St Georges’ Day marks the official opening of the asparagus season, and the oncoming glut of British produce. Following last year’s late harvest, this year’s crop is ready to go, and fresh spears can be found now at farm shops, farmers’ markets and even on pick-your-own farms across the country.

The excitement that asparagus elicits from chefs and foodies is due partly to its subtle, grassy flavour; refreshing after months of roots and cabbages, and also to its relatively short season. Traditionally British asparagus is available for about six weeks at its best and most affordable. Prices vary - farm shops are currently charging £6 - £9.99 per kilo (or about £2.50 - £3 a bunch). If the warm weather continues, a bumper crop means prices tend to drop as the season progresses, with many places offering promotions. For the best deals, the freshest spears, and minimal packaging, try pick-your-own farms, currently charging approximately £6 per kilo – much cheaper than the supermarkets.

Buy fresh. There is no snobbery in the fact that freshly picked asparagus actually tastes better as the sugars have less time to convert to starch, resulting in sweeter and more digestible spears. At certified farmers’ markets, you can buy straight from the producer, and many farm shops sell their own or locally sourced ‘buds o’gras’. For a nation with a growing appetite for growing its own vegetables, asparagus is one of the most labour intensive – it takes three years waiting before you get a first harvest – so buying from local farmers gives you value for money and time with the quality of homegrown.

How you eat asparagus depends on the size and age of the spears; slender, early ‘sprue’ asparagus is good steamed or grilled lightly for no longer that two minutes before drizzling with beurre blanc, hollandaise or lemon and parmesan. Once the glut begins, try soups, add lightly cooked to salads and stir-fries or combine with other spring vegetables cooked in a little white wine and butter as an accompaniment to lamb or pork.

The vale of Evesham in Worcestershire is the traditional home of asparagus and its annual festival which runs for 23 April – 21 June, but the vegetable can be found across England, Wales, and up into Scotland (customers further north will have to wait until early May to buy local). To find farm shops, farmers’ markets or pick-your-owns in your area, visit www.farma.org.uk. For online deliveries, try www.abbeyparksasparagus.co.uk .

Two farmers' markets this year share the crown of FARMA Farmers' Market of the Year. Brigg Farmers' Market in North Lincolnshire, won the title of Rural Farmers' Market of the Year 2009, while Moseley Farmers' Market in Birmingham won Urban Farmers' Market of the Year at the FARMA Awards Ceremony in November.

The judges were impressed that within just eight years of trading, Brigg farmers' market has revitalized the heart of this picturesque town centre, working across the community to establish a far-reaching reputation for quality and local foods.

The judges also felt Moseley farmers' market to be an exemplary, community focused event. It is large and lively, regularly featuring more than 50 producers selling some excellent quality produce, and has become a monthly meeting point for an average 5,000 people in Birmingham's innercity suburbs.

Read more about Brigg Farmers' Market
Read more about Moseley Farmers' Market
Read more about the FARMA Local Food Awards 2009