We’re starting off this week’s news with something that’s tricky to source right now: spinach. Spinach is always a difficult crop to grow as it’s very picky about the kind of weather it likes. The recent wetness makes it hard to harvest and as soon as the sun comes out it is likely to bolt. To compensate for the spinach gap, we have plenty of rainbow chard from Strawberry Fields in Lincolnshire. You can eat the leaves and the stems. Actually, most of the flavour is in the stems – it’s great for stir frying.
Also becoming abundant now is UK bunched beetroot. The mainstay of our supply comes from Strawberry Fields as well, with golden beetroot alongside the chioggia and red varieties. Fresh beetroot leaves are delicious and can be used in the same way as chard.
Exciting new kids on the block on the fruit aisle include gooseberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants; especially good news for those who like a bit of tang in their porridge and fruit crumbles. They are courtesy of Carey in Herefordshire and will be sold in recycled cardboard boxes.
From Europe we’re mostly enjoying big Spanish cherries. Both the black and the lighter red variety have reached peak flavour. You can look forward to UK cherries form Joe Pardoe next week!
We’re also stocking up on a bounty of local lettuces and Spanish watermelons in anticipation of this weekend’s lovely weather…
