Market Report - UK seasonal update 1 September 2014
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Social media is awash with parents shocked by the prices of school uniforms. A sure sign that a new term is starting, and restaurant trade begins to climb the ladder of heightened activity peaking with Christmas parties.
Wild Mushrooms & Truffles
The cep aka porcini, penny bun or boletus season is gaining momentum. Whilst shipments are by no means on tap, quality has gone above trial level and we are seeing some healthy crops especially from Sweden. Try our year round lovely frozen and dried options as a buffer against seasonal blips.
The cauliflower fungus is now in season from France.
Girolles, trompette, grey & yellow chanterelle and pied de mouton are now coming from various European sources.
The abundant Italian summer truffle season is still flowing.
Fruits
Sloes are being foraged for your boozy infusions as are rowan and elderberries.
Crab apples are also being liberated from the wild by our man in Norfolk.
Cob nuts continue.
Turkish Bursa black figs are excellent and affordable.
Muscat grapes are adorable, and both Victoria and damson plums are at their best.
Next stop apples and pears before the end of the month. Blink and it will be all about citrus.
Vegetables
Exotic squash such as the hokkiado and potimarron varieties are now readily available.
Here’s a cold list of some select savory plant life I would encourage the use of right now:-
- Candy & golden beet
- Jerusalem artichokes
- Purple & golden cauliflower
- Sea aster, beet and purslane from our wild shores
- Salsify
- Parsley root (like a parsnip but not as overbearingly sweet with cleaner herbal notes)
- The second season of Wye Valley green asparagus
Game
The start of September brings with it the legal shooting of Partridge and Mallard to further fortify our burgeoning game offering.
Ambient Corner
As long term fans of protein packed pulses in both fresh and dried forms, Wild Harvest offer a wide range of options.
The AOC & AOP & Label Rouge accredited Puy lentil from Central France had a bad harvest last year, but we have so far maintained supply of this delicious specimen.
The new crop is being harvested now for drying so fingers crossed it makes the mark.
For sure it negates a vegetarian option, but I like mine with chicken stock and lardons.
Look out for the next report from Wild Harvest coming later this month!
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.
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