Taste Panel - Slow Food Edinburgh

Asparagus

20th May 2009 - Update

Although we tasting Asparagus last year (see notes below) we thought we’d add some more notes to tell you about another couple of local producers.

Producers:

West Craigie Farm, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9TR

Phantassie, East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3DF (bought from Earthy, 33-41 Ratcliffe Terrace, EH9 1SX)

Tasting notes:

The asparagus from both of these producers was very fresh, crisp and flavourful. There wasn’t a significant difference between them but due to the date of the tasting and picking dates of the different farms it happened that the asparagus from Craigie’s was a day fresher and, we think because of this, was a little sweeter than the Phantassie asparagus. The panel agreed that we’d all be very happy with either of them as we politely all tried to grab the last stalk.

4^th June 2008 Tasting Session

The sun has been shining and the Asparagus season is underway. Since the season is so short (mid May to the end of June depending on the weather) the Taste Panel took the opportunity to so some investigating whilst we could.

Producers:

We tried Asparagus from 3 different producers.  One local producer, one Scottish but not so local producer and one from a named farm via a Supermarket.

Myreton Farm, East Lothian –£2.90 for c. 250g

Eassie Farm, Glamis, Angus - £5.90 for 440g (Thickest stalks but 400g of edible at least)

Chinn Farm, Wye Valley Asparagus tips form Marks and Spencer – On offer: 2 packs for £3.00 (combined pack weight of 250g)

Products tasted: What did they look and taste like?

Myreton Farm – sweet, not stringy, no biter aftertaste, tastes like pea shoots or sweet pea skins. Greenest in appearance. Unanimous favourite of the three!

Eassie Farm – stalks noticeably tender without being soggy, could eat nearly all of it and when first delivered could eat all. Not bitter but not as sweet as Myreton Farm. Quite “meaty” in texture. Large stalks, mature looking plants.

Chinn Farm for M&S – not sweet, more of a “boiled vegetable” taste and slightly muddy. More stringy than other two even though “tips” only. Not a bad asparagus spear but noticeably different from the other Asparagus spears we tasted.

How is it used?

All were boiled for about 3 minutes.

In order to taste them we tried them all plain and refrained from covering in butter (the sacrifices we make in the name of the Taste Panel!)

Serving suggestions from the team;

• Simple is best.
• Parmesan shavings.
• Nicoise salad with egg and tuna (substituting boiled Asparagus spears for the green beans.)
• With olive oil, salt and lemon.
• Char-grill thinner stems but larger ones are better boiled.

Where can I buy it?

Myreton Farmhouse, Aberlady, Prestonpans, East Lothian, EH32 0PZ 01875 870694

You can buy from the farm and at some Farmers Markets. Also available through Fenton Barns Farm Shop and Mel-Bell’s in Edinburgh

Eassie Farm, By Glamis, Angus DD8 1SQ. From Farm or Mail Order or phone farm for local suppliers. 01307 840 303

Chinn Farm, Wye Valley for Marks & Spencer – From M&S Simply Food, Waverley Station!

 

Trivia

Apparently only 40% of people can smell “asparagus wee” smell. If you are one of the 40% you know what we are talking about. If you are one of the 60%, you aren’t missing anything.