With Valentine’s around the corner, it’s apt to see the sultry deep reds of blood oranges on the market this February. Neon pink forced rhubarb is among the other highlights (see last month’s feature on this ingredient).
Fruit
Tarocco (best for flavour) and Moro (best for colour) are the two main varieties of Sicilian blood orange. Yorkshire forced rhubarb is slowly coming down in price and excellent quality.
Other citrus includes tip top leafy lemons, Spanish navels, Cara Cara oranges, clems and even bergamots. Lychees and pomegranates are also a good call. Melons and mangoes are typically Brazilian or Costa Rican.
Don’t forget English apples and pears – still eating well out of store. Stone fruit from South Africa includes (rather hard) plums and apricots. (The best apricots are hailing from New Zealand, of all places – a long way to travel).
Veg
Roots and brassicas are all in good fettle. Note that the price of purple sprouting is erratic. Hispi, Savoy and January king cabbage are on form, as are sprout tops. Jersey Royals are expensive but will drop in price. For salads, rocket and mustards are excellent at this time of year, along with Italian lines such as puntarelle.
Extras
Specialities from the Continent include fennel, Romanesco cauliflower, celeriac and Globe and Petit Violet artichokes.
