Gathering \ ramassing in the hedgerows, our knowing French neighbours are all out collecting 'responchons' a wild asparagus which is eaten to purify the system after the stodgy winter food. Our neighbours also say they are a delicacy, much sought after in the high class restaurants of Paris. Well I have never had any that were not bitter and pretty horrible but I am told that is because we have overcooked them. We have actually had them in restaurants and chez someone or other and they were just the same, so I am not convinced. On the other hand our two girls with long ears adore them and have eaten nearly all the hedge in their search of these tantalising morsels. If you are going to try them only pick about 6 inches of the tops and do not pick when they start to flower. Boil gently for only a few minutes and et voila!
They also have medicinal properties and can be used for rubbing on aches and pains, probably better than eating them.
