Market Report – UK Seasonal update 17 February 2014

The Staff Canteen

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

In association with

Hello Chef, perigord truffle Following the thrills and spills of Valentine’s Day; it’s time to come back down to earth with everybody’s  favourite spring mushroom the morel. Yes these beauties are dear at the minute but the price has recently dropped from crazy to just relatively expensive and the quality couldn’t be better. As the season progresses the price will steadily drop but where it ends up only the morels know.   Following the mushroom theme the wild varieties on offer currently are chanterelles (both varieties), pied de mouton and their semi cultivated cousin the pied de bleu.  Truffles are still going strong and it is often said they are at their best in February, just before they traditionally end in March. The Umbrian variety is still good value and quality is as good as ever, the Perigord variety will get cheaper before the end so buy this month for preserving or just to add a flourish to your menu.  Fruit and Veg are on the verge of rebirth, the winter staples are fading and the spring loveliness is popping up bit by bit. Seville oranges have just ended but their blood brothers are holding on.   How about a starter of French white asparagus? It’s just started and soon the Jersey royals will be here and french white asparagusall will be right with the world, pair that with some lovely wild cabbage and you’ll have a winning basis for any spring dish.   Foraged goods will get all the more pervasive as the weather turns (at least we hope it does). We currently have sea purslane, alexanders and three cornered leeks; as March rolls around this handsome trio will be joined by wild garlic, nettles and sea beet.  Game is still holding on till the end of the month; fresh wild boar, British hares and venison should keep your wild urges in check for time being.   As usual, this is just a smattering of what we have on offer. Call in on 020 7498 5397 to speak to the team about what other treats we have in store for you today.
In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall  – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 16 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 560,000 followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.

The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 17th February 2014

Market Report – UK Seasonal update 17 February 2014

IN ASSOCIATION WITH