First off, let’s talk about all the exciting new lines starting to roll in from UK growers! The biggest shift is on the veg side, with UK celery and mini cucumbers already in stock from Lancashire based Duncan Gielty, both looking and tasting great. Tomorrow, we’re expecting bunched new onions and kohl rabi from Strawberry Fields (Lincs). And (drum roll) hotly anticipated on the fruit side: strawberries! Our 1st delivery from Carey in Herefordshire is due this Saturday.
In terms of leafy greens, there’s plenty of spinach this week from different growers in the North West. We have some ‘true’ spinach from Glebelands (Sale) and Duncan Gielty (Ormskirk), as well as spinach beet from Libby Flintoff near Preston. The main difference between these two lies in the growing process. Spinach beet is hardy, easier to grow and yields several cuts. Perhaps therefore the flavour is less delicate than ‘true’, but both can be eaten in the same way – including raw in salads.
Brassicas may be a bit patchy over the next few weeks. Spanish broccoli is available from Wednesday, but we won’t see any caulis for a while until the new UK season starts. In this category we are welcoming savoy cabbages and continue to be most impressed with Libby Flintoff’s dark green cavolo nero.
From Europe, we’re stocking up on mini watermelons in preparation for a sunny week. Several members of staff consider themselves watermelon connoisseurs and feedback from them has been positive: the flavour is sweet and texture crisp and juicy! For a cold treat, try freezing some slices J
