It’s a busy time of year – the storm before the calm of Christmas itself, when we can all take a well-earned break.
Here at Covent Garden all the classic festive ingredients are on hand. Here’s the pick of the bunch.
FRUIT
On the citrus front, clems and satsumas are on good form. Don’t forget about English apples and pears, too, which are still eating well from store. Varieties include Braeburn, Cox and russets. Softer fruit includes raspberries, blueberries and cranberries. Strawberries available but flavour leaves a lot to be desired.
Lychees have started, with prices dropping day by day. Pomegranates offer a welcome splash of colour to the plate. Other fruit worth a mention are exotics including sharon fruit and Brazilian mangoes. Melons are Brazilian, too, but not a first choice in terms of price and quality.
VEG
All the cabbages are in excellent shape, including Savoy and red. Other brassicas such as kale and Brussels (sprouts and tops) are abundant and well-priced. Note that broccoli is now from over the Channel. English or Continental caulis both available – specify if you wish at time of ordering.
Carrots, beets, onions (including fine shallots), parsnips, squashes and even Jerusalem artichokes are all British, if required. Smaller Chantenay carrots and Piccolo parsnips have become very popular on Christmas menus.
From the Continent, expect a broader range of veg including celery, artichokes, courgettes, (globe and standard), cardoons, aubergine and the last of the peas. Italy is sending classic winter produce such as fabulous fennel, cime di rapa, raddichio and – for the connoisseur – puntarelle.
EXTRAS
Custard apples are a more offbeat choice. Romanesco, as ever, offers something visually different on the plate. This is a good time for most wild mushrooms, with the exception of morels. Chestnuts (see our recent post), hazelnuts and walnuts are all available.
Wishing you a Happy Christmas from all the team.
