British Food Fortnight starts later this month (26^th September -  11^th October) and despite of the most testing Summers on record for UK growers, there is still British produce to savor and celebrate.

Several items have been severely affected by the constant heatwave, which has seen many harvests finished already, will finish already or simply written off as no product growth or the produce has simply died. There has never been a time when growers need us all most to support great British produce.

Broccoli & Cauliflowers have taken a battering with hot temperatures and lack of water during August. Although we have had a small amount of rain recently, it is not enough to rescue the season and availability will remain constrained.

Potato crops will be affected hugely, as tubers need plenty of water, which we simply have not had in recent weeks. Sizes are expected to be on the smaller side and market prices are certainly tightening through to Autumn.

There is still plenty to appreciate including: Blackberries, Blueberries & Raspberries all from Kent, plus the final few weeks of British Strawberries (will end mid-late Sept.).

September sees the start of some wonderful Autumn Squashes starting to arrive from Bedlams Farm in Cambs, including the mixed box (10kg) below which remains a firm favourite, which includes Crown Prince, Onion Squash  (both also available separately), Harlequin and Spaghetti Squash.

Kent Cobnuts are around for a few weeks along with Damsons. Other British Plums (‘Opal’ and ‘Victoria’) from Kent might not look as glossy as the imported ones but the flavour more than makes up for it. Sloes are also around in limited numbers, which are foraged along with Elderberries & Crab Apples (pre-orders only). Sweetcorn in husks from Essex still going strong.

British Apples including Early Windsor and Worcester will be available this week, with Spartan towards the back end of September. Conference Pears will follow in a few weeks.

The extra warm Summer has seen higher than usual demand and usage of Melons, Nectarines, Peaches and Flat Peaches. Whilst these should remain good quality for a couple of weeks or so, this season could come to an end later this month. Spain has produced less melons that usual this year, so the switch to South American may happen sooner than usually expected.

For other stonefruit, Italian Red Plums are very juicy, alongside French Greengages. Cherries will be coming from the USA now – quality high but prices to match. Satsumas/Nadorcotts are decent along with good quality Figs.
Conference Pears are from Belgium or these blushed ‘QTee’ ™ Pears (below) add some nice colour.

Lychees remain good quality, as do Mangosteen and Rambutan.

For chocolate lovers and pastry chefs, these exotic Cacao (below) are the source of all chocolate!

From France: Swiss Chard, Mache, Sandy Carrots, Seaweed, Smoked Garlic, Grelot Onions, Globe Artichokes, Delica Pumpkin/Squash, Rainbow Radish, Ratte Potatoes, Round Courgettes, Courgette Flowers, Pissenlit Blanc (dandelion), Red Chicory, Purple/Orange Cauliflowers,  Salsify, & Bunched Baby Carrots / Turnips / Leeks / Beetroot.

From Italy: Graffiti Aubergines (above), Trompetta Courgettes (below) Round/Sicilian Aubergines, Grelot/Tropea Onions, Tardivo, Cavolonero, Borlotti Beans, Cippolini Onions, Kohl Rabbi, Datterini Tomatoes, Nettles, Cima di Rappa, Trevise, Raf Bleu Tomatoes, Castelfranco, Monk’s Beard, Baby Artichokes, Sicilian Unwaxed Lemons, Golden Kiwi.

Exotics – Mangoes, Physalis, Mangosteen, Jackfruit, Baby Pineapples,  Salak, Pitahaya, Dragonfruit, Coconut, Papaya, Prickly Pear, Custard Apple, Kaffir Limes, Grenadilla, Starfruit, Guava, Rambutan.

On the mushroom front, as well as cultivated Oyster, King Oyster, Shiitake and Shimeji, we are moving into the best time for wild mushrooms and in addition to Scottish Girolles mentioned previously, there are also European Girolles, Pied de Mouton, Chanterelles, Black Truffles and limited availability of Cepes/Porcini from Balkans countries.