Fresh produce news
Asparagus now
After the poor crop and high prices of English asparagus last year due to the cold and wet spring weather, forecasts from UK producers and wholesalers are that the 2002 crop will yield planting expectation and prices will not be significantly higher than in 2000.
While the traditional date for the start of cutting English asparagus is 1 May, there have been early cuttings in the past week in Norfolk, Devon and Kent, and these are available now. But expect to pay an early-availability price premium.
The mood among English asparagus growers is that in the face of competition from southern Europe and South America, the wholesale price for late-spring English asparagus must stay constant once the month-long season kicks in.
In promoting English asparagus over that from hot countries, the English Asparagus Growers Association says that the temperate climate in the UK allows asparagus to develop its full flavour and grow at its own pace rather than being forced through hot soil. See www.british-asparagus.co.uk.
Seasonal specials
As the southern hemisphere stone fruit season draws to a close, the first arrivals of Moroccan Leila peaches have arrived by air and truck. Eating quality is good, with high sugar levels. The best varieties of French strawberries, including Guariguette, Floriette, Sweet Charlie and Mara de Bois, are now available. Hass avocados from Spain are now at their very best and at a good price.
Garlic flowers and garlic leaves are now readily available. New-season European herbs are coming through thick and fast, and the introduction of baby pak choi on to the wholesale market is a welcome addition to the baby leaf market.
Linzer Delikatess, the fingernail-sized baby washed potatoes, have made their debut on the Continent and are guaranteed to boil firm. Expect to pay about £8-£10 per kg. Noirmoutier new potatoes from the Brittany coast are weeks away. The cheaper Starlette potatoes from Brittany are also now available at about £3-£4 per kg from wholesale merchants. Contact Oakleaf European on 01202 393311.
