What British Produce Is In Season In April?

Seasonal British produce in April is a welcome change after the paucity of winter. Spring vegetables like asparagus, artichoke and lettuce emerge. And if you’re lucky you’ll taste the first crops of English strawberries, grown under glass in the New Forest. It’s joyous to visit farm shops and farmers’ markets awash with colours and flavours not seen over winter. However, availability of seasonal British produce in April can be a little patchy. This is because produce grown outdoors responds to warmth. And as April weather is fickle, you may need to wait until the end of the month for field farmed fruit and vegetables.

Asparagus Season Is Fleeting, Don’t Delay.

Asparagus season traditionally starts on St George’s Day (23^rd April) to the longest day (21^st June).  This native plant feels quintessentially English and provides a delicious fresh burst of green flavours after months of brassicas. Although asparagus is notoriously hard to pair with wine, with the right recipes it can be a wonderful pairing with English wine.

It’s Prime Time For Wild Nettles.

This is not as scary as it sounds. The leaves are tender at this time of year and although they can’t be eaten raw, they are wonderful when cooked. They are packed full of bone building minerals and have a flavour profile somewhere between spinach and cucumber. Sautee with butter and garlic as a side with chicken, or make as a savoury nettle tart. The great thing about wild nettle, apart from being free, is that it’s so easy to identify. And a pair of rubber washing up gloves gives you full protection from stings. However, there are rules and risks to foraging so be sure to follow the code.

Last Chance For Forced Rhubarb.

This is the last month forced rhubarb is readily available. If you are a fan of this bright pink variety with plenty of acidity and freshness then buy it now and preserve for later. We dehydrate ours. If you dust in a bit of sugar first and put in a 50 degree oven overnight you’ll have pretty pink sweet and sour sprinkles. Absolutely delicious on oats or in salads as a British delicious alternative to cranberries.

Plenty Of Fish In The Sea, If You Eat Sustainably.

Seafood seasonality is determined by the times when fish are at their highest harvest and abundance, not by the climate seasons.  So where you live and the time of year will determine what is available most locally. That said, April is a great month for seasonal British produce from our waters. This is because there is a full range available including shellfish, white fish, oily fish and darker flesh fish.  Additionally, the weather, on the whole, is better which makes fishing easier.

What English Wines Go With April Seasonal Produce?

English Red Wine:

Pinot Noir from England can vary in style depending on the producer, vintage and region.  See our tasting notes from the 2020 vintage to find the style that’s right for you.

• Roast asparagus and mushrooms for – rich Pinot Noir with earthy undertones.
• Strawberry bread and butter pudding – light and juicy Pinot Noir.

English White Wine:

Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc

There are an increasing number of producers making Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. These wines have a fresh, citrus taste and are a natural pairing for April seasonal British produce.

• Grilled artichoke heart salad
• Chili and garlic chicken and spring green stir fry (add a few wild nettles, if you dare).

Chardonnay

English and Welsh Chardonnay covers the whole spectrum from crisp and mineral to oaked and opulent.

• Whole baked sea bream with buttery jersey royals – oaked Chardonnay

English Sparkling Wine:

• Eggs benedict with asparagus
• Home made cod fish fingers. Try them in the air fryer for next level crispness.
• New Forest strawberries in a buttery crust.