Packed with nutrients and vitamins, asparagus is considered to be one of the delicacies of the vegetable worldbut it’s not around for long! Asparagus season runs from around April 23 to June 21, so now’s the time to stock up and spruce up your mealtimes. What’s better, Kent and Sussex has some of the best asparagus and the finest growers, so visit one of these local places for the freshest bunches around
South Brockwells Seasonal Farm Shop
This farm shop in Little Horsted near Uckfield opens for business just twice a year – once for asparagus season (late April to mid-June) where the freshly-cut Sussex asparagus spears come straight from their fields.
The farm shop sells a variety of other goodies including seasonal fruit and vegetables, cakes and preserves.
Open seven days a week in asparagus season. www.sussexasparagus.co.uk
Groombridge Farm Shop
Groombridge Farm Shop started out as ‘the asparagus hut’ in 2001 and has grown over the years into the fully-fledged farm shop you can find there today. The asparagus has been grown at New Park Farm in Groombridge since 1996, and the shop also sells other local produce with 90% of stock sourced from local farmers and manufacturers, located within Kent and Sussex
www.groombridgefarmshop.co.uk
Birchden Asparagus
Situated between Groombridge and Frant, Birchden are asparagus growers and retailers, and their asparagus is available for sale seven days a week from the farm. The 30 acres they have produce 30 to 40 tonnes of asparagus a year, but get in quickly – it sells fast!
www.facebook.com/Birchden-Asparagus
Nightingale Farm
They’re known for their fantastic cider, but Nightingale Farm near Tenterden is also famed for its asparagus. Their fruit farm has been going since 1948 and the shop sells a whole host of goodies from fresh produce grown on-site to other locally created treats.
www.nightingalecider.com
Frogshole Farm
Situated between Sissinghurst and Biddenden, this popular asparagus farm is well worth a visit for fresh, delicious spears. The shop is open in asparagus season from Wednesday to Sunday 10am until 3pm, so if you’re driving past, make sure to stop and pick up a bunch (or five!)
Based in the heart of the Weald (between Goudhurst and Marden), Lower Ladysden offers a great selection of freshly grown fruit and vegetables from the farm – and you can even pick your own!
Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm, take the family and enjoy the fruits of your labour!
www.lowerladysden.co.uk
