Veg news 13th August
Long-time Unicorn supplier Windmill Organics in Oxfordshire have unfortunately had a crop failure on several of their orchard fruits. In a season where we’d usually be seeing early varieties of apples, pears and quince, we’re sad to report we’ll not be receiving any this year. This is due to the adverse weather we’ve been experiencing this summer: rain, low light levels and changing temperatures have made for extremely testing conditions for many of our growers.
In better news, we have received a delivery of Victoria plums from Windmill which joins a tremendous line up of UK plums for the week: we’ve more Victorias from local grower Alan Hewitt in Dunham Massey, there’s Mallard and Excalibur varieties from Carey Organics, Hanka from Joe Pardoe and Greengages from Oakwood Farm in Sussex. Sweet, juicy, flavoursome and excellent value for money, now’s the time to be eating home-grown stone fruit.
We’ve also received the first of the UK apples this week – the crisp, mildly tart Discovery variety that heralds the start of the UK season. But as some things begin, others start to tail off… there’ll be gaps and an intermittent supply of berries from here on in, including strawberries, blueberries and redcurrants, so grab the last of the year while you can.
There’s no broccoli for the next two weeks, another casualty of the unsettled weather, but we’ve a great supply of caulis available, bucking the nationwide shortage that’s being reported in the press. Kale is looking pretty sensational too right now, with green, red, Russian and Cavolo nero varieties all available. You’ll have noticed a less consistent supply of Wight’s tomatoes of late as they struggle to pick the volumes we require. This week there’s two deliveries from them, but it’s on a week by week basis as their season draws to a close.
Beyond the UK, the much anticipated French grape season begins this week with the Cardinal and Prima varieties. Avocadoes are proving very hard to source, expect a few gaps on these while we try to find a reliable supply. Last but not least, new season lemons have green skins at the moment; this is due to temperature differences between day and night and does not affect the juiciness or flavour!
