Northumberland Food and Produce throughout the Seasons

Spring runs from March to the end of April and it is a wonderful time of year for all sorts of different produce. New season lamb are just becoming available in April, but pigeons are already hitting the tables, venison is just coming into season and rabbits, and monkfish are already on the menu. Langoustine, lobster and crab are just beginning to come into season also. The ground crops of course are controlled more by the weather, however Rhubarb is generally at peak succulence now. Nettles and dandelions are at their most delectable and weather permitting, even the Asparagus spears will be reaching harvesting size.

Summer starts in May and ends at the beginning of September. Summer is a great time to start really visiting the produce markets. Wild salmon and sea trout will begin showing up at the markets along with fantastic specimens of crab and lobster. Mackrel, Halibut, Pollock and Turbot are available and make a wonderful addition to any dinner plate. Cheviot hill lamb comes in to replace the new season lamb of Spring, Grouse season starts on August 12 and young grouse are sure to arrive on many dinner platters. Courgettes, beans, peas, and radishes are ripe as well as asparagus. If you are in the sheltered areas of Northumberland, you may be lucky enough to gather some newly sprouted wild mushrooms.

Autumn starts turning the leaves at the beginning of September and leans towards the brisk air of November. Cheviot hill lamb are still available as well as beef and most wild game is still in season so your plate won't go without a nice chunk of meat. The last of the fruits from the trees should be falling into your hands while winter root vegetables are beginning to make their appearance. Cod and Haddock are plentiful this time of year and are enjoyed at Seahouses as the fish for fish and chips. Mussels and oysters are abundantly available for harvest along the coastline, fresh for the picking.

While you may thing that Winter supplies a dearth of produce, the land laid barren by winter's touch; however you will be surprised to learn that winter also delivers up a bounty from land and sea. Prawns still abound and white fish can be found in colder waters. Smoked fish is available and is fast becoming a Northumberland favorite. Cheviot lambs are still descending the hills to market, poultry is supplied in number and quality by the local poultry producers. Many different meat products such as ham and bacon are available fresh from the farm and winter root vegetables are becoming available. If winter is chilling your bones, try a nip of a nice warming brew from one of the local micro-breweries.

This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Northumberland Cottages who provide Cottages to Rent in Northumberland