It appears it was the Romans who first started to cultivate asparagus more than 2000 years ago. It was so popular they dried it for winter use, it is also said that the Romans froze it by transporting it in chariots to the Alps.

Elder is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe and Asia. It grows in abundance, in woodlands and hedgerows, all over the British countryside. In early Summer the tree is awash with thousands of tiny white flowers, followed in Autumn by drooping bunches of purple-black berries.

In spring, after winters rest there are so many new flavours and colours to add to your dishes, so gather before spring turns into summer!