Dear Seafoodies
I hope this message finds you all well and, before getting seated in the comfort of the commentators' box, please may I warmly welcome our recently-subscribed team-mates.
This year’s balcony herb garden has been, to use a certain sport's pundits' vernacular, "a game of two halves".
The first half started late due to the unseasonably cold temperatures of April. According to a newsletter from Riverford, my veg box supplier, this delayed the summer growing season by a good three weeks. Once the half kicked off though the mild but sunny and fairly dry weather brought about nothing less than a flourish, and the game looked to be in the bag for the herbs.
Unfortunately the second half began with searingly high temperatures which saw Endive Lettuce bolt (a certain responsibility for that has to be taken by the coach for not cultivating regularly enough) and as good as killed off the delicate players especially Dill and Chervil. And what little life those two had left in them was soon washed away by the deluges of rain which abruptly followed. Tarragon and Sage currently live to see in the autumn fixtures, and Rosemary, Purple Basil and Curly Parsley should be participating for a little while longer too, though it must be said Rosemary has of late looked literally overshadowed by Sage. Chives and Lovage have battled hard but despite their injuries they're struggling through (they debuted last season) so there’s cause for optimism for their return to form in weeks to come, though the impending final whistle may be their final final whistle before retirement. Meanwhile, what Borage is up to is anyone’s guess!?! There are still a few of the pretty blue flowers gracing the pitch but those are now at the end of some pretty long and tired-looking legs.
All things considered perhaps the end result may be described as a score draw but with not especially high scores. And if next season's results are to be an improvement on this year's, there's undoubtedly going to have to be some money spent in next spring's transfer window.
Despite the climatic conditions, the players have managed to put in some her(b)oic efforts in their off-field activities this last couple of months. Seafood and herbs pair fantastically and it's quite inspirational having the herbs' training ground just outside the grandstand that the seafood arrives to from the farmers' market.
By way of illustration, perhaps you might like to consider, images left-to-right, top-to-bottom:
- Citrus-Cured Brill with Herbs and Vinaigrette
A real team effort here with Dill, Chives, Tarragon, Purple Basil and Chervil all participating, and complemented by guest appearances from Coriander and Common Basil. This match is one I will be replaying many many times more - it's sensational! - Grey Mullet with Cider and Sage
Sage pits its earthy wits against the similarly earthy guile of grey mullet, with the reliable assist of some dry cider. - J. Sheekey's Lobster Salad
An elegant outing for Dill and Chives - but everything from J. Sheekey is classy! - Pea and Lovage Soup, Scallops and Bacon
Another outstanding showing from Lovage, a player whose talents continue to impress with each and every opportunity, especially given these talents were barely known just a couple of years ago. In its spare time Lovage does sterling work with bean salads and puts in a welcome showing in a Moules Marinières (with Lovage). - Fillet of Bream, Asparagus and Peas, Mustard & Tarragon Sauce
On the playing fields of Nathan Outlaw grace is essential to success, and Tarragon quietly makes its talents known in what was inevitably going to be quite a technically challenging fixture. - Smoked Trout Roulades
Dill finds itself practically at home here embellishing a delightful performance of hot-smoked (kiln-smoked) trout sporting a cold-smoked trout outfit.
