Winter stars

As we enter our first winter and working on new ground without a season behind us, our selection of winter vegetables is a little limited,. However in addition to some of the more traditional produce we are using this first winter to experiment a little.

Despite some issues with challenging wireworms - typically associated with ground previously put under pasture - our celeriac has done fantastically well and is very popular with both local people and the Sheppey Inn, who serve it as an amazing puree and as a delightful accompaniment to partridge.

Another popular winter candidate is the khol rabi, again popular and features widely on the menu of the local hostelry.

 

 

Winter greens, such as Swiss chard and cavalo nero (black cabbage) are a pleasure to grow at this time of year, no insects to make life difficult and their cut and come again growth patterns means that the more you eat the more you get!!!

 

 

Another true favourite is beetroot, and one which thankfully the wireworms don't seem to find attractive.

 

 

Keeping on the purple theme - an new one for us is radicchio, which starts off with green leaves which become intensely purple as the winter progresses and the plant matures - can't wait to see and taste this at the end of the season.

 

 

 

Another leafy veg happier in the cooler temperatures is Pak Choi

 

 

 

We are currently trialing Ruby - a red leafed version, and Misty - a small green leafed variety, at the moment the red variety is the front runner, with beautiful dark purple leaves.

 

Winter can be a challenge in the search for variety, but there are the winter stars out there which means that growing is still very exciting. Finding new stars that sparkle and brighten up any plate of winter cuisine is certainly special and rewarding.