English Asparagus

In England, asparagus is in season at this time of year. I'm a firm believer in eating fruit and vegetables in season. Okay, I know that asparagus is shipped in from Spain all the year round; but who wants to eat asparagus in November, or for that matter, strawberries at Christmas?

I used to pick asparagus in a pick-your-own operation in Oxfordshire. It's a strange looking plant, but picking is easy; you just snap the stalk off at the base. Cooking them is simplicity itself, I think the best way is to steam them until tender- there is no need to boil them; as you run the risk of the asparagus going mushy.

Serve them with melted butter, sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Hollandaise Sauce works well, too. And forget knives and forks; asparagus should be eaten with your fingers. Pick up the stalks, dip them in the butter, or the sauce; and eat them. The woody base can be discarded on a side plate. It's perfect food for an early English summer.