Taste the Best of Cheshire this Spring #Producer Review

Victoria Hayes
6th May 2025

A Celebration of Local & Seasonal Flavours!

Spring has sprung, and with it comes a vibrant array of fresh, local, and seasonal produce right here in our beautiful county of Cheshire! At Taste Cheshire, we’re passionate about connecting you with the incredible food and drink crafted by our talented members. Now is the perfect time to explore the delicious bounty on our doorstep and savour the true taste of the region.

What’s Blooming and Growing in Cheshire Right Now?

Our fields and farms are bursting with flavour. Think of tender spring greens like spinach and kale, perfect for vibrant salads or lightly steamed as a side. You’ll also find the first of the season’s radishes, adding a peppery crunch to your dishes. And let’s not forget the glorious rhubarb, its tartness ideal for crumbles, pies, or even a tangy chutney.

Meet the Makers: Taste Cheshire Members Bringing You the Best

We’re incredibly lucky to have dedicated Taste Cheshire members who work tirelessly to bring these seasonal delights to our tables:

• Groobarbs Wild Farm: Keep an eye out for their freshly harvested spring greens and early season vegetables, often available at local farmers’ markets and farm shops but also through their veg box deliveries to your door. Their commitment to sustainable farming practices shines through in the quality of their produce.
• Cheshire Farm Ice Cream: While perhaps known for their delectable ice cream, they often incorporate seasonal fruits into their offerings. Imagine a refreshing rhubarb ripple ice cream – a true taste of spring!
• H S Bourne: While cheese isn’t strictly seasonal in the same way as produce, they often use local milk and ingredients that reflect the time of year. Their creamy Cheshire cheese is a fantastic addition to any spring picnic.
• Jane’s Handmade Bread : Their artisan breads are made with passion and often feature local ingredients where possible. A crusty loaf is the perfect accompaniment to a seasonal salad or a ploughman’s lunch.

A Taste of Spring:

Rhubarb & White Chocolate Torte

What better way to celebrate the season than with rhubarb ? This  simple recipe highlights the wonderful tartness of locally grown rhubarb and is found on the menu at Groobarbs Wild Farm

What you’ll need…

• 400ml double cream
• 360g blocks white chocolate, chopped
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 bunch of Groobarbs rhubarb
• 5g agar agar or 6 sheets/leaves gelatine
• 200ml Dunham Massey apple juice

The method

Recipe by Jake Boyce, Head Chef at the Field Kitchen

The Perfect Cheshire Picnic: A Basket of Local Goodness

Imagine a delightful picnic spread featuring the best of Cheshire. Here’s what you could include:

• A selection of Cheshire Cheeses: Choose a classic Cheshire, a creamy soft cheese from H S Bournes 
• Artisan Bread: A crusty loaf from Jane’s Handmade Bread, perfect for tearing and sharing.
• Seasonal Salad: A vibrant mix of spring greens from Groobarbs, sliced radishes for a peppery bite, and maybe some edible flowers for colour. Dress it with a simple vinaigrette using local rapeseed oil.
• Homemade Rhubarb Chutney: A tangy and sweet accompaniment to the cheese and bread.
• Local Fruit: Depending on what’s available, early strawberries or gooseberries could make a delicious addition.
• Cheshire Crisps: A satisfyingly crunchy snack made locally.
• Local Beverages: Choose from a range of Cheshire-brewed beers like Weetwood, ciders, or locally produced fruit juices.

Or if putting it together yourself is too much work, try a picnic or afternoon tea box service like they have at The Lambing Shed

By choosing local and seasonal food, you’re not only treating yourself to the freshest and most flavourful ingredients but also supporting the fantastic farmers, producers, and businesses that make Cheshire such a culinary gem. So, get out there, explore your local farmers’ markets and farm shops, and taste the very best of what Cheshire has to offer right now!

Let us know what delicious local finds you’ve discovered using the hashtag #TasteCheshire!