Welcome to June’s market report, Lots of action this month, with summer nearly here – not to mention the World Cup!
Headlines are the first British peas and broad beans. British strawberries are a must, while asparagus and Jersey Royals are both reasonably priced and look smart on any menu.
FRUIT
The Spanish season for stone fruit is underway. Cherries are already eating well. The first flat or ‘donut’ peaches are available, with flat nectarines next up. Standard-sized peaches, apricots, plums and nectarines are improving in quality, and should be sweet and juicy by the middle of the month.
Strawberries are now showing real flavour. The first British gooseberries are available – still a touch small and hard though. Currants, raspberries and blueberries are typically imports.
From further afield, mangoes and pomegranates are a good buy. Figs are Brazilian or (more expensive but better) French. There are also decent Charentais and water melons on hand.
Be warned – limes are expensive.
VEG
Peas and broad beans are the stars of the show, while British broccoli is now back and cauliflowers are on the dear side. Mid-sized Jersey Royals or Cornish have settled in price.
Tomatoes of all kinds available, including mixed boxes of British heritage varieties.
English salads of all types are plentiful. Also wet garlic or round courgettes if you are after something a bit different.
EXTRAS
Borlotti beans from Italy and courgette flowers are the connoisseurs choice. In terms of wild mushrooms, girolle and mousseron are generally available, while ceps and morels are more sporadic.
