june 2015 market report

Greens of Minster

June 2015 Market ReportSalad

L J Betts have now started their usual varieties of Kent grown lettuces, Iceberg, Cos, Little Gem, Lollo Rosso, Lollo Verdi and Oakleaf, (all hydro cooled and pre-packed to maximise freshness). Kent grown Baby Leaf include; Roquette, Spinach, Red Chard, Baby Leaf Mix (containing at least 3 different varieties), Baby Kale and Land Cress. Also English Round Lettuce

Spring Onions – All English now, excellent quality and cheaper price

Cucumbers – Mainly English (some Dutch), quality is excellent and prices are very reasonable.

Capsicums English (some Dutch), quality is excellent, prices are average for the time of year.

Local Kent Tomatoes Varieties include Cherry, Cherry on the Vine, Plum, Plum on the Vine, and Salad Tomato on the vine.

Celery is mainly English and the quality is excellent, prices are average for the time of year.

English Rhubarb.

Local Bramley Apples are still holding up extremely well however, the price will inevitably rise as we move later into the month.

Local Asparagus is still going strong so make the most of its fantastic flavour as it will not be around for much longer. £3.60/kg

Wild Mushrooms

Our Mixed Wild Mushrooms offer excellent value and wonderful flavour. Also available are Pied Bleu, Shumigii, Shitake, Enoki and Oyster.

English Broad Beans and Peas are at their best now, definately worth trying.

White Asparagus is still available, and this alternative will brighten up any dish.

Courgette Flowers are available now with the largest being English (the Dutch flowers are often slightly smaller in size).

Italian Pale Aubergines and Boriotti Beans are an interesting seasonal vegetable to give that Mediterranean feel.

Vegetables

Courgettes are still Spanish at the moment, but within the next couple of weeks we hope to be moving on to English and then Local.

Cabbage has matured and we have lovely new season Primo Cabbage available. Savoy cabbage is coming through well, but until the English crop starts in earnest we will continue sourcing from Portugal, it is more expensive but the size and quality is superb. Still managing to get some local at them moment but quality not the best.

Broccoli is English and the quality is excellent, prices have risen.

Kent Cauliflowers from Broadstairs and Ash

Carrots are all new season now but unfortunately it will be several weeks before we see new season Parsnips, Turnips and Swede.

Large Onions are New Season Spanish and Chilean prices are higher than usual for the time of year.

Dutch Aubergines still look the best, however if you are looking for a local option, English is available and probably have the better flavour.

Potatoes

Old main crop potatoes are still available at the moment but getting scarce to to quality; however it is advisable to keep them cool and out of direct sunlight. Prices have risen.

Also available: -

King Edwards

Maris Pipers (Chippies Choice) still frying very well.

Jersey

Cornish New Potatoes Kent Local New Potatoes (the best and at about 70p/kg)

Mids small, bright, full of flavour, this is the time to enjoy our wonderful home grown new potatoes whether cooked or cold as a potatoes salad, potatoes just do not get any better than this.

Specialist Potatoes

Still available and grown locally here in Kent:

Pink Fir Apple, Salad Blue and La Ratte

Fruit

Strawberries and Raspberries are English (subject to weather) Local ones coming soon.

Dutch Blackberries and Redcurrants are the best bet at the moment, Blueberries are Spanish.

Red Dessert Gooseberries are beautifully soft and flavoursome however the price is a little high at the moment

Spanish Red Plums are available now with the promise of some yellow within the next couple of weeks (at last!); prices are a little high at the moment but should fall as we go through the month.

Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots are all available and the quality is good (you may require a couple of days ripening time when planning your menu).

Packham Pears and Forell Pears (red/pink blush colour) are both available from South Africa.

Satsumas are still available from South America and South Africa, and the quality is excellent.

Grapes, white and black are extremely good; prices have risen.

Melons – Honeydew, Water, Cantaloupe and Galia.

Citrus

Lemons, mainly Spanish, prices have risen slightly, quality is good.

Limes, Mainly Brazilian, prises are reasonable and the quality is good

Oranges (Spanish and Moroccan) are both looking good and prices remain very reasonable.

Exotics

Mangoes, Pineapples, Paw Paws, Passion Fruit and Kiwi are all excellent at the moment and prices are very reasonable.

Cherries (Turkish and American) are available now. Local coming!!

Apples

All new season now.

Royal Gala, Cox - New ZealandGranny Smith, Golden Delicious and Braeburn – South African

BEST BUYS THIS MONTH:-

English Strawberries, Kentish Lettuce, Iceberg, Cos, Little Gem, English Spring Onions, Kentish Spinach, English Roquette, English Continental Style Lettuce. Local New Pots, Local Asparagus.