Market Report - UK seasonal update 17 March 2014

In association with

Hello All,

Fresh Wild Mushrooms

A solid spell of rain has encouraged a late flush of South African cep. Maggot free and firm, this new growth promises to be small and garnish friendly. Enjoy them while they last.

Strange sub zero temperatures and sporadic snow in the wild mushroom growing regions of Turkey are beginning to limit supply of fresh morels, and are pushing prices up. A short lived situation I feel. 

Girolle quality is suffering and we slow supply until the likes of Bulgaria kick off in a month or so. 

Chanterelle jaune/gris and pied de mouton continue from Portugal. 

Call me a spoilt mushroom bore, but I’m starting to get excited about the first mousseron and St George mushrooms which normally appear as if by magic just in time for St George’s day on April the 23^rd. 

Truffles

We have bought our last Perigord truffles of the year, but the Italian winter truffle is still in excellent shape.

Bianchetti or spring white truffles continue for another week at least. 

Fruits

We need around another two weeks before we kick in with our direct links to the excellent Prince De Bretagne brand Amongst many other benefits this will bring a price reduction for the now usable gariguette strawberries, and heirloom a.k.a Inca tomatoes will take a hike in quality as supply moves away from Holland. 

Here’s a list of just some of the seasonal fruits we are busy supplying:- 

• Kiwiberries


• San Marzano Tomatoes


• Datterino Tomatoes


• Quince


• Passe Crassane Pears


• Finger Limes


• Blood Oranges cling on


• Honey Pomelo


• Borage Flowers are in abundance to beautify your banquets 

The English asparagus season runs from May to June.

If you don’t believe me look at the British asparagus website who are counting down 39 days to go.

The excellent Wye Valley asparagus farm is busy supplying us with perfect champagne rhubarb.

They have an ideal microclimate to produce early crops in a sheltered valley, and the first box or two is hitting the market. Demand massively outstrips supply however until further notice.

September is a way off, but the Chinn family from the Wye valley gives us a second bite of the asparagus apple from then until as late as November! 

As above I’ve ranted enough today, so here’s a list of just a slice of our vegetable offering in top form right now:- 

• Peas


• Broad Beans


• Wild Garlic


• Monks Beard


• White Aspargus


• Champagne Rhubarb


• Jersey Royal Spuds


• Wild Leeks from Thursday


• Bunched Grelot Onions 

Self indicating silica gel has been on our non food offering for over 10 years.

The food friendly version of the funny little sachets you find in a new pair of trainers allow busy chefs to get ahead with their mise en place.

Added to a sealed container these beads will absorb atmospheric moisture and keep your crisps crisp.

The self indicating aspect works as follows.

In the dry form the beads are orange.

Once saturated with moisture they turn green.

The beads can be regenerated by exposing to temperatures of 100-120?C turning them orange once again for re-use.

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.