The month has just begun, but it looks set to be the warmest November weather on record. So is this wonky weather a challenge for our menus? When temperatures hit 20 Celsius – as they did yesterday – it might feel odd to be served Brussel sprouts.
Fruit
Turkish figs are all but over. English apples include Braeburn, Spartan, Cox, russet and Gala. Comice pears are now here, joining Conference. Citrus is on good form: leafy clems and satsumas, of course. Lemons are Turkish and Spanish. By the end of the month, Spain will be the main provider of oranges, too. Soft fruit includes the last English strawberries plus blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and redcurrants.
Other options include quince, kaki fruit, custard apples, mangoes, watermelons. Chestnuts, walnuts and hazlenuts are also here in volume – see our Seasonal Highlight on these ingredients.
Veg
Brassicas, of course, are in their prime. So make a fuss of the kales, sprouts and tops and purple sprouting. Chantenay carrots and Piccolo parsnips are always very popular. Squashes are here in all their gorgeous variety – see our Seasonal Highlight on this, too. Sweet corn and runner beans are still available, too. English salads will keep going strong to around mid-month
Extras
We love the Italian produce at this time of year: raddichio, cime di rapa and puntarelle. Wild mushrooms love the autumnal weather, too. But perhaps not the unusual sunshine!
