Northumberland Food and Produce Throughout the Seasons

Spring runs from March to the end of April and it is aAutumn starts turning the leaves at the beginning of
wonderful time of year for all sorts of differentSeptember and leans towards the brisk air of
produce. New season lamb are just becomingNovember. Cheviot hill lamb are still available as well as
available in April, but pigeons are already hitting thebeef and most wild game is still in season so your
tables, venison is just coming into season and rabbits,plate won't go without a nice chunk of meat. The last
and monkfish are already on the menu. Langoustine,of the fruits from the trees should be falling into your
lobster and crab are just beginning to come intohands while winter root vegetables are beginning to
season also. The ground crops of course aremake their appearance. Cod and Haddock are plentiful
controlled more by the weather, however Rhubarb isthis time of year and are enjoyed at Seahouses as
generally at peak succulence now. Nettles andthe fish for fish and chips. Mussels and oysters are
dandelions are at their most delectable and weatherabundantly available for harvest along the coastline,
permitting, even the Asparagus spears will be reachingfresh for the picking.
harvesting size.While you may thing that Winter supplies a dearth of
Summer starts in May and ends at the beginning ofproduce, the land laid barren by winter's touch;
September. Summer is a great time to start reallyhowever you will be surprised to learn that winter also
visiting the produce markets. Wild salmon and seadelivers up a bounty from land and sea. Prawns still
trout will begin showing up at the markets along withabound and white fish can be found in colder waters.
fantastic specimens of crab and lobster. Mackrel,Smoked fish is available and is fast becoming a
Halibut, Pollock and Turbot are available and make aNorthumberland favorite. Cheviot lambs are still
wonderful addition to any dinner plate. Cheviot hill lambdescending the hills to market, poultry is supplied in
comes in to replace the new season lamb of Spring,number and quality by the local poultry producers.
Grouse season starts on August 12 and young grouseMany different meat products such as ham and bacon
are sure to arrive on many dinner platters. Courgettes,are available fresh from the farm and winter root
beans, peas, and radishes are ripe as well asvegetables are becoming available. If winter is chilling
asparagus. If you are in the sheltered areas ofyour bones, try a nip of a nice warming brew from
Northumberland, you may be lucky enough to gatherone of the local micro-breweries.
some newly sprouted wild mushrooms.