Farmers Markets : Caroline Wright 23 May 2009 (From Worcester News)

Farmers Markets : Caroline Wright 23 May 2009

2:48pm Wednesday 27th May 2009 in

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AT THIS time of year, my thoughts always turn to those long, slender, green spears which taste so great with just a little melted butter – yes, it is asparagus season and this bank holiday weekend sees some of the biggest and best asparagus events in the country right on our doorsteps.

“As quick as cooking asparagus” was an old Roman saying (meaning something accomplished rapidly), showing not only the long and rich history of this much-prized vegetable – but also a handy tip on how to cook it.

In fact, Roman emperors were so fond of asparagus, that they kept a special asparagus fleet for the purpose of fetching it from around the empire.

Luckily, we don’t have to travel that far, especially as the freshness of the veg is paramount. In fact, it should be eaten within a day or so of being picked as it immediately starts to lose its flavour and moisture.

You should, in fact, eat it on the day that you buy it – and always from a Worcestershire farmers’ market. It won’t have travelled more than a few miles and will probably have been picked that very day.

At the Vale of Evesham Asparagus Festival, held at the Fleece Inn, Bretforton, on Monday, you can see antiques expert Henry Sandon hosting his own Asparagus Roadshow, the world’s only ‘asparamancer’ Jemima Packington, mouthwatering cookery demonstrations, local arts and crafts, children’s activities – including a penny arcade and fairground organ – local ales, ciders and wines, the Hook Norton brewery horses and dray and, of course, your favourite farmers’ market stalls, for asparagus and all your usual market favourites. The fun starts at 11am.

Pershore is holding its own asparagus fair combined with a carnival and a farmers’ market on the same day, from 9am until 3pm in Broad Street.

If you can’t wait until Monday, however, head down to St Peter’s Garden Centre today, from 9.30am until 2pm, for all your regular farmers' market stalls. Your next regular farmers’ market will be in Victoria Square, Droitwich, on Saturday, June 6, from 9am until 2pm. For more information, visit wfmg.co.uk.