The Hungry Gap

Thank you for all the stars and comments about the kakabeak flowers yesterday. They are indeed named after the beak of the kaka which is a large NZ parrot species. And the flowers are about 5cm long when they are fully out.

The broad bean plants are smothered in flowers, which is a sight which fills me with optimism and anticipation of a good crop. 

There are still a few bags of broads in the freezer from last year, along with sweetcorn, tomatoes, peppers, peas, runner beans, and Muriel’s magic beans. With the winter crops now finished (leeks, silverbeet and parsnips) and the spring greens and salads only just getting underway, the freezer veg comes into its own at this time of year. 

It is what some call ‘the hungry gap’ when there is limited fresh fruit and veg available. Of course for most people there’s no such thing, because there are no seasons in a supermarket fresh food aisle. But if like me you only eat what you grow, it’s a case of planning for the gap when there are surpluses at other times of the year. 

It’s not difficult. It just requires some forethought, which modern life seems to be making redundant.

I never go hungry…