Market Report February 2010
Product of the Month Leeks
After a month of some of the worst weather in memory, I would like to have reported that things are now on there way back to normal, but with the temperatures still hovering around freezing, and no sign of these snowy conditions abating it looks as if we are not quite out of the woods yet!!! These Arctic conditions have, in some cases, quadrupled the average seasonal price, and in other cases produce has almost disappeared completely; not just the exotic. Leeks are just one example although they have now fallen back dramatically in price they were at least three times their seasonal average and Courgettes had been badly hit, along with Broccoli, Cauliflower and other Root Veg. Most prices have now eased from these extreme highs. The main reasons for these prices are that the produce cannot be harvested, and the transport has been unable to get through.
We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to those of you we were unable to reach during the snowy conditions. Hopefully the weather will soon ease and things will get back on track. The items that seem to have been least affected are those that are air freighted, Mange Tout, Sugar Snaps French Beans etc.. Southern Europe has not escaped with the price of fresh Spinach almost doubling. This trend has also affected much of the Salad Produce. Cucumber, Tomato and Lettuce prices have been much firmer. Watercress from the UK is very scarce at the moment and the supply from the continent has slowed. Peppers have remained reasonably stable and the Micro Herbs are pretty well unaffected, but Herbs in general especially the delicate leaves like Basil do not like these conditions, the frost can easily get in the leaves. Potatoes, as expected, remain stable as these are still coming from storage. In the last few days a little English Purple Sprouting Broccoli has re emerged.
The Good News!! There is a great selection of Wild Mushroom available by airfreight. Pied de Mouton, Chanterelle, Trumpet, Girolle, Blueits just to name a few, there has also been a little Cepe; but again quality and supply can be intermittent. The Spanish Strawberry season is now underway, and although never the best quality, they are reasonably priced and this always reminds us Spring is not too far away!! Peaches and Nectarines are not recommended at present; however Plums and Apricots are reasonable. Blood and Seville Oranges are now in season and will be around for the next few months. There is also still a fair selection of English Apples, Cox and Russet for example but these will be finishing in the coming weeks. BE WARNED; Valentines Day always tend to always heighten the price of Red Fruits, in particular red currants which are expensive enough anyway Don’t Forget…14th Valentines Day, 16th Shrove Tuesday, 17th Ash Wednesday Did you know…Redcurrants, nice for Valentine’s, are a good source of vitamins B1 and C, and are rich in iron, phosphorus, potassium, fibre, copper and manganese. Dried currants are considered highly alkalizing. Happy Cooking!