When it comes to food, fresh, local and in season is always best. Springtime brings three seasonal favourites that will add flavour to your table and bring plenty of health benefits too.
Sweet and tender, British asparagus – in season between April and June – is often described as the best in the world. Steamed, stir-fried, roasted or barbecued, asparagus is delicious on its own.
Or you could try it with butter, lemon juice or freshly grated Parmesan; in pasta, or as an accompaniment to fish. It's also rich in vitamins A, C and B6, folic acid, potassium and iron.
Asparagus is celebrated at The Asparagus Festival in Evesham, Worcestershire from 23 April-21 June. Visit www.britishasparagusfestival.org
Asparagus, broad bean and mint frittata
Asparagus and herb risotto
Warm asparagus, chorizo and poached egg salad
Although strictly speaking a vegetable, rhubarb is generally served as a fruit. It usually brings to mind rhubarb crumble, yet it originates in Asia – China and Tibet – where it was cultivated for its medicinal and purgative properties.
A great source of fibre, rhubarb also contains vitamin C, folate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. However, rhubarb leaves are toxic and should not be eaten.
Rhubarb is delicious in pies, muffins, frozen puddings, jams and sweet or savoury sauces.
Rhubarb and cardamom crumble
Rhubarb and ginger fool
Rhubarb meringue ice cream
Native to Europe and central Asia, watercress is one of the oldest known leaf vegetables and can be traced back more than 3,000 years. With its unique, peppery taste, watercress adds a delicious bite to salads or sandwiches.
It's also perfect in wholesome, warming soups. For a more subtle flavour, it can be steamed with fish or poultry.
Classed as a ‘superfood’, watercress packs a big nutritional punch, containing essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C, folic acid, iron, calcium, manganese and zinc.
To find out more, head to the Watercress Festival on 11 May in Alresford, Hampshire. For more information, visit www.alresford.org/watercressfestival
Warm chicken and watercress salad
Watercress and celeriac soup with creme fraiche
Watercress, apple and goat's cheese bruschetta
Enter your location (town or postcode).
Sign up to create your online Morrisons binder and get the latest offers and competitions!
Go to my binder
Browse through our recipes to plan your perfect menu.