There are few things better than British asparagus picked fresh at the start of the season. The Tacon family have farmed The Grange at Rollesby, near Great Yarmouth, for three generations, on land bordered by the Trinity Broads. Asparagus arrived more than 30 years ago, after a programme on Radio 4 gave them the idea. It started as an acre and now runs to about 20, every spear still cut and bundled by hand from the start of the season at the end of April to the end of the British asparagus season in June. Pick-your-own began in 1980 with strawberries. Gooseberries, raspberries and blackberries take their turn now as well. Exactly what's ready depends on the weather, which is rather the point of buying fruit grown nearby. The farm shop sells the family's own produce alongside food from other Norfolk producers, and it's open every day. It's the sort of place where children find out strawberries don't start life in a supermarket punnet, and adults remember how good fruit tastes when it's properly ripe. I'd rather wait for British asparagus when it's in season and eat it only for those precious few weeks a year than eat it flown in from half way round the world in December. Because some things are worth waiting for.

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetacons

Can people visit or buy direct?

The farm shop at The Grange, Rollesby, is open daily. Pick-your-own strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries and blackberries are available in season. Check the farm's latest updates before travelling, as picking depends on the weather.

Website

http://rollesby.org.uk/home.htm

Address Summary

The Grange, Rollesby, Great Yarmouth, NR29 5AJ