EARLY PIE WITH BITE

Thinning gooseberries in late May allows those left on the bush to grow to a larger size. These early fruits are too hard to be eaten raw, but are excellent for cooking. Immature gooseberries also contain smaller pips than ripe ones, making them easier to eat. Traditionally, the first gooseberries were eaten at Whitsun, the seventh Sunday after Easter. Made into a pie, they were sweetened with sugar to offset their tart taste. This year Whitsun falls on 15 May.