MARKET REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2024

Blood oranges are in full flow. We are working Tarocco and Tarocco Fire at the moment. We also recommend Cara Cara, which are a hybrid of an orange and a ruby grapefruit. Amalfi lemons are large in size and have an excellent colour. Sevilles are just coming to the end of their short season. We have some very good unwaxed oranges from Portugal and Italy.

Wild garlic will start this month once the weather warms up. The first shoots have already started to appear. Monk’s beard from Italy has dropped in price and is recommended this month.

For Yorkshire rhubarb, we have had the first deliveries from Annabel’s.

UK brassicas include purple sprouting, Cavolo Nero and all of the kales except for some of the variegated varieties. Brussel sprouts are now past their best. Brussel tops have finished. Kalettes normally finish mid-February.

We have really good quality and well-priced bunched baby artichokes and Calico variety from Spain. Also spikey from Italy.

For radicchios, we now have lovely dark red rosa. Grumolo is just starting. Tardivo is full season.

We’re enjoying the last of the pears, including the wax-tipped Passe Crassane and Decana from Italy. UK apple varieties include Cox and Braeburn. From France, we recommend the Goldrush.

Morels are from China. Chervil root has finished and crosnes are on the way out.

Exotics include lychees - including some on the branch from Reunion.