Easter Parade at Borough Market

The team at Borough market commissioned me to write a blog post on Easter & Spring time in the market, which of course was such a joy to do. See the original article on the Borough market blog here: http://blog.boroughmarket.org.uk/?p=9252 

What a warm welcome the Gated Garden provides at the entrance of the market

Spring has sprung, the grass has ris and Easter is just around the corner. Thank goodness we’ve seen the back of dreary old January and February and can now look forward to brighter weather and longer days; and what better way to celebrate the first glimpses of Spring (and being able to step out of your front door without ten layers and an umbrella in tow) than a leisurely stroll around Borough Market, which is just bursting with vibrant colours and incredible produce at the moment.

Spring time in the market

The vivid green of fresh spring shoots is just a treat for the eyes

‘tis the season for lots and lots of daffodils

Fragrant Cherry Blossom brightening up everyone’s day outside Southwark Cathedral

Spring is a time of freshness and colour and nowhere showcases that more than at Borough Market. From Spring flowers - the absolute emblem of the season - raising their cheery little heads, to glossy seasonal cabbages stacked high, right through to the much awaited new season Easter lamb which is beginning to pop up here and there, it’s enough to inspire anyone to get in the Easter spirit and start cooking.

A magnificent cabbage at Elsey and Bent

Stacks of candy coloured forced Rhubarb - impossible to miss

New potatoes and fresh peas - the perfect accompaniment to Easter lamb

                                                                                                                                                                       

UK home-grown purple sprouting broccoli at Ted’s Veg needs no more than a quick steam

The approaching radish season gives us two reasons to celebrate

Fresh veg at Turnips

It’s a shame that Easter doesn’t seem to generate anywhere near the same amount of excitement as Christmas does, especially as it’s a time when so many terrific ingredients from the UK are becoming available. But for me, Easter is still a great excuse for a party and the ideal opportunity to raise a glass of champagne and demolish some juicy roast lamb.

Lamb at the Ginger Pig- a meat-lover’s paradise

Luscious lamb chops at Cumbrian Meats

Of course Easter isn’t Easter without a fresh hot cross bun smothered in butter for brekkie. These buns are surrounded by many superstitions from Old English Folklore, each as mad as the next, including one that says that buns baked and served on Good Friday will keep until the following year (I wouldn’t risk it!). Another insists that if taken on a sea voyage, they protect against shipwreck……so do be sure to stock up if you’re planning to take to the sea anytime soon.

Hot cross buns over at the Flour Station - not quite ‘one a penny, two a penny’ these days sadly, but definitely worth the investment.

Of course every good Easter celebration is not complete without more than your fair share of chocolate. And let’s face it, we’ve all pretty much given up on any new year’s resolutions by this point, so it is the perfect time to enjoy a chocolate egg or two (or three or four…).

Mini eggs at Artisan du Chocolat - far too good to be hidden round the garden.

Egglets at Rabot’s 1745

So make the most of the Easter seasonal produce this year; have a wander around the market and see what you find. I’m sure you will be inspired to get cooking (and eating!).