V is for Vegetables ...

In the 2^nd half of the 18^th century Rev. Gilbert White in “The Natural History of Selborne” made note of the increased consumption of vegetables by ordinary country people in the south of England.

Cauliflower, tomato, turnips, beans et al

To which he recorded ‘that potatoes had only been added during the reign of George III (1738 – 1820).

Green-stalls in cities now support multitudes in comfortable state, while gardeners get fortunes!!’

In Elizabeth I’s reign 1588 was the year that the first recorded Brussels sprout was used as a trimming ...  (I love me my sprouts!)

New potatoes

Yet vegetables, known as “worts”, were recorded in the 12^th century ... a meat roll:  “Boyl a Flank with worts” ... a deboned mutton flank, flavoured with salt and pepper, and powdered spice – lightly roll and leave to ‘marinade’.

Next day take young turnips, parsnips and young onions as needed... cut them small, pressing over the meat, sprinkle with thyme, parsley, and a suspicion of rosemary or mint.   Tie rolled flank, place in a cloth and simmer gently in the bone broth.

Green Space Landscape - vegetable plot

To serve unroll, spread with vegetables, and extra cabbage lightly stewed in butter and milk ... pour over some of the juices, then serve with thick breads and the remainder  ‘gravy’.

Leafy greens and vegetables

Hedgeroll is another early version of serving vegetables ... young vegetables rolled into a thin pastry crust ...

The word had been around for a long time in the sense of 'animal, vegetable and mineral', but not until the mid 1700s did it come to be used in this new specific way, to describe ‘herbs and roots grown for food’.

Green herbs, for the service of man ... the simplers had experimented with tasting, the gardeners started to grow them, and poor man needed to eat – greens became acceptable on the meal table.

A selection of colourful vegetables

None more so now in the 21^st century ... as we realise the importance of fresh vegetables – both raw and cooked as delicious dishes in their own right ...

That is V for Vegetables from Aspects of British Cookery

Green Space Landscape – vegetable plot ... grow your own

Hilary Melton-Butcher

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