June 2017

We are at a funny old time with grapes with the big switch from southern to northern hemisphere supplies still not complete. Hence, red grapes are predominantly stored Crimson and Scarlotta from Chile, with some new season Flame from Egypt; black grapes are current season Mexican Summer Royal, and green grapes are tail-end Thompson from

It is often said that eating citrus in summer is somehow unnatural, but it takes a long memory to remember a time when they were only available in autumn and winter from the Mediterranean harvest. Thanks to excellent southern hemisphere production, there has long been continuity pretty much throughout the year. By mid-June, all citrus

It will be 40oC in Badajoz next week, just right to give a wonderful boost of sunshine to peaches and nectarines in the area. In UK, we never quite get the same intoxicating Mediterranean mix of heat, sunshine and beautifully aromatic stone fruit, but the next best thing is imminent. Summer peaches and nectarines come

If you visit SE Asia in June, you cannot help but notice the fruit markets groaning with a huge and delightful exotic choice. It’s one of the intoxicating pleasures of travelling in the region, but is it possible to experience such intoxication at home? The answer is ‘with some difficulty’. However, with some careful searching,

We are not far from the peak UK season for berries and are already at the point where practically all strawberries in stores are from domestic growers. So, with the myriad of varieties on offer, it is worth considering the differences and at least being aware of the choices available: Strawberries: All strawberries are now

For the last month, the tastiest mangoes available have been from India, particularly Alphonse and Kesar, though not forgetting the sublime Nam Dok Mae from Thailand. These are still available from Asian groceries and occasional supermarkets (M&S, Morrisons, Tesco). Now, however, choice is increased with the excellent and delicious Sindhri mango from Pakistan which has