As we sailed into the fair days of July, a buzz of excitement hit the garden team at Spitalfields City Farm, with the realisation that the fruit harvest is upon us. It starts with faint whisperings of ripe berries on the mulberry and sightings of whitecurrants on hidden bushes in the wilderness area.

Weekly walks around the farm between volunteers confirm our suspicions as berries are eagerly tasted and pronounced to be at the perfect state of ripeness. With this exciting news, volunteer Tess takes to the internet and various cookery books unearthing exotic and delicious fare that she can cook up to sell in the shop.

Late June’s elderflower cordial was closely followed by a heavenly figleaf syrup; a coconutty elixir perfect for cocktails and spritzers. Tess trials all the recipes and we taste first samples with great delight: then the harvest begins. Volunteers descend on the various bushes, trees and plants, selecting the finest fruit (but also leaving a small amount for the birds). Baskets and containers brim with bounty and Tess is desptached, laden with produce with which to work her culinary magic.

If you’d like to support the farm by buying some of the produce, you will find the fruits of our labours bottled and jarred in the farm shop. But hurry, they are all limited editions!

We are always looking to recruit new volunteer gardeners. Both experienced and unskilled are equally welcome. If you would like to find out more or apply, please fill out a volunteer form