Spring Fruit and Veg in the UK – Easter Grub from Your Garden

Easter is a busy time of year – many of us are using the time to visit friends and family, host people in our homes and catch up with those we haven’t seen for a while. Whether you’re hosting a classic Easter Sunday roast dinner or visiting someone, and you want to bring along something tasty, try using some fresh UK spring fruits and veggies straight from your garden.

There are lots of tasty veggies to be harvested from the garden in spring, and we’ve put together some of our favourite ways you can use them below.

What Fruit and Veg Can You Harvest in Spring in the UK?

1. Forced Rhubarb

   Forced rhubarb is softer and sweeter than the typically sharp-tasting rhubarb harvested in summer, making it perfect for use in tarts and cakes. From a tasty rhubarb and custard tart to a perfectly paired rhubarb and elderflower cake, you won’t run out of delicious combinations.

   If you have some early forced rhubarb and more time to spare, consider making some rhubarb gin. All you need to do is add some chopped rhubarb, sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla seeds and gin to a bowl, mix well and transfer to a bottle. Store this for around 2-3 weeks in a cool, dark place and you’ll soon have some delicious, homemade gin.

   

2. Asparagus

   Asparagus is a versatile vegetable and can be used in a variety of recipes. Asparagus soup is a hearty dish that anyone at your Easter feast is sure to love and is a great way to use up some other spring veggies you have in the house. You can add shallots, onions, spinach or other similar ingredients that tickle your fancy.

   For a lower-effort recipe, you can’t go wrong with some roasted asparagus. Roast in oil or butter until tender and for some added flavour, toss in lemon zest and parmesan cheese. Or, chop into short lengths, stir fry in butter with cashew nuts and garlic and salt to taste.

   

3. Purple Sprouting Broccoli

   With its nutty yet sweet flavour, purple sprouting broccoli is as delicious when steamed and enjoyed on its own as it is with anything else. Like asparagus, it can also be roasted – we like to serve with feta and a preserved lemon dip for a quick bite to take with you to an Easter gathering.

   Purple sprouted broccoli also goes well with salmon and is great for use in curried dishes, so for a more substantial dish consider making a salmon and purple sprouted broccoli grain bowl or try adding it to a pad Thai. These dishes are a great way to add something a little unconventional to an Easter feast! 

   

4. Radish

   If you’re planning an Easter Sunday roast, radishes are a great way to add some colour to your plate – don’t just think of them as a salad vegetable. Radishes have a similar texture and taste to turnips, so lots of butter is key for preparing them to help enhance the flavour.

   We think radishes are best roasted – it’s an easy way to prepare them and you can change up the flavours you add. Try basting them in butter and lemon juice for a citrusy flavour, or roast in garlic butter for a heartier taste.

   

5. Spring Cabbage

Spring greens are versatile and can be used in a variety of different recipes. You can prepare spring cabbage as a side dish, shredding and frying with mustard seeds, garlic and ginger for flavour.

Because of its versatility, spring cabbage is also perfect for use in a variety of starters and mains – adding a sweet taste and crunchy texture to your dishes. From a spring greens soup to adding it to pasta dishes and stir fries, there’s really no limit to what you can do with this leafy vegetable.

We hope these recipe ideas inspire you to use your spring fruits and vegetables in different ways and make your Easter feast one to remember. For more gardening tips and ways to save time and water, look through our latest blogs.

Don’t forget to head on over to our Facebook and Instagram channels to keep up to date with our latest growing journeys in the Irrigatia garden and recipe ideas – it’s nearly time to start getting your garden summer-ready!