Asparagus Season
Of all the vegetables that the springtime harvest yields, the cream of the crop is without a doubt the mighty asparagus. In fact, this time of year - from the middle of April up until the Summer Solstice - has become known in the UK as Asparagus Season. And for those in the know, it’s an exciting time, as chefs from around the UK can source the best asparagus spears available.
However, it’s important to act fast, as asparagus season doesn’t last long. That’s because the plants run out of steam, as it were, using an enormous amount of energy when the conditions are right. And how many spears does an asparagus plant grow? Well, it’s dependent not only on the weather, but also on how much sunshine there was the previous summer after the season ends.
And while watching the grass grow might not yield any immediate excitement, asparagus is a different story, as you can almost see asparagus growing before your eyes. On a sunny day, you can cut a spear from a plant in the morning and return to the same plant in late afternoon to find another spear has grown in its place. They can grow up to 10cm in one day, which demands a huge amount of energy. Not surprisingly, the plants can’t keep going for any great length of time.
But all this talk about asparagus has got us hungry. We’ve even given the menus in our restaurants, including 45 Jermyn St. and the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon all the way over to our spectacular Royal Exchange home, a refresh with some new tasty asparagus dishes. Now, Asparagus and Pea Soup, anyone?
45 Jermyn St.
Over at 45 Jermyn St., our chefs have created five seasonal dishes - with asparagus taking centre stage. For soup lovers, there's our Pea and Asparagus Soup - but you'll also find a menu featuring Cold Asparagus and Herb Vinaigrette, Steamed Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce, alongside Fried Duck Egg with Asparagus, Cockles and Cobble Lane ‘Nduja and a rich, creamy Asparagus and Spring Vegetable Risotto with Wild Garlic.
3'6
An intimate and relaxing daytime spot for work, rest, and play, our 3'6 Bar is where you'll find Asparagus with Herb Mayonnaise, perfect for enjoying alongside a vibrant salad and one of our finest bottles from behind the bar.
Extra, Extra,
If you book yourself a table at our Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, you'll find Pea and Mint Scotch Egg, Asparagus Piccalilli on the menu, as well as Asparagus, Hollandaise. Over at the Royal Exchange, there's English Asparagus with Soft Herbs and Vinaigrette and Asparagus & Pea Risotto with Mint & Arancini to be enjoyed. And finally, before you jet off on your holidays, be sure to dine in at The Fortnum's Bar at Heathrow T5, where Asparagus with Warm Herb Broth and Asparagus with Soft Boiled Egg, Sauce Gribiche are on the menu!
Inspiration
Discover The Journal, home to a host of our most delicious stories.
Stanley Tucci's Asparagus Risotto Recipe
Recipes from the Fortnum's Kitchen