The Gap
How was your Easter break? We're full of chocolate and ready to welcome April. With our new month comes the move in to the Hungry Gap. What is it? Why should you care? Read on to learn how this historical period of deprivation still impacts modern day growing and discover how it will affect your veg bags for a few weeks.
The most important thing to know about the Hunger Gap is that it is temporary. It is the famine before the feast. Our ordering and packing teams work wonders each week to fill bags when the veggies are scarce. Crossing to the other side is so worth it, as it means summer, abundance and tomatoes! So hang tight, and enjoy the ride.
What's the Gap?
In temperate oceanic climates - ie. the UK - the Hungry Gap is the period when there is little or no fresh produce available. It starts when overwintered veg, such as kales, cabbages, and cauliflowers, stop producing, but the spring crops are just sown and not yet ready to harvest. Historically, before modern importing practices, people went hungry during this time, hence the name. We are fortunate hunger is not an immediate concern but the gap brings other challenges
Why Should You Care?
In our modern world with supermarkets and a global food system, you may not have noticed the Hungry Gap existed before. We have access to all fruit and veggies at any time of the year. But that is not in line with seasonal eating, committing to lower food miles, or sustainable and organic growing - basically the Local Greens ethos! We aim to source UK veg, and therefore have to contend with what the Gap throws at us in order to support UK growers.
So What About My Bag?
As we aim to support UK growers first and foremost, you'll notice your bags get a little eccentric the next few weeks. We'll include unusual leaves and greens that thrive at this time, like landcress and sorrel. You may find winter roots in a bag with fresh spring lettuce as the seasons cross over. We'll also supplement with EU produce, like the aubergines and courgettes bridging the gap this week, and occasionally dried goods too. Creativity and perseverance are the keys to making it through the Hungry Gap.
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