SEASON'S EATINGS Imagine a product rich in nutrients... that’s what we have with watercress.

IF YOU WANT THE FRESHEST, TASTIEST FRUIT AND VEG, NOTHING BEATS LOCAL PRODUCE

Never has it been more vital to do our bit for the food industry. With restaurants and retailers closed, large quantities of local, seasonal and nutritious veg are at risk of going to waste. But we can all play our part in supporting food growers, whether it’s eating more seasonal veg, trying new recipes using seafood caught in UK waters or taking on a summer job picking fruit and veg at a farm. Eating seasonally means following the food cycle, planning meals according to local availability rather than what’s on the supermarket shelf, and taking advantage of a wide range of delicious options – especially right now, when we’ve got more time and more need to make our food last longer. As anyone who’s ever stewed a juicy plum straight from the tree or shelled peas fresh for tea knows, nothing beats seasonal produce for taste and goodness. There is a real abundance of local veg growers in this region, as well as some of the nation’s best meat producers. Thanks to the stunning coast and verdant countryside, the area’s tourist appeal is matched by the popularity of its produce. But with trade on hold for many, buying locally grown food helps keep the economy afloat and support jobs in farming and boost production and innovation. Tom Amery (left) runs The Watercress Company. It’s based in Dorset but delivers to more than 4,000 outlets worldwide, and he’s vocal about the benefits of his favourite crop. “Watercress was this year’s biggest value gain at 30%, while volume increase was also very

large,” he says. He puts that down to the vegetable’s health benefits, which have been highlighted by dietitians, nutritionists, influencers and chefs. “Watercress also tastes different,” he says. “It’s a destination product. Consumers go to buy it for a reason.” The Watercress Company makes up a large proportion of UK watercress production, injecting a considerable amount of energy into promoting the ingredient and working with the NHS and gyms to give away free products. The company is also launching traditional bunches in sustainable cones with Ocado in June. “Imagine a product that is high or rich in essential nutrients at efficacious levels,” he says. “That’s what we have, and we are looking forward to developing that message.” Though The Watercress Company grows much of its produce in the UK, it also has farms in Spain. Tom says he’d prefer to grow only in Britain but that’s not as easy as he feels it could be. “It means encouraging British supermarkets to sell stuff that’s not perfect. This means allowing insect holes or flowers. The overseas climate offers these solutions but embracing things like ‘wonky veg’ will enable better and more nutritious produce in this country.” Tom also runs Brace of Butchers, a Dorset-based butcher and farm shop selling small supplier produce. He says its sales have been booming during lockdown. The shop has been delivering at home to customers who are self-isolating and has long offered a national delivery service. “The independent sector is going to be massive,” Tom adds, predicting seasonal food producers will factor heavily. “Independents don’t have to go to corporate headquarters and chains, they can go and source products locally at market and this is what people are increasingly wanting.” As well as watercress, other veg currently in season in the UK include asparagus, cucumbers, mushrooms, salad leaves, courgettes, spinach, tomatoes, radishes and beetroot. We’re encouraging eager home cooks across the country to share recipes for them using the hashtag #Seasonalveg on social media.