Producers both in the UK and in Holland are waiting for sun and heat to get their crops moving.
Tomatoes in particular are craving the sunshine. Our UK tomato supplier Wights (Isle of Wight) have delivered our first pallet of the season, but the volumes are still limited, so for now we’ll be supplementing the range with Spanish and Italian fruits. Speaking about that first delivery: the cherry vine and baby plum tomatoes taste nothing short of sensational! We are certainly confident we’ll have summer full of tomato induced joy.
Local and Lancashire spinach is abundant from this week. In addition to bags from Duncan Gielty, we’re expecting batches of loose true spinach from Glebelands in Sale and Libby Flintoff (Lancs). Libby also does gorgeous spinach beet, which has a firmer texture and slightly different flavour. It can be cooked in the same way as true spinach and, because it’s easier to grow, it’s also a cheaper option.
From Europe there’s a few good value options: Spanish blueberries, asparagus and courgettes are all abundant. There’s lots happening over on the fruit aisle: melons, watermelons and nectarines are all making a tentative start – making up for the complete lack of choice in apple varieties due to the global shortage.
A final note: there’s a week’s gap on local salad leaves – a hangover from the Beast from the East!
