024: Networking lunch at The Arkle.
Which is the most commonly eaten crab in the UK?
The brown crab is the most commonly eaten type of crab in the UK and is generally yielded from April to November, with the winter months being their breeding period. Crab is most often prepared with linguine or other pastas or used in salads. This recipe for chilli crab has good instructions on how to prepare the crab if you are unsure.
Harvesting of Jersey Royal potatoes starts at the end of March normally so expect to see them properly on the market in April. It is a trademarked name, so only those from the island of Jersey can carry the title. Since potatoes are usually a side dish to a main meal, why not try something unconventional and serve them with wood pigeon which are also in season from April.
This flat speckled fish used to be a staple for the British working class and was often left out from fine dining menus. It is the most used commercial flatfish in Europe and provides a great alternative for common white fish.
A good way of telling how fresh a plaice is how vibrant its speckles are – the brighter, the better.
Absolutely! Field-grown rhubarb's season typically kicks off in April and extends through the end of summer. However, even during winter, you'll find this ingredient gracing seasonal menus thanks to hothouse rhubarb, which is harvested in late winter or early spring, extending the season.
Belonging to the Polygonaceae family and akin to sorrel, rhubarb thrives in cooler climates. The discovery of forcing rhubarb was serendipitous, originating from an accident at the Chelsea Physic Garden in the early 19th century.
Rhubarb is also safe to eat rhubarb raw. Whether thinly sliced, diced, or accompanied with a little sugar to mellow out its tart bite, rhubarb is a fantastic seasonal ingredient that can add a serious crunch and a sharp tangy flavour to a wide range of dishes.
These are just few of the delicious recipes with seasonal ingredients that our members have posted on their TSC accounts. You can do the same for a chance to be featured in our next seasonal update! Additionally, don't forget that posting a recipe, photo, or video of your culinary creation can enhance your prospects of being chosen as the Member of the Month. Join in and showcase your culinary prowess!
Are you using any of these ingredients in your menus? Upload your pics and recipes to our Chef+ mobile app!
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