SEASONAL FOODS:
MAY / JUNE
Image credit: Taste Botancial
Friday, 10th May 2019
Seasonal Foods: May / June
Asparagus
The points d’amour were a delicacy served up to French icon and Louis XV’s favourite mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Historically part of the lily family but now in a class of their own, asparagus are credited with both aphrodisiac qualities. Snap off the ends before cooking to save yourself a mouthful of woody greens.
Recipe: Grilled Asparagus with balsamic reduction
Image credit: The Modern Proper
Rocket
Every child’s nightmare salad leaf but a favourite addition to mild foods for a more mature pallet, Rocket is used widely in Italian cooking. A final touch to a pizza or finely chopped and mixed into pasta dishes, it’s especially popular in the south; rucolino- a sweet, peppery digestif - is made from the plant on the Island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples.
Recipe: Fig, Prosciutto and Rocket Salad
Image credit: Curly's Cooking
Rhubarb
Your favourite addition to a fruit crumble is in fact a vegetable. Stew with a liberal helping of sugar for ruby-coloured compôte that can be dressed up with crumble topping or dressed down with creme fraiche or yogurt- a winner for every occasion.
Recipe: Chia and rhubarb breakfast jar (scroll to bottom for English version)
Image credit: Andrajos Cooking Journal
Crab
60,000 are caught off British shores every year so choosing crab is a great way to reduce food miles, especially if you can buy from local sellers. For seafood you can check the product has an MSC Ecolabel to be sure it’s sustainably sourced.
Recipe: Tarragon crab cakes with aioli
Image credit: Donna Hay
Broad Beans
Best when combined with stronger flavours like mint or lemon, broad beans are a vibrant addition to a spring/summer dish.
Recipe: Broad bean, lemon & Parmesan bucatini
Image credit: Melanie Lionello
Peas
Everyone’s favourite staple green, the humble garden pea is in season- look for local and organic!
Recipe: Pea pesto with ricotta
Image credit: Tasting Table
Cherries
Cherries high polyphenol count and antioxidant content makes them beneficial for muscle repair and sleep amongst other benefits. They're also a favourite for hot and cold summer puddings.
Recipe: Fresh cherry coolers
Image credit: Food and Flair
Gooseberries
Delicious when paired with another classic British flavour- elderflower, which is also in season in May/June. A perfect spring/summer pair for garden parties.
Recipe: Gooseberry crumble cake
also try
Elderflower pannacotta with muscat syrup
