Sadly, no Wimbledon or many other events this year, but that should not stop us enjoying these beautiful British Strawberries. The warm April-May weather has produced some amazing fruit, which still remain perfection now. Varieties including Malling Centenary are coming in from Worcestershire, Kent & Yorkshire and are simply best eaten as they are. Hopefully many more people returning to work and can enjoy before the bumper season ends.

The same can be said about UK Asparagus, which has also been superb quality, but sadly it has not been eaten in as many restaurants this year. There is not a great deal of the official season left, but still plenty available throughout June.

Although we’ve almost missed British Tomato Fortnight, there is still plenty of time to savour UK tomatoes, particularly these Heirloom / Heritage Tomatoes from Nutbourne Nurseries, in Sussex. All of the tomatoes at Nutbourne are insecticide-free and only natural predators are used for biological control. The tomatoes are available in a huge range of different sizes and colours, including the large Coeur de Boeuf, Midi-Pumpkin, Orange Cherry-Vine, San Marzano  & Piccolo varieties. The authentic aroma when you pick up a mixed variety box is incredible, with amazing flavours to match. They have also only travelled just over 50 miles to the central London, ensuring optimum freshness.

UK grown Fresh Peas, Broad Beans and Runner Beans have started to make an appearance and British lettuces and leaves, such as, Cos/Romaine, Little Gem, Iceberg, Lollo Rossa, Lollo Biondi, Curly Endive, Rocket, Mizuna, Baby Spinach & Baby Red Chard.  Cucumbers, Celery Spring Onions, New Potatoes and Jersey Royals are all UK grown, with some baby bunched vegetables to follow shortly.

UK grown Gooseberries have made an early appearance along with Blackberries, with Raspberries and Blueberries, to follow any day now.

From elsewhere, Sweetcorn in husks are hugely popular with lots of home BBQ’s. These are currently from Spain & Morocco until the UK grown start later in the summer.

All Apples are now imported from the southern hemisphere (mainly South Africa & New Zealand), including Gala, Braeburn, Smitten, Granny Smith & Red Delicious amongst others.

Hayden & Kent varieties of Mango from Peru are really good quality, but these Alphonse Mangoes from India are even better and one of the best fruits around and taste truly delicious.