Fenland celery returns to New Covent Garden Market

Product details:​ 

Fenland celery is a variety of celery grown using traditional methods in the rich peaty soil of the Fens, the farming area in East Cambridgeshire. Only grown in the winter months, farmers sow it in wide rows and pack soil around the vegetable to protect it from frost before harvesting by hand. The way Fenland celery is grown gives it a nutty flavour and the lack of light reaching roots and the plant means it is paler in colour than standard varieties. First sold in 1800 for the Christmas market, the celery has recently been revived by growers G's Fresh who have taken it to New Covent Garden market for sale to chefs at London's restaurants and hotels as a seasonal, quality option for winter menus. 

USP:​

Only 150,000 sticks of the celery will be grown this season, meaning it remains an artisan product and the way it is grown means it has a unique flavour and appearance. Producers have also applied for Protected Geographical Indications status, which, if approved would mean it would be the third item of produce from the UK to gain the status.  

Availability:​

Until mid-December from P&I Side Salads and other selected sellers at New Covent Garden Market. 

Cost:​ 

Available on demand from individual vendors.

Why you should buy it:​

The variety is grown late in the year and is only available from October to December, so it will appeal to chefs who change menus with the seasons. It also has real British heritage, being grown traditionally in the 1800s just for London's Christmas trade. 

“The way that Fenland celery is grown gives it a unique nutty flavour and it is paler in colour than standard celery as the soil is banked up around the base which has a blanching effect. It’s a really delicious vegetable that would make a great addition to any winter menu”, added Anthony Gardiner marketing director for G’s Fresh. 

More information:​

http://www.fenlandcelery.com/