Potatoes and their sizing

The British potato harvest is largely complete, but sizing remains a concern. 40s and 50s are still difficult to source, while 60s are much more readily available.

Surplus potatoes remain a useful alternative. These are washed but ungraded for size, so may have mixed sizing and the occasional blemish. They are ideal for peeling, mash, roasting and general preparation, offering a useful saving against graded washed whites.

Red potatoes are looking particularly good, with Desiree excellent at the moment. Red Mozart are also available in 20kg sacks.

Winter vegetables come into their own

Broccoli has now moved onto Spanish supply, while French cauliflower is looking very good.

The more interesting winter vegetables are coming into their own. January King, Romanesco, purple sprouting broccoli, curly kale and Cavolo Nero are all looking excellent and offer plenty of variety for seasonal menus.

Rainbow chard, heritage carrots, Chantenay and piccolo parsnips are also available, with winter roots generally looking strong.

The seasonal move onto Spanish supply is now well under way, and quality is improving.

Little Gem, Cos and iceberg are all looking much better, while rocket, spinach and mixed leaves are also in a good position.

Tomatoes, peppers and aubergines are looking good overall, with pepper quality and sizing now improving as Spanish volumes increase.

Fine beans, mange tout and sugar snaps are also currently in good supply.

Flat mushrooms are plentiful and looking particularly good.

The English wild mushroom season is gradually coming to an end. Ceps and porcini are becoming increasingly difficult to find, although chanterelles are still available.

Strawberries are the main concern at the moment. Dutch fruit is short and expensive, and we are waiting for Moroccan supply to begin.

Blueberries are looking excellent, while the first South African cherries, peaches and nectarines have started to arrive. These are still early-season fruits, however, so quality can be a little variable.

Brazilian melons are looking very good, and grapes remain strong.

Conference pears and Dutch Comice are particularly nice at the moment. The Comice are beautifully flavoured, with a lovely floral sweetness and a slight citrus note.

Peruvian figs are small but very tasty, pomegranates are looking good, and English apples and pears are now well represented.

Kissabel apples are also available by the tray. These are an interesting novelty, with their unusual pink-red blushed flesh when cut open. They are a premium-priced apple, with much of their appeal coming from their striking appearance rather than a particularly different flavour.

Blood oranges have also started to arrive. The flesh is still developing its characteristic colour, which should become deeper as the season progresses and temperatures fall.