exists through naural hybridisation, rather than a result of a clever Dutchman tinkering with nature.
A French man of the cloth called Brother Clément Rodier is said to be the first European to discover the fruit in his Algerian orphanage.
As with most fruits China is thought to be the source.
Fresh chestnuts are now readily available, and pears are getting closer to being edible raw.
Vegetables

The first crosnes aka Japanese artichokes have hit the markets. Prices will drop. I know I roll this story out every year, but my colleague’s description of his family cooking off this prized root in the juices of a roasting goose sums up the opulence of Christmas dining for me.
Purple sprouting broccoli is currently lovely.
Rainbow and swiss chard are both solid.
Adult and baby carrots and beets are available in various colours.
Chervil and parsley root add a herbal high note to your purees.
Radishes, cauliflowers and kohlrabi are all good.
Squash availability in a myriad of forms is peaking. Yes, we will be selling carving pumpkins. Call me a killjoy but the idea of using something edible as a decoration upsets me slightly.
I’d rather to settle down to a truffled iron bar pumpkin soup with some goats cheese croutons wearing a scary mask than abuse a squash.
Game
We have now started supplying pheasants alongside other furred and feathered British game. They represent excellent value for money.
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.