Picking the perfect asparagus – British produce at its best

There’s something quietly triumphant about the arrival of British asparagus. For just a few short weeks each spring – traditionally from St George’s Day in April through to Midsummer’s Day, 21st June - it bursts onto the scene, green, fresh, and full of flavour. At WeFarmShop, we believe this brief season is one of the highlights of the UK’s farming calendar, and a true celebration of what small-scale, local producers can offer at their very best. 

Unlike imported varieties that travel thousands of miles, British asparagus is often picked in the early morning and delivered to farm shops and restaurants that same day. If the weather is very warm then it’s sometimes harvested twice a day, as it can incredibly grow by 10cm in one day! It’s this freshness that makes such a remarkable difference to taste and texture - snappy, succulent spears with a delicate sweetness and grassy aroma that only freshly picked produce can offer. 

Across the UK, small, passionate growers are leading the charge when it comes to quality. From the sandy soils of Norfolk to the fertile fields of the Wye Valley, these producers combine deep-rooted expertise with sustainable practices to nurture crops that punch well above their weight in both flavour and nutrition. Many of them still harvest asparagus by hand, walking the rows daily to select only the ripest spears. It’s time-consuming work, but the result is produce that’s tender, vibrant, and truly special. 

Here at WeFarmShop, we champion these dedicated suppliers and make it easy for you to enjoy their harvest at its peak. Whether you’re roasting it with a drizzle of rapeseed oil, folding it into a buttery risotto, or serving it simply with hollandaise and a soft-poached egg, British asparagus brings brightness to every plate. 

But innovation doesn’t stop at the field. Chefs and customers alike have been getting creative with new ways to enjoy this seasonal gem - think asparagus tempura with lemon aioli, charred asparagus flatbreads with goat’s cheese, or even pickled spears for a punchy garnish to elevate your next Bloody Mary. As ever, the secret is to let the ingredient shine. 

We’re also seeing exciting developments in farming techniques and no-dig approaches that promote soil health and biodiversity while supporting long-term yields, and asparagus is naturally a highly sustainable product. These methods are not only environmentally sound, but they also help produce asparagus that’s even richer in flavour - proof that doing good for the land tastes good too. 

When you buy British asparagus from small, trusted growers, you’re not just getting a delicious vegetable - you’re investing in a way of farming that values quality, care, and community. At WeFarmShop, we’re proud to be building a community that will connect customers directly to the best producers in the country, so you can ensure that this incredible crop reaches your table just as nature intended. 

So don’t miss the season - blink and it’s gone. Pick up a bunch (or two) of British asparagus while it’s in its prime and experience a taste of what local produce, grown with skill and passion, is all about.