Food file
Fish
Supplies of wild cod from Iceland are still short as the fishing grounds only opened up on 21 April. However, Norwegian supplies are available again at a reasonable price. Native cod shortages, meanwhile, have pushed up haddock prices.
There are good supplies of Danish and South Coast lemon soles, grey mullet from the South Coast and France, monkfish, Canadian halibut, coley, sardines and scallops.
Sri Lankan swordfish supplies have been a little erratic, but tuna and shark should both be available.
Salmon prices are rising.
Source:
M&J Seafood
01296 588260
www.mjseafoods.com
Fresh Produce
Next week sees the beginning of the Cornish early potato harvest, traditionally the first mainland potato crop to be dug in this country. The small, sweet spud can be identified by its dust-like skin and is available for only three weeks. Contact the Penwith Farm Business Centre on 01736 352012 for more information.
New season marrows are beginning again, along with green round courgettes. New season garlic is also now filling out, with the clove size improving. Home-grown bunched beetroot are superb and excellent value for money. Outdoor-grown rhubarb is now in full swing.
On the stone fruit front a new crop, loquats, are now starting. They can be easily peeled when fully ripe and are delicious. In Spain they've been selling some very small, under-ripe apricots, but as yet there aren't enough to export.
Source:
Chefs' Connection
020 7627 4809
www.chefs-connection.com