Page 40 - ALG Issue 4 2020

Northern
Northumberland, Cumbria and Durham
Carlins – The Harvest
Yes, from peas (seed), to pod, to pea. The day arrives after many weeks
of nurturing, growing and now, the abundant crop. It all started in late January when I planted my peas (seed) in root trainers, two per cell – the buddy system of growing – they look after each other? Planted out early/mid-March to enable the guys to grow and mature.
They looked good and grew well but needed watering in April/May this
year on a daily basis – it was very dry, remember? The flowers emerged as two colours of purple, looking awesome, to produce the pods, generally in pairs. The young green pods can also be harvested as a petit pois (small pea). And then in early August the crop was ready to harvest.
As soon as the pods are straw coloured, pick, dry and shell. I leave mine on sunny days outside to dry ready for packing into cotton bags to use over the autumn/winter months. I now have
3kg of peas! So, some six months from planting to harvesting gives you carlins, but also the seeds for the ensuing year. I am advised if you grow and take seeds from your crop over five years, you may have a new variety! I notice with mine that a small number of peas (not even 20) are ‘white’. I will save these to plant out in 2021, who knows?
The best part is the cooking/eating;
so many recipes but always on Carlin Sunday, which is 21st March 2021, the celebration. Let me know how your Carlin Sunday celebration was. Photos and recipes to NAS diane@nsalg.org.uk.
This year from the abundance of redcurrants, I have made redcurrant jelly with very finely chopped mint. I look forward to the combo of carlins and the jelly.
RECENT COMMENTS:
“My Grandma, born in 1894, was from a big family in Consett. The bowl of carlins
I am advised if you grow and take seeds from your crop over five years, you may have a new variety!
on Carlin Sunday was a rare treat, part of the celebrations of Easter. I would like re-establish the heritage link with the North East and to tell my children.” Ruth – Kent
“I am a member of an allotment society and we are very interested in carlins.” Ray – Holmfirth
“I’ve picked the straw-coloured ones and potted them. They are now drying off in the sun and plenty more to pick yet!” Sue – Derby
Next year, Carlin Sunday 2021, can we make it a local if not a national event? Keep me advised.
Finally, peas (seeds) for 2021 are now available, please contact me at harry@jamesasc.co.uk.
Harry James Newcastle upon Tyne
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