It’s been a remarkable end to September with bright, sunny skies. There’s plenty to smile about from the market, too – the last of the summer and first tastes of autumn.
Highlights include English apples and plums, Turkish figs, clementines, cobnuts, chestnuts, squashes and sweetcorn.
Fruit
Varieties of English apples include the last of the Discovery, Early Windsor, Gala and the first of the russets. Conference pears are still a touch early, but decent Williams pears from Italy will fill the gap. English plums include Victoria and the later Marjorie’s Seedling – definitely a good buy.
Turkish figs – always a favourite – are now underway. The first of the clementines have also made an appearance. Quinces are another option – lovely roasted and paired with fattier meats such as pork, duck or goose. Muscat grapes are pricey but impossible to beat for flavour.
Veg
There are dozens of variety of winter squash – see our article last month on this seasonal highlight. Marrows are also in their prime.
Sweetcorn remains reasonably priced. Peas are ending, but there’s still plenty of runner beans to be had. Winter brassicas such as a Savoy cabbage, purple sprouting and kale are enjoying this shift to cooler weather. English salads still available but the price will be creeping up as the season tails off. Other Continental specialties include artichokes (Globe; Petit Violet; Jerusalem), Swiss chard and Romanesco cauliflower.
Extras
Round courgettes from the Continent always look great on the plate. There’s a wide variety of wild mushrooms, too, including excellent Cep. Among more exotic fruits, why not try kaki fruits from Spain or custard apples?
Cobnuts add a classic English feel to any menu. Chestnuts and wet walnuts from over the Channel also lend an autumnal feel.
