Written by Tom Moggach
February 03, 2019
Here's Louis at Premier Exotics - offering a slice of sunshine this February.
But's it's not just pineapples and other exotics that are on form.
Closer to home, this is prime time for Yorkshire forced rhubarb, one of my very favourite ingredients.
Don't forget, too, that English apples are still eating well out of cold store - Cox, Gala, russets, Braeburn and Bramley.
"I should think it will be another 4-6 weeks - mid March, hopefully," says Eddie Barrett at wholesaler H G Walker. "But English pears are more or less finished."
For other fruit, it's an incredible time for citrus. Blood oranges from Sicily and Spain - now a lovely colour.
You'll also find leafy clems, Nardorcotts, leafy lemons, Seville oranges (last few weeks; pictured below), pink grapefruits, bergamots and more from wholesalers such as European Salad Company, French Garden, H G Walker and Premier Fruits.
Other fruits well worth considering are pomegranates (Turkey; Spain), raspberries (Spain) and even strawberries - good tasting fruit is flooding in from southern Europe.
Lychees are always a favourite at this time of year.
British brassicas are excellent. Purple sprouting, Savoy and January King cabbages are all highlights.
There are kales of all kinds, such as this fabulous Cavolo Nero. Sprouts and tops are winding down.
For roots, Jerusalem artichokes are excellent now - British and Continental available. Parsnips, swede and turnips all stable.
From Italy, there is the first asparagus, broad beans and peas. Try European Salad Company or French Garden.
Cime di rapa (pictured below), puntarelle and radicchios are all bang in season. Artichokes are also a good call. Aubergines and courgettes are tricky and often pricey.
What about the wonderful colour on these purple cauliflowers, spotted over at French Garden?
This is their 'flash' (display), offering a glimpse of Continental specialties such as Swiss chard and Delicata squash.
For something unusual, I spotted these Royal Chestnut mushrooms at The Mushroom Man - these are cultivated in China. Wild 'shrooms include Morels, Chanterelle, Girolle and Pied de Mouton.
Lastly, how about some chillies to ward of the winter? There are innumerable varieties available on the market - here are a handful to get you in the mood.
As ever, feel free to get in touch with any questions or comments using the comments below.
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