Spring is often associated with plenty, regrowth and renewal. And with a wide range of imported produce from warmer climes, the ‘hungry gap’ (the period in April-May when the winter vegetables like roots and cabbage are finishing and the abundance of summer is not yet upon us) is for many people a thing of the past. However, as one of a number of challenge participants committed to living exclusively off locally grown produce* for the next six weeks, I was wondering whether some lean times could be in store.
Luckily, at the Sunday farmers market in Cambridge this morning, there was plenty to choose from. Kales and cabbages are still going strong and there were some delicious looking cauliflowers, which are a great addition to a warm salad on a chilly spring day or grilled with a sprinkling of cheese. There was young spinach and lovely pale, new leeks, which are delicious cooked with a knob of local butter. And fresh, luscious lettuce and winter greens, which will make a great salad.
Fruit is always a bit tricky in spring. At Simon’s vegetable stall I noticed a crate, which would have contained rhubarb had I arrived half an hour earlier. Not to worry – a kind relative has offered me some of hers, which has come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of days with the recent rain. Every (rain)cloud has a silver lining!
*Participants are allowed five items of food that can’t be sourced locally. Mine are tea, milk, pitta bread, chickpeas and oranges.
Posted by Helen