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Welsh Wonderland
Not long now until March 1 and St David's Day. Celebrating this particular saint's day can be a choice between a daffodil in the buttonhole and Welsh lamb on the table. The lamb makes better eating. The grass makes the lamb and the weather makes the grass, which is why South Wales is best for early season lamb - the climate is that bit less harsh than in the North. A good independent butcher such as Moen of Clapham will sell Welsh lamb. Ask them to bone and roll a piece if you are not confident about carving. Welsh lamb - shoulders £8.98 per kg; legs £11.98 per kg.
Moen & Sons, 24 The Pavement, SW4 (020 7622 1624, moen.co.uk)

The Full Muesli
King's Cross is not the first place that springs to mind when the conversation turns to muesli but that's where Alara has its factory and a garden - think apple trees and a beehive. Alara was the first cereal company in the world to be certified organic, and at the core of all its muesli recipes you'll find organic English oats. Try the "branberry" bran flakes with fruit; the "rich" a traditional-style organic muesli; "delight" for anyone with wheat/gluten intolerance; or "fairtrade" with honey and cinnamon. You'll find Alara muesli in Waitrose and Morrisons, prices vary from £1.95 to £2.25 per 500g.alara.co.uk

The Salsify Effect
In the days before vegetables were flown in from around the world this time of year posed a real challenge for cooks and gardeners alike. One of the classiest vegetables available was salsify. Black salsify is also known as the oyster plant because it was thought to taste like oysters - this may be a bit fanciful but salsify does have an intriguing savoury taste and a good texture. In the raw it looks like a bundle of firewood but the roots just need peeling and roasting in a little oil. You'll find salsify (depending on the vagaries of the market) at good independent greengrocers such as Two Peas in a Pod in Barnes - £25 per kg.
Two Peas in a Pod, 85 Church Road, SW13 (020 8748 0232)