Market Report Sponsorsed by Oakleaf European Newsletter #13

Fruit and Mushroom with Robin

A little earlier than usual, we are seeing a nice selection of wild mushroom that includes Lactaire, Mousseron, both Grey and Yellow Chanterelle, Trompette and cepe. Fruit is getting a more autumnal feel to it now as the large fig selection is joined by wet walnuts. At present the first ones really need to have the skin peeled off them to get the best out of the creamy flesh, but this will change soon as other varieties start and the product becomes more plentiful.

Apples and pears are beginning to make an impression to with colourful red William pears, good Reine des Reinettes and now some great tasting, crunchy Rubinette too from the Vendée.

Plums are also very good, with varieties changing fast. Mirabelles are still a show stopper and we have been treated to packaging similar to top UK retail packs incorporating a picture of the grower, under the marque Petit Producteur. On a sad note, other stone fruit is coming to an end and we are no longer listing apricots .

Vegetable and Salad with Matthieu

No doubt autumn is in the air. Rungis is offering a large selection of squashes and so far we are offering the classic Muscade ribbed pumpkins, butternut, onion squash or "Potimarron" and finally our favourite the "Rouge vif d Etampes" or in English "Bright red from Etampes". More varieties are due to start this month and it should not be long before Jack be Little, Spaghetti, Turban and Okaido squash will start. The speciality roots selection is also growing every week. Jerusalem artichoke, perhaps a little small still, and parsnips have been available for few weeks. We saw this morning the first Chervil Tubers coming into the market and we finally expect to start salsify soon. Meanwhile, French Broccoli from Normandy is good quality and value and we have seen our first nets of Brussels sprouts. We are now offering cauliflower and Castel or baby violet Artichokes from Brittany. Baby Ratte and vitelotte potatoes in 5kg boxes are currently the best we have seen.