What’s In Season This Spring In The UK?

Spring has officially sprung here in the UK: the sun is shining, the skies are blue and cherry blossoms are filling parks across the country. So how should we be adjusting our fridges to fit with the new season? Spring is a bountiful time when it comes to fresh produce: many green vegetables are at their peak, the first radishes make an appearance, and field-grown rhubarb replacing the forced variety. Read on for guide to what’s in season in the UK in spring.

6 Seasonal Fruits And Vegetables To Cook With This Spring

Asparagus

The British asparagus season is short and sweet, beginning on 23 April and running until summer solstice on 21 June. Make the most of this tasty green vegetable by incorporating it into spring risottos, pasta dishes, tarts and salads – or enjoy it as a simple side dish with salt and olive oil. It can be steamed, roasted, griddled or sauteed, and pairs well with fish like cod, scallops and salmon, as well as chicken, bacon and lamb. 

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Fennel

With its distinctive aniseed taste, fennel is a bit of a marmite ingredient, but when cooked right it can transform a dish. The way it’s prepared has a big impact on the flavour: it can be enjoyed raw, adding freshness and crunch to salads, but if you find the taste a little intense try cooking it – fennel becomes caramelised and more mellow when heated. It’s in season from late spring until early autumn.

Radishes

With its peppery flavour and crisp texture, radishes are another great way to add crunch to dishes like salads and stir fries. They’re also packed with wellbeing benefits: rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and good for heart health. Look for firm, brightly coloured roots, and enjoy them raw, roasted, baked or pan-fried.

New potatoes

Potatoes are available year-round, but British new potatoes come into season in April. The humble potato is one of the most versatile veggies out there, delicious simply boiled and served with butter and salt, roasted until golden and crispy, or incorporated into a curry. New potatoes have young, delicate skins so no need to peel – just give them a good wash in cold water.

Rhubarb

Forced rhubarb is having a moment, with Tesco reporting an uptick in sales. Come April time, though, the field-grown variety begins to land on the shelves. It has a tougher texture than the forced variety, and slightly less sweet and more tart flavour, so it works well with a generous sprinkling of sugar in desserts, tarts and chutneys.

Elderflower

Around late May, white elderflowers start blooming across the UK’s trees and hedgerows. These can be foraged and used to make cordial, or added to cakes and biscuits. As well as adding a fruity, floral taste, the flowers have anti-inflammatory qualities.

Other Fruits & Veggies In Season This April/ May

• Purple sprouting broccoli
• Spring cabbage
• Spring onions
• Rocket
• Samphire
• Wild nettles
• Sorrel
• Chicory
• Kale

Spring Recipes To Try

• Grilled asparagus, mint and quinoa salad
• Poached brill and asparagus
• Goat’s cheese and fennel galette
• Roasted red pepper soup with crunchy spring greens
• Rhubarb tart