It's Poor Man's Asparagus time!

Following the cold start to the year, our hop garden burst into life over the lovely, warm Bank holiday weekend. Our hop plants are starting to produce lots of shoots... far more shoots than are necessary and unfortunately not every shoot is lucky enough to be used in a Hogs Back beer! We need to cut some shoots off to make the remaining shoots as robust and healthy as possible but don't worry these shoots aren't wasted. We like to pick the leftover shoots and use them alongside other spring vegetables when we're cooking as they are traditionally known as 'Poor Man's Asparagus', and are also rather delicious pickled! On Friday 11th May, Tongham Tea Club members will be helping us pick the shoots which will be going to local pub group, Red Mist, who will be turning it into a special dish available for this weekend only (more details to come). Of course, the pickers will be rewarded with a few sandwiches and a nice liquid lunch. If you are a Tea Club member and would like to join us for a picking session on Friday, please email jonathon@hogsback.co.uk who can give you more details on timings and what you will need to bring. Find out more about the Tongham Tea Club