Saturday 1 May 2010

Why I grow what I grow

1. Unobtainable in shops
Golden beetroot; Beetroot Chioggia; Padron peppers; elephant garlic; Pink Fir Apple potatoes; Sungold, Brandywine, Black Russian tomatoes; Marina di Chioggia, Berrettina, Spaghetti squash; chervil; Thai basil; Kaffir limes; lime leaves; wild garlic; blackcurrants; garlic chives; borlotti beans; Asturian beans (Fabes de las Granjas).

2. Obtainable in shops but stupidly expensive
Asparagus; Rhubarb (£3.99 for a few stalks in Waitrose); Swiss chard (see rhubarb); rocket (grows like a weed); blackberries; quince; cavolo nero; radicchio; mixed salad leaves; lemon grass; shallots; globe artichokes; Jerusalem artichokes; raspberries; runner beans; all fresh herbs.
3. Tastiest varieties are not available in shops
Potatoes; leeks; tomatoes, strawberries; chillies, squash, courgettes; aubergines; French beans; radishes.
4. Availability – an extension of the store cupboard
Salads; parsley, basil, chervil, fennel, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, chives, garlic chives; onions, shallots, garlic, squash, Borlotti beans, Asturian beans (Fabes de las Granjas).