For the first time this year, it feels properly like winter – a glimpse out the window shows snow on the ground. Weather like this calls for bright flavour and colours on any menu.
FRUIT
Citrus remains a highlight for February. This includes Seville and blood oranges (mostly Moro variety), leafy clems and lemons, and a new kid on the block – Cara Cara oranges, with a distinctive pink flesh.
Forced rhubarb is another winner. Yorkshire is best quality; Dutch is less money
Mangoes from Brazil are still plentiful. English apples – especially Braeburn and russet – remain excellent from store. Conference and Comice pears also available, plus French baby pears which look lovely on any plate.
Grapes, plums, peaches and nectarines are mainly from South Africa. Lychees are still on hand.
Morocco is taking over from Spain as main sender of lines including decent raspberries, blackberries and not-so-thrilling strawberries.
VEGETABLES
Steer clear from courgettes if you can, as they are short and pricey. For English, all the kales and cabbages – including January King – are a good bet. Pointed Hispi cabbage from Portugal is also well-priced. Purple sprouting is more erratic. Sprouts and their tops are also abundant, while kohl rabi is another brassica well worth considering.
English leeks, beets, spuds and onions, including banana and round shallot, are plentiful. Cauliflowers are both English and from the Continent.
Among the other options are squashes, mooli, radish and baby veg of all kinds.
EXTRAS
Italian fennel is wonderful at this of year. Raddichio is also in its prime. Wild mushrooms remain an option, although morels are off the menu and girolles are fizzling out.
Cherries are dear but delicious: Chilean and New Zealand product both available.
