EMINENT Food Historian Caroline Yeldham encourages the revival of extinct English recipes using English fresh produce and calls on people to learn how to cook them. The comments come as England celebrates St. George's Day, which was declared an English feast day in the 15th Century.

Medieval cookery was the basis of modern European cuisine. However, only a dozen known original medieval recipe texts remain, of which fewer than five are in hard copy print.

Only two of the UK's 193 higher education institutions offer specific courses in English Medieval history and estimates suggest there are only a handful of skilled people in England who are professionally preparing English medieval food.

To reintroduce once commonplace dishes Caroline Yeldham has worked with Morrisons supermarkets to create a St. George's Day recipe booklet.

Designed to celebrate medieval English cookery and English ingredients, it contains a selection of starters, main courses, sauces, sweet dishes and drinks, originally eaten by English royalty and aristocracy.

The booklet is available from 23 April at checkouts throughout Morrisons stores across England, plus on the Morrisons website morrisons.co.uk. To offer a range of recipes which can be used throughout the year the booklet indicates when English produce is in season.

Food historian Caroline Yeldham said: "You will not only be learning about the roots of modern day food, but helping to keep England's food history alive for generations to come.

"The nation spends thousands on preserving medieval artefacts and art, while great value is still placed on medieval literature, music and drawing. Food is a hugely important part of our culture and society and it would be wonderful if we could all play a part in ensuring that this critical part of our history survives."