What is Good to Eat in March
The pick of the seasonal crop
I always look forward to the end of March, European summer time begins on the 30th and it is the start of lighter evenings and warmer temperatures. I’ve pretty much had enough of winter now, I want to get on with projects outside and see my polytunnels come alive with chillies and salads.
As a chef, one’s patience with months of root vegetables begins to wane, as much as I love Game and winter dishes I am ready for a change by March. What I really look forward to is the arrival of the amazing wild foods in our fields, hedges and woodlands. By the end of the month I know I shall be using wild garlic and leeks, nettles, alexanders and the first watercress shoots.
These make wonderful additions to my dishes, not all wild foods are a taste sensation, far from it but when you get a bunch of one of the above it is a crime not to use it to its full potential.
March is the first month for wild salmon and sea trout, fabulous fish and worth the extra cost if you can manage it. But most of all, March is the month of new beginings, it is a busy time in the kitchen garden, seeds need to be sown now for summer harvesting and for many of us that means a careful watch on the weather and other annoyances to ensure a healthy crop.
This year I am taking a few days off towards the end of the month to ensure that I am ready for the growing season ahead and then there is the small matter of a thirty foot polytunnel to errect….
Miles,
Do you actually go out and pick your own alexanders and nettles?
On the polytunnel front, just as well you have a strapping brother willing to lend a hand
Cid
March 3, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
Cid,
Yes I do (when time permits) as for the polytunnel, I won’t hold my breath
Miles
March 3, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
Miles & Cid,
Do I hear a rally cry? Sounds to me as all hands on deck are required for the errection of the polytunnel. Never to shy away from a good diggin, my forks and spades are still shining and rearing to go.
Cid, your armour seems to be in constant use anyway. All that remains is the all important hamper stuffed with gourmet foods and, of course, a suitable tipple. Do you think that this strapping brother will eat a lot?
Elsie
March 3, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
Elsie,
How many Brownie points do we get if we produce a basket of nettles and alexanders … only trouble is I tend to get them muddled up with giant hog weed and that would never do
Say nothing for now, we’ll just turn up with half a hedgerow and see what the boss makes of it 
As for the polytunnel, I’m worried on various levels… will it stay in place during the cyclone season? Out with the drawing boards, this time we need a more permanent solution to Miles’ tropical hot house… (butterflies would be nice attracting the paying public, just a thought.) As to the strapping sibling, all I’m saying is we’d best get into that hamper first as a precautionary measure. He’ll love the nettle sandwiches prepared specially and very low fat … we’ll be having foie gras canapes
Cid
March 3, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
He will if it’s free
I may consider lending a hand …
Rod - well known of erector of polytunnels
March 3, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
Cid,
This clearly requires great strategic planning. I’ll vote myself in as CE (probably on grounds of age), doing all the strategic thinking and planning. You will have to be operational director so that the Men know where and what to dig, as well as being in charge of the hamper. The best workers will be suitably rewarded with a possible bonus for expertise.
Your idea of a more permanent hothouse is a good one but may be too costly to the shareholders. The thought of butterflies just kept bringing Wendy Craig back to mind, oh dear
Elsie
March 3, 2008 @ 7:40 pm
Elsie,
As Ops Manager do I get to fire any strapping brothers? I think I’ll start with that then we’ll begin with a light snack from the hamper which will be shackled to me like a Bond type top secret briefcase
The initial blueprint for Miles’ permanent polytunnel will be along the lines of the Pompidou centre with possible sun lounge on the top deck. Bring your arc welding gear
Cid
March 3, 2008 @ 8:14 pm