You don’t need us to tell you that Winter is fast approaching, with temperatures plummeting and plenty of rain about, we’re seeing a lot of UK produce coming to an end sooner than it did last year. Swiss chard, celery, spring onions and leafy herbs have all suffered in the cold, we’ll be looking to Europe to fill these gaps in the weeks ahead.
We’ve managed to secure a broccoli supply from Pollybell Organics in Doncaster this week, who despite being surrounded by areas affected by flooding, have thankfully avoided damage to their brassica crop. Broccoli does not like wet conditions though and looking at the forecast in the next week or so, it might be coming to an end quite soon too…
Brussels sprouts, sprout stalks and sprout tops are all looking lovely however, from local favourite Duncan Gielty in Ormskirk. Not just for Christmas, there’s a wealth of recipe options on our website if you’re stuck for inspiration: from curries to salads, stir fries to roasts, there’s loads to choose from. Sprout tops are often left to compost in the field, as the leaves need to be removed from the stalk to allow the Brussels to develop in size. What a waste! These cabbage-like, fresh young greens are delicious and good value too.
The European citrus season is now well underway, a true highlight of the winter months. Although pale in colour, the first Sicilian oranges are juicy and flavoursome, so too are the star ruby grapefruits. Spanish Clementines have hit their peak – superbly sweet and peeling easily, these come highly recommended. Also new in the range are the gorgeously-scented, heady Bergamots form Italy. Technically an orange, these fragrant beauties are lifting our spirits no end. We’re using them in marmalades and sweet bakes as well as to flavour gin – a great make-your-own Christmas present idea that will please a crowd!
