Season's eatings

By Nina Pullman

Some of the absolute seasonal favourites from this time of year include the first British-grown broad beans, new potatoes (Jersey Royals, Cornish or Pembrokeshire earlies) and asparagus.

Although British asparagus is delicious and prized for its short season, you can still find the occasional Peruvian label lurking on packs so it's worth double checking.

During the so-called Hungry Gap, Spanish-grown broad beans and broccoli cover for new season greenery until the main UK growing season kicks in, alongside front runners like UK purple sprouting broccoli. On fruit, some of the earliest English strawberries will start to appear, along with the first European summer fruit bringing the taste of summer holidays: pick up a mini Spanish watermelon and prepare for the first of the stonefruit. In June and July, celebrate the end of the Hungry Gap like the end of Lent with a full rainbow of British-grown veg and salad, as well as berries and cherries in their peak seasons. In summer, supply of favourites like apples, pears and citrus moves over to the southern hemisphere countries. They might not be flown, but they have much further to travel – so for peak freshness, follow the seasons of countries closer to home and you’ll be rewarded with the best flavour.

Poached rhubarb is the ultimate balance of sweet and sharp. If you do it well, you’ll

Try rhubarb ketchup for a savoury option with a few more adventurous ingredients