National Apple Day falls on Tues October 21st, but the whole week and month should be used to celebrate British Apples. Our apples are grown in Kent at Ringden Farm, which is only 50 miles away from Central London. They are a multi-generation farm, which also grow pears, plums & damsons. There is no waste as Ringden, who also have an extensive range of juices, jams and relishes, plus any excess pulp from the juices goes to local dairy farms to feed cattle.

There are lots of imported apples in the UK, which may have been grown, picked and cold-stored many, many months ago – these are generally the ones that are shiny in the supermarkets! What the British Apples sometimes lack in size and appearance, they certainly make up for in flavour. They are crisp, sweet, juicy and more importantly, they are locally grown - within 40-50 miles of Central London. The most familiar varieties are Cox, Royal Gala, and Braeburn.  There are some others you might not be so familiar with including, Spartan, Limelight, Laxton’s Fortune, Lord Lambourne, Kidd’s Orange & Russet. 

Don’t forget the Pears!

Often because of their russeted skin appearance, pears can receive less accolades than other fruit.

However, a ripe, Kent grown Conference or the chubbier Comice [right] pears are packed full of flavour and juice.

The hot UK Summer which includes several weeks with zero rainfall has had a massive impact on pumpkins this year. Many were ready too soon several weeks ago as the crop matured way too early or just simply didn’t make the grade so were not saleable.

Larger pumpkins are in incredibly short supply and very expensive this year. Our advice would be to order the smaller ‘table pumpkins’ (approx. 1-1.5kg) as usually on display for just a couple of days.

There are also Munchkins (baby pumpkins) and Display Gourds for decoration.

Although we are well into Autumn now, there is still plenty of UK grown produce around, including, delicious Cavolonero from Essex, Green Kale, Red Kale,  Ornamental Kale, Bramley Apples, Parsnips, Piccolo Parsnips, Carrots, Chantenay Carrots, Leeks, Swede, Celeriac, Cauliflowers, Turnips, Jacket Potatoes, Maris Piper, King Edward, Chippers Choice Potatoes, Red Desiree Potatoes, Raspberries, Marrows, New Potatoes, Savoy Cabbage, Hispee Cabbage,  Runner Beans, Beetroot,  Brussels Sprouts, Heritage Beetroot, Onions, Spinach, Rainbow Chard, Shallots, Banana Shallots, Swede, plus the last of the Kent Blackberries.

From the Forager – Wet Walnuts, Sloes, Rosehips, Medlars, Crab Apples, Sea Purslane

October is a traditionally a great month for wild mushrooms, including, Ceps/Porcini, Trompette, Chanterelles, Pied de Mouton, Girolles, Pied Bleu, and Black Truffles.

Always check availability before ordering. Alongside these, there is Shi-itake, Lion’s Mane, King Oyster, Grey Oyster, Yellow Oyster, Hon Shimeji, Enoki (white & golden).

Although stonefruit has now finished, Kaki fruit (persimmon) have just started again from Spain, which is delicious when eaten ripe. Turkish Figs remain good quality alongside Pomegranates from the same part of continent . Satsumas are now coming from South America and are good quality. Both red and white Grapes are excellent, both from Italy. There are some juicy red Plums about ‘Fortuna’ variety from Italy for example.

Lychees are not due for a few weeks, but Rambutan is a better tasting substitute. No issues with melons currently.

UK Pears are extremely good, but if you prefer brighter skin colour, then the William or  “QTee®” varieties are available.

Although the UK Tomato season draws to a close, there are some fantastic tomatoes from Italy including these mixed colours Datterini and Black Baby-Plum (brown) above. These vibrant Romero Peppers match the Autumn colours.

Also available: Tropea Onions, Wet Walnuts, Sakura Mixed Cresses, French Display Gourds, Purple Cauliflowers, Purple Kohl Rabbi, Meat Radishes, Swiss Chard, Rainbow Radish, Salsify, Round Courgettes, Black Garlic, Round Aubergines. Red Chicory has become difficult to source and prices are expected to soar, so Yellow Chicory and Radicchio are a better choice.