UK apples, now a few weeks into their season, are arriving off the orchards full of flavour and sweetness and we’ve already many varieties to choose from. Perfectly red, shiny and crunchy Scrumptious and Rubinolas make for ideal back-to-school lunchbox additions while the greener, more rustic-looking Ribston Pippin have a sophisticated flavour, much like a sweet Bramley.
From France we have gorgeous Bourjasotte figs – plump, proud and delicate all at once, they have a great texture and flavour. Muscat de Hambourg red grapes, famous across France for their superior flavour as a table grape, are hitting the peak of their preciously-short season too.
Tommy Atkins and Osteen variety mangoes from Spain remain excellent while pomegranates are looking bright and juicy. Passion fruits from Spain continue to dazzle with European tropical zest.
The UK veg offer remains green, abundant and varied. Although broccoli continues to be tricky after the topsy-turvy feel of this year’s season other brassicas are plentiful; of special note are North West cauliflowers, currently available in purple, Romanesco and (traditional) white, Try roasting, showcasing in a curry or slicing super thin with loads of citrus in a salad.
