Seasonality - March/April/May

Seasonality - March/April/May

Spring - well we're not sure that we are out of the depths of winter yet! - And we're not even sure the plants know it yet. Spring officially begins on March 25th and although we have seen a few hardy snowdrops, and some even harider buds we seem as though we are about 2 weeks late.  Never fear however there are still a host of great produce
Fish & Shellfish - Wild salmon is bountiful at the moment, as is the sustainable mackerel.  Fishermen are still catching prawns and the excellent round white fish out of colder waters as supplied by Ridley's Fish and Game. However, the real treat is smoked fish, something Northumberland is fast building a reputation for high quality, L Robson's Craster Kippers make a great Breakfast alternative. 
Meat & Game - Sadly we have had to wave goodbye to the game season although hare, wood pigeon and rabbit are still available, and of course grey squirrel which is now becoming a more regular site at our Game Dealers.  The Cheviot lambs are still being brought down from the hills, and the sweet, moist meat is simply heavenly.  We have some amazing pigs being reared in the region, and we sell incredible hams, bacon and Piperfield Pork's Chorizo is something not to be missed.  Northumberland is slowly getting a nationwide reputation for the quality beef we supply, and there are no shortages of great suppliers products we retail.
Vegetables and Fruit - We have to start with the fabulous rhubarb, which is becoming so adaptable, and is used in both sweet and savoury dishes.  At the latter end of the Spring season we see the introduction of the very short, but highly prized asparagus season.  And of course we will see the first of the new potato crops.  We will lose the parsnips, Jerusalem artichokes, Brussels sprouts and turnips but will continue with the stock veggies carrots, cauli's, onions, and cabbages [in one form or another].