Market Report - UK seasonal update 20 July 2015

The Staff Canteen

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

This week's market report from Wild Harvest features greengage plums, green walnuts and wild mushrooms as well as a whole host of other fruit and vegetables currently in season which you can see below: mini girollesWith people in the trade already talking about the glorious 12th (the start of the game season), new crops have a distinctly autumnal feel to them. Wild Mushrooms and Truffles We are still very much in prime girolle season with continental crops now coming from Russia. This has driven prices down and quality up. The news from Scotland on this pine and apricot scented beauty is that they need more warmth to encourage growth. Sliced fresh cep are coming from Romania and eyes are peeled for UK puffballs. Summer truffles are still in abundance from Italy but soaring temperatures are beginning to weaken the crop. Now is the time to preserve if that’s your game. Classic autumnal wild mushrooms such as pied de mouton, trompette and chanterelle are likely to appear at the start of August to compliment the game season perfectly.Green walnuts Fruits Whilst specimens of greengage plums are firm and less than sweet at the start, we are dipping our toes in early for those who wish to cook with what the French call Reine Claude (after pre-revolution well liked queen). Both green walnuts and early cob nuts have hit the seasonal scene. The walnut season is short but works best as a pickle anyhow.

Here are just some of the fruits giving pleasure right now:

  • British strawberries
  • Cherries
  • Peaches and nectarines
  • Gooseberries (such a natural partner to mackerel that the French call them groseille à maquereau)
  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • Tomatoes galore
  • Apricots
It won’t be long before we are focused on apples, pears and grapes so enjoy summer fruits now. coco de PaimpolVegetables The AOC protected pulse known as the coco de Paimpol is now making it’s way across la Manche in it's creamy jackets. This multi purpose bean can be used to bulk out light broths, or soak up rich meaty flavours. As with fruits here’s a list of some vegetables in good nick:
  • Sweetcorn
  • Sea beet
  • Coloured cauliflowers
  • Baby root vegetablesPurple cauliflower
  • Peas
  • Broad beans
  • Jersey royal spuds
  • Wild pea flowers
As usual, this is just a small selection 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. Visit the website here.
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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 20th July 2015

Market Report - UK seasonal update 20 July 2015

IN ASSOCIATION WITH