British Heritage Carrots from Norfolk are available in red, yellow, white and purple to add some colour. Other root vegetables are in season including, Parsnips (Suffolk) Swede (Somerset), Turnips (Suffolk), Celeriac (Suffolk), Beetroots (Beds) and these beautiful bunched Baby Turnips from Suffolk.

Superb, Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb is back from Westwoods in Wakefield, in the heart of the ‘Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle’. It is a unique, protected origin British grown product, so make the most of it while it is available!

Also, UK grown currently – Jerusalem Artichokes, Leeks, Jackets, Large Potatoes, Baby/New Potatoes, Sprouts, Chantenay Carrots, Microherbs, Gala Apples, Braeburn Apples, Cox Apples, Conference Pears, Comice Pears. 

From elsewhere, there is plenty of Citrus fruit around, including, Clementines, Navel Oranges, Grapefruit, Bergamots, Kumquats, Lemons, and juicy Blood Oranges (left). Also now available are Seville Oranges, which are certainly not for eating, but perfect for making marmalade.

After being tricky to get hold of in late December, Figs (below left) are more plentiful, now coming in from Brazil.

Cherries are good quality from Chile currently, but always worth checking the price first. Lychees (below) are excellent quality and better value from South Africa currently. Pears – UK Comice & Conference, plus Italian William variety along with these Nashi/Asian Pears. Although they resemble an apple more than a pear, they are high in vitamin C and fibre, crispy and juicy when eaten ripe.

Both Red and White Seedless Grapes are good quality and coming from South Africa at the moment.

These small ‘Roma’ Artichokes with stem from Italy are beautiful. Also coming in from Italy this week are White Aubergines, Sicilian Aubergines, Round Courgettes, Globe Artichokes, plus fresh Peas have just started, although a bit expensive.

Lots of salad leaves are coming from France, along with the eye-catching Rainbow Radish.

On the wild mushroom front, Girolles and Trompette are dearer, but still available, along with Chanterelles and Pied de Mouton. No Cepes or Morels available

Chinese New Year
The Year of the Rat falls on 25th January and here are some core ingredients, but if you have any questions or special requests, please let us know: -

Wong Bok (Chinese Leaf), Pak Choi, Bok Choi, Tenderstem Broccoli, Chilies, Mooli (Daikon), Babycorn, Garlic, Ginger, Galangal, Lemongrass, Spring Onions, Coriander, Coconut, Shiitake Mushrooms, Enoki Mushrooms, Shimeji Mushrooms, King Oyster (Eryngii) Mushrooms, Maitake Mushrooms, Nashi Pear, Cavolonero Cabbage, Lychees, lucky red Pomegranates.