became part of its muscle mass and created the characteristic white streaks that give the ham its incomparable marbleised texture and aroma. The Ibérico pig is bred in the wild and is fed on natural products found in the Dehesa. Such is its quality of life that it is known as the "aristocrat" of the world's porcine species. Initially the piglet is fed on its mother's milk, after which it feeds on grass, seeds, bulbs and grain. After about a year the pig has reached its optimum weight to reap the maximum benefit from the resources of the Dehesa during the "montanera" or fattening period. Acorns, fruit of both the holm oak and cork tree, are the basis of the Ibérico pig's diet, although it also feeds on the pastures, stubble and wild leguminous, making a decisive contribution to the ecological balance of its natural habitat. The dehesa is also an extremely important reserve for plants such as thyme or rosemary and a wide variety of mushrooms. It is an exceptional habitat that provides a natural and balanced diet to the Ibérico pig. Ibérico ham is a completely natural food, which is rich in proteins, and contains vitamins and minerals including vitamin B1, iron, zinc and magnesium. The quality of the fat contained in Ibérico ham is excellent, consisting primarily of unsaturated fatty acids, and in particular, oleic acid, representing over 50% of the fat content. This makes this natural and healthy product an excellent choice, which consumed in moderation, can help to maintain the correct level of cholesterol. We have recently seen numerous cuts of fresh Ibérico Pork arriving on the market, with some positive feedback from Chefs we have today included some racks on a promo price for you to enjoy(see French Meat price list).

With Easter just around the corner

Easter is on its way and we have a massive range of top quality Chocolate from all over the world to suit all tastes and demands, whether it be Valrhona, Weiss or even Cocoa Barry we have it all see the chocolate section on the patisserie list.

Featured Fruit Products

I talked about these in Live from Rungis but as pineapples are still tricky - Victoria in particular as most is coming Mauritius - it is worth pointing out that bottle, (or sugar loaf) is very good and cayenne  also. As the European apple season comes to a close it is lovely to find some great quality fruit coming out of store. These are Braeburn but we have also tasted some good Rubinette. A poor picture that does no justice at all to the first Tulamine raspberry from Portugal. Distinct shape and a sweet flavour makes this variety a real winner. Gariguette strawberries are improving with each week. Cheaper, poorly graded fruit with little flavour is around too but our careful selecting ensures you are getting the best that is available.

Featured Vegetable Products

French cucumber benefit from not being wrapped so you can immediately enjoy the aroma before cutting into the juicy flesh.  Rainbow Radish - A fun product that graced some interesting dishes last year. They will be on the list from next week. The first Pineapple Tomato from Morf. One of a growing range of specialist varieties we offer for colour and flavour. Nettles - picked young in the spring but heat to destroy the sting. Can be served very simply just by steaming and serving with butter and lemon.

Special points of interest

• Quail are good value at the moment
• Anjou pigeon
• Herbs in pots - growing herbs in pots from Provence and now no need to pre-order
• Alsace bacon - as commented on on our Twitter page!
• We can supply chocolate eggs in a full range of sizes from mini up to several kilos each!
• Following on from two weeks ago, other dairy products are rising in price too.