Seasonal Food Calendar

JANUARY

January pricing is notoriously unpredictable, as it suffers wide fluctuations depending on the level of demand over the Christmas period, the weather (which can be very harsh at this time of year), and also on which days the Continental Bank Holidays fall on. However, fruit is certainly more stable than other fresh produce lines.

The Christmas demand for fruit usually results in heavy sales of stone fruit, such as South African Peaches, Apricots and Nectarines. This leads to more realistic prices for these items during January, as well as giving us more developed fruits and larger sizes. However, by the end of January, supplies will become short. Chilean Cherries are excellent, as are South African Santa Rosa Plums.

Citrus fruits are also excellent at this time of year, with such lines as Mandoras and Clementines being excellent, and Bitter Seville Oranges, Italian Blood Oranges, and new season Cyprus Grapefruit all beginning to arrive at the markets. Lemons peak in quality at this time of year, and Figs and Rhubarb are also good value - the latter of which makes a great base for fruit compotes, souffles and mousses.

Israeli Strawberries were very well received last year, and the likelihood is that this success will be repeated if not bettered this year. They have a wonderful, delicate-yet-rich flavour, without the watery texture of some winter soft fruits. However, they too are likely to be gone by the end of the month - so if you are going to use them on your menu, use them early and be prepared to change! Spanish Fruit takes over the supply, however the flavour is not as good - despite their excellent appearance. Prices continue to remain quite high for most other berries during the height of winter, with the Blueberry being the most reasonable.

More fruit recommendations are Sharon Fruit and the Large South African Lychees - both of which fall in price and are at their best. Dates are also excellent - we recommend the toffee flavoured Medjool Dates, which have such a rich flesh that you will never want to go back to the smooth-skinned Israeli variety.

Lettuces, especially the French varieties, remain high in price throughout January. Cucumbers can be in short supply at this time of year, and it is sometimes difficult to find good quality Spanish Peppers, and because of this we recommend you switch to the Israeli varieties that are more consistent in size and colour.

On to vegetables, and English Carrots, Parsnips and Sprouts are usually good value at this time, however they can suffer the occasion price spike if snow or harsh frosts take their toll on the crop. Cauliflowers are also affected by this, and they can be quite small. Broccoli and Courgettes are good value at the time of writing, but Yellow Courgettes are very expensive.

FEBRUARY

Cabbages are at their best at this time of year, with many varieties to choose from. There's the wrinkly dark green Savoy Cabbage, Spring Greens and the complex, decorative 2,000-year-old Roman favourite - Curly Kale.

Japanese Artichokes (Crosnes) are a rarely seen vegetable with an earthy taste, and will be available until mid-month. Another underrated vegetable, the root Salsify from Belgium, is at its peak during February, and is rich in fibre with a delicate flavour that will remind you of Asparagus. It can however discolour rapidly when peeled. Talking of Asparagus, this line will be dominated by imports from Peru - with the trend moving away from large sizes and more towards a medium sized spear.

Spanish Broccoli is at its best at this time of year, as are Courgettes. Celeriac is an interesting root also available and good quality at this time of year, and can be purchased prepared in either a turned or batoned variety.

Another line that is growing in popularity is Sugar Snaps. Fine Beans from Zambia and Mangetout are very good value throughout this period.

Spanish Strawberries are widely available this month, making them very cheap. They are also very large, although their sugar levels can fluctuate. Raspberries from Spain are excellent value now. However, Redcurrants will need very deep pockets! Fresh Water Chestnuts peak at this time of year.

Citrus fruits will be entering a difficult time, with Satsumas being very difficult to find. Better to stick to Clementines for the early part of the month, and then as they leave the market, why not try Fortunas? Lychees will also continue to fall in price whilst the quality remains very good.

Looking forward to Valentines, many exotic fruits will be available - such as Granadilla, Golden and most common Purple Passionfruit varieties - an ideal complement to a Melon or Mango dish. We also sell all flavours of Puree - including Passionfruit - in frozen and ambient varieties all year round. For something with a slightly more gentle flavour, the orange-fleshed Canteline Melon, Ruby Grapefruit or Rhubarb offer a palette of colour to use in your dishes. Grapefruit in particular is at its best at this time of year.

Lettuces from the South of France, such as Lollo Rosso and Lollo Bionda will be improving in quality, and will soon be replaced by lines from Northern France anyway.

New in at the vegetable markets at this time will be Artichokes, Asparagus and Radishes - with Brussels Sprouts bowing out.

And finally, Chicory is excellent value at the moment, and can be roasted or braised. This does not however include the Red Chicory variety, which remains expensive. Radicchio will also be increasing in price as the season changes.

MARCH

Vegetable crops are usually good throughout March, and now is when we will start to see much better Cauliflowers at reasonable prices. Purple Sprouting Broccoli is also available at the start of the month, and is a favourite amongst chefs. We now also see an improvement in Baby Vegetables - with popular choices being Baby Carrots, Beetroot, Leeks and Fennel.

Peaking at this time of year are Artichokes, Cabbages, Carrots and Fennel - with Peas entering the market.

For salads, Black Radish and White Radish, (known as Mooli), give a colourful palette, along with such new arrivals as the French Wild Garlic Leaf, the delicate Dandelion Leaf, new season English Mizuna, Baby Red Chard and the peppery Wild Roquette - all available towards the end of the month. Cherry and Orange Tomatoes On The Vine will be coming in from Holland and these days they are dependable, consistent and offer a colourful contrast.

Seedless Grapes are excellent value this time of year. As a rule of thumb - the larger the berry, the higher the sugar level. Apples however can be problematic, as supply will shift from Europe to Chile, South America and South Africa. Cox's, usually kept in storage from Holland, will be replaced towards the end of the month with new season New Zealand apples, as well as the excellent South American Royal Gala. Braeburn apples will continue to come in from France until next month.

Comice Pears are difficult to supply by the middle of March, as the Cape varieties begin to take over the market. The colourful Red Williams and Argentinean Red Anjou are both excellent alternatives, with a sweet taste and crunchy texture most suited for desserts.

Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots are in very short supply at this time of year, and should be avoided due to the poor quality of produce available. Two plum varieties however are excellent, which are the South African Songold Yellow Plums - although supply for these can end swiftly towards the end of the month - and the Chilean Black Angelina Plums - which arrive later in the month.

Uglifruit with its golden flesh is a delicious citrus, and it's juicy segments can make a delicious accompaniment for meat dishes - as well as more traditional desserts and exotic fruit salads.

Finally, Strawberries. Spanish varieties should remain good, and English and Dutch glasshouse crops will begin to enter the markets towards the end of this month.

APRIL

Spring has arrived and we all hope some warm weather arrives with it. As the Brazilian Melon season closes Honeydew Melons prove a difficult choice until the new Spanish crop arrives. Melons also have poor sugar levels at this time and prove very expensive. We recommend the Brazilian Cantalina Melon with its bright orange flesh and its unique flavour. The Israeli Galia season should continue well into the month, before being replaced by the Spanish varieties including early season Charantais Melons.

MAY

May is always a difficult time of the year for vegetable news. English Potato prices will continue to rise as the percentage of this years old crop coming out of store is 25% down on last year. This is mainly due to the record amount of rainfall we had last year particularly during the summer growing months. Unfortunately these conditions resulted in one of the worst years in the recent past for the growing of good quality Potatoes. It is anticipated that prices will continue to rise until sufficient quantities of the 2008 new crop become available on the market. This will especially affect the price of Baking Potatoes. Alternately there will be other varieties available on the market. Jersey Potatoes both Mids and Ware will become much more affordable, New Season Large Cyprus Potatoes are available ideal for chipping or baking. Always available is that old favorite the box of washed Mids, excellent quality coming from Israel at the moment moving on to new season English towards month end. Old crop Carrots will come to an end being replaced with products from Italy and France. Parsnips, Swede and Turnips should be removed from your menus although still available from Spain at a price. The new Spanish Leek crop will replace the English. Courgettes both yellow and green varieties are a good choice throughout the month. Peas and Broad Beans will be arriving from Spain. But hey, May is truly the month for ENGLISH ASPARAGUS, young, tender and superb quality and taste; it is a must for every menu this month. Please be aware the season will only last for about 6 weeks weather permitting, and can end abruptly.

JUNE

Fruit continues to become more plentiful moving into the summer, with Spanish Apricots as well as Nectarines and Yellow Fleshed Peaches leading the way. Melons are getting better too, with sugar levels higher than before in Spanish Galia and Yellow Melons, and don't forget the orange flesh of the Canteloupe and the wonderful, nearly seedless Watermelon that has red flesh and a sweet taste.

Most of the berry and currant varieties will be coming down in price now and should be an affordable summer pudding favourite.

Vegetables are still quite tricky at this time of year as the seasons change. In particular, you should avoid Parsnips and Swede in your menu, as they become very expensive and quality is not assured. We will also be coming to a close towards the end of the month of English Asparagus, so expect an increase in price.

Local Spinach, Roquette and Mizuna crops should be good right now and at relatively low prices so it's time to jazz up your salads. Summer herbs should also be at their best, with fragrant Green and Thai basil available to add aroma and freshness to salads and other dishes.

JULY

This is the month for Salads, and we begin by looking at Cress. This line does not have to be ordinary, as there are many more exotic varieties available to add colour to your dish. At the higher end of the scale, the hot Daikon (radish cress) and Shiso (purple cress) are available, as is the small-leaved Basil Cress which has a very strong flavour.

New season English Radicchio joins the red veined Mustard Leaf in the markets and they should both be widely available and well priced. Summer herbs are also excellent, as are the thin English Spring Onions, which should be coming down in price.

Dutch Bell Peppers are at their most colourful now, with Yellow, Orange, Green, Black and Purple giving you a varied palette to play with. Also, new season Fennel can be chopped finely into salads for an unusual aniseed taste, or roasted with peppers and Thyme for a delicious exotic vegetable alternative. Jersey Courgettes and local pure white Cauliflowers will all be good value and at their peak for the forthcoming weeks. Fresh Peas and Broad beans are also excellent.

Melons are normally at their best at this time of year, both in terms of superb quality and excellent prices - not to mention high sugar levels! Pick of the crop are the Spanish Galia and French Charentais.

Softfruits are also reasonably priced at this time, with a new crop of English El Santa Strawberries from Kent and Norfolk as well as Blackcurrants and Blackberries towards the middle of the month. Dorset Blueberries will soon be entering the market.

Finally, Cape Hass Avocados are beginning to enter the market, and should be good quality and quite large; whilst Asparagus will no doubt be going up in price as supply shifts from local to Peruvian and American sources.

AUGUST

Peaches and Nectarines are excellent, especially the white flesh varieties. Apricots and Cherries will be finishing very soon.

English Victoria Plums and Damsons will be starting this month, as will English Discovery eating apples. New season Bramleys are already here. French Greengages and Purple President Plums will be here any day now.

Fresh Figs are plentiful this month and also Strawberries, Blueberries and Raspberries. Cultivated Blackberries can be hard to find at this time of the year. Black, Red and White Currants however are all plentiful.

New season Bunch Carrots will add colour and flavour to any plate, and much underated Kohlrabi is at its best this month with a sweet broccoli stem like taste. New season Potatoes are now good quality, well sized and give very good eating; and Sweet Potatoes (orange flesh) from Israel have just started their season.

Swiss Chard in its white and red varieties are both available now, and Sweetcorn or Corn on the Cob in its early varieties are now being harvested - they just get better each season.

Salads are our main seller this time of the year. Most of our Lettuce varieties i.e. Lollo, Oak, Biondi and Raddichio are grown locally and so are as fresh as can be. Iceberg can get a bit boring so why not try Cos, Little Gem or Chinese Leaf as an alternative; or if you are looking for something different try Batavia or Escarolle Lettuce.

Tomatoes are at their best now, but for that added taste and flavour try our Vine and Cherry Vine varieties - they are in a class of their own.

SEPTEMBER

English Broccoli, Runner Beans, Broad Beans, and Courgettes are reaching the close of their season, and as a result you should prepare for prices to rise on these items. We source new season Spanish Broccoli and Courgettes to correct this issue once they become available.

The English Root Crop season was a good one last year, with Jacket Potatoes being super quality. Carrots, Swede, Parsnips, Turnips and Celariac all looked and tasted superb. Pumpkins are now available, as are Butter Nut, Spaghetti and Onion Squashes - which all make a pleasant change to the menu. Super Sweet Corn is at its best this month, so don't miss out - it is delicious.

The season for Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots will finish by the end of September. Spanish Honeydew and Galia Melons have now replaced the Brazilian crop, and these will provide a much better consistency in quality. Sweet Italia Seeded Grapes and Fresh Greek Figs are a welcome change for September, and the English Apple and Pear season is now under way. You can't beat the 'just picked' flavour of our East Anglian fruit, although Cox's are best left until the end of the month.

The English Berry season really suffered last summer, and crops did not yield the high quality that we demand. To counter act this we sourced Belgian and Dutch Strawberries to provide our customers with both quality and shelf life.

Raspberry and Blackberry supplies last year were both short and more expensive than we would normally expect this month.

In salads, Tomatoes and Cucumbers can move slightly up in price, as the English and Dutch season slowly comes to a close.

Finally, Iceburg lettuce crops last year suffered with all the rain we had in August, and this caused them to turn brown in the centre. Also, a lot of crops had to be ploughed back in, causing a slight increase in price.

OCTOBER

October is the start of the 'true winter season', with all the root crops at their best. Parsnips, Carrots, Swede and Turnips are young, tender and full of flavour. English Cauliflowers can be in short supply, and can remain on the expensive side. For an alternative, Savoy Cabbage, tasty winter Leeks and new season Brussel Sprouts are all plentiful.

South America produced a second crop of Asparagus last year which was excellent quality and reasonably priced, and don't forget Red Cabbage, new season Raw Beetroot, or orange fleshed Sweet Potatoes if you are looking for that extra colour.

For something a little different, try Jerusalem Artichokes, Celariac or Salsify, and use Pickling Onions instead of Baby Onions. Pumpkin is available (don't forget Halloween is this month). However, for cooking many prefer Butternut Squash. Down in price are Jacket Potatoes as it has been a good growing year, and the quality is excellent. Chestnuts and Wet Walnuts are also now available.

Best avoided are Peas, Broad Beans and Runner Beans as they have come to the end of their season. Also Sweetcorn will not be as tender and tasty as it was in September.

Turkish fresh Figs are at their best just now, as are English Cox's Apples, Conference Pears and Pomegranates. Good quality seedless grapes are hard to find, but the seeded Red Globe and Italia White grapes are large and delicious. English Plums have finished now, and Italian Angerlinos have taken their place.

The English and Dutch salad season will be coming to a close by the end of the month, with Spain and the Canary Islands taking their place.

As ever, we will change over as soon as possible to ensure that our quality is at its best at all times.

NOVEMBER

Cauliflowers by now are usually safe to put back on the menu - as they should be plentiful and down in price. Other members of the brassica family such as the Italian lime green Romanesco and Purple Sprouting Broccoli just start to show themselves in the London Markets at this time, so availability is somewhat unstable at the moment.

New season Runner Beans from Zimbabwe, Portuguese Hispi Cabbage, Peruvian Asparagus, Dutch Sprouts, Spanish Aubergines, and of course English Brussel Tops all form part of our now famous Worldwide Selection of fresh vegetables.

The Spanish season is now underway, with the start of the first real sweet and juicy Satsumas (the only true seedless tangerine) and the flavoursome Leafy Clementines. The Spanish Navel Oranges - everyone's favourite orange for the Christmas Season - will be with us by the end of the month.

Dutch Strawberries are very good for this time of the year, and sensibly priced, but other berries remain expensive, please ask our sales team for the price when placing your order. Good quality Seedless Grapes are hard to find at this time of year, but our expert buyers and in house quality controllers make sure that only the best reaches our customers.

Now is the time to buy Sharon Fruit from Israel and Italian Kaki. Bright fresh American Cranberries are also now in season - do not miss out on this super seasonal fruit.

Chestnuts are super quality this year, also available are the cooked chestnuts in 500g packs, ideal for making stuffing.

Give Peaches and Nectarines a miss for a while, they do not eat very well this at time of year. In a month or so the first of the new season South African varieties will be here, just in time for Christmas.

DECEMBER

The Spanish season is now in full swing, with Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Iceberg Lettuce and Peppers all plentiful. However, as the Dutch season is now almost over, the Spanish will have control of the market and we could therefore see quite widespread fluctuation in prices over the coming month. Fancy Lettuce, e.g. Oak, Lollo, Radiccio and Curly Endive can increase in price, but this is normal for the season. (We change to French supply as English quality is poor at this time of year).

Tasty Italian Scraping Potatoes are here now, and don't forget to add to your prepared order our succulent Sprouts - we supply them trimmed and ready for cooking: a great time saver and very affordable - as are our superb Pre-Cooked Chestnuts.

Don't forget the super-sweet orange flesh of Cantaloupe or Charentais Melons for that added colour with fruit. The only Christmas orange to have are the Spanish Navel Oranges - they are thin-skinned and always full of juice. Spanish Leafy Clementines have the best flavour of all, and are ideal for decorating the fruit bowl. Cape Peaches are also now here, with Nectarines to follow shortly.

Quinces are richly fragrant and full of flavour - they make a marvellous sauce for your pork dishes. Also Quince Jelly is superb with cheese, as are Chinese Nashi Pears - just so delicious with a flavour and texture that really complements the cheese board. English Cox and French Pink Lady apples have so much flavour at this time of year - you can't beat the fresh new season produce that we stock.

Berries like Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries and also Redcurrants will all be good quality throughout the coming months as we will only be sourcing Class 1 goods as always. However they usually maintain high prices over the season. Strawberries will soon be Carmel Strawberries as these are the best quality at this time of year - keep in mind that these are likely to be smaller than normal.

Finally, single and two portion Galia Melons will be in huge demand and are often in short supply, so please give us plenty of warning with your requirements.