Written by Tom Moggach
May 09, 2018
Asparagus is at its peak; wild garlic is throwing out these exquisite edible flowers. It's an uplifting start to the UK season.
Asparagus was the star of our last Chef's Guide. Check this out for the full low-down on this peerless ingredient. You'll find plenty of green, purple and white on the market.
These chunky white spears - top grade, of course - have stunning flecks of pink. I spotted them at The French Garden; the Italians prize white from Bassano, a town in Veneto, imported by European Salad Company.
Wild garlic is in full flow. Chefs are getting creative with the delicate buds and flowers, which look stunning on the plate.
Jersey Royals are also well priced now, alongside earlies from other spots such as Mallorca and Cornwall. (This pic shows product from wholesalers Premier; P & I are also a stockist).
This is a good time for UK sprouting broccoli. How about this rare white / yellow variety at S Thorogood?
UK salads are starting to arrive, although recent cold weather has slowed down growth a touch.
Right now, it's smaller plants such as Little Gem and baby leaf that are easiest to source.
From the greenhouse, there's also British salad crops such as cucumbers and heritage tomatoes. Pick of the bunch are the mixed boxes from Nutbourne Nursery.
If you like your 'shrooms, this is an exciting time with plump Morels and St. George among the wild species available.
It's not just wild garlic you'll find. This is a top time for fresh wet garlic and dried violet garlic from across the Channel.
Stone fruit is just starting from Southern Europe. There will be masses of Turkish cherries arriving soon, followed by the Spanish. Apricots are here, along with nectarines. Eating quality will improve throughout this month.
Blood oranges are still available - find out more in our Product Profile.
This is prime time for mangoes, such as the Alphonso from India.
Continental melons are building up speed, too, although right now Morocco is a key player.
For Continental specialties, highlights include broad beans, peas, artichokes, courgettes (plus the flowers), serpents squash, agretti and radicchio.
Tomatoes are plentiful, such as these Italian Marinda or cherry vine.
Don't forget that many wholesalers offer sidelines, too, such as the nuts, dried fruit and tofu sold by Gilgrove. Have a good rummage through the traders' stands and fridges to discover the surprising range of goods available at New Covent Garden Market.
See you in June. In the meantime, drop me a line with any comments and queries using the boxes below.
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