portrait: asparagus

I’M not one to usually miss a chance to celebrate, but I must admit that St George’s Day has passed me by year after year.

I’ve partaken in celebrations for the patron saints of other countries, in particular Ireland’s St Patrick. But this year I intend to celebrate the patron saint of England in true style by cooking up a treat using the best of in-season local produce.

There are lots of yummy foods in season at the moment, from purple sprouting broccoli (the first vegetable I have successfully grown in my garden) to new season potatoes, spinach, wild garlic and rosemary. One of my favourites though, if I can get it in time for St George’s Day, is asparagus.

The first spears of British asparagus appear towards the end of April and the season only lasts for around eight weeks. I haven’t tried growing them yet, but apparently it takes up to three years for an asparagus plant to give its first harvest, and after that, you will carry on getting a crop for around 20 years.

I’ve also heard that asparagus is a good companion plant for tomatoes as the tomato plant repels the asparagus beetle.

Asparagus is traditionally thought of as a pricey vegetable, but it is a lot more affordable when it’s in season. It is low in calories and contains no fat or cholesterol. However, it tastes lovely smothered in butter or Hollandaise sauce.

If you are watching your weight, it is nice just steamed, so long as you don’t overcook it. The National Trust’s catering operations manager, Jim Stevens, has kindly agreed to share with The Journal readers one of his own personal recipes for a delicious cheesy asparagus flan (see recipe on this page).

Any true celebration wouldn’t be the same without a glass of wine or two. And to help you choose the best homegrown vintages for St George’s Day, Rothbury Wines are inviting everyone to join them at Cragside for English Wine Tasting in the restaurant between 11am and 3pm on April 23.

Doddington Dairy from Wooler will also be there with samples of their delicious cheeses for visitors to try – from which you could then choose your favourite two to take home to make your asparagus flan.

There is no charge for the wine tasting event, However, normal property admission to Cragside does apply, unless you’re a National Trust member, of course.

Bill Oldfield’s column will now be appearing fortnightly. He will be back on April 24.