MARKET REPORT FOR MAY 2023

In May, it’s the start of so many seasons. Peas and broad beans in full flow. Full-on asparagus: English, Italian, French, white, purple, green. French wild expected next week. First Borlotti beans are now starting. Yellow beans still very expensive but beautiful.

There is beautiful English purple sprouting broccoli. For potatoes, Jersey chats have finished. Mids are better value and eating well. Cornish crop expected any time now.

Tomatoes include the fabulous Vesuvius. Great courgettes from Italy - all varieties. Male / female courgette flowers from Holland and Italy.

Stunning French wild strawberry just started. Some of the best I've ever eaten. English are starting. Annabel’s strawberries will start middle of the month.

First Apricots have arrived. Peaches yellow/white flesh. Nectarines small would recommend waiting till late May.

For mushrooms, Mousseron started on Saint George's Day. Plenty of Chinese Morels and the first of the European season from Turkey.

For salads, English season now. Bett's has started all the baby leaves and big heads of lollo rosso / blonde / oak leaf.

Looking forward to the Charentais melons from Europe. Cherries from Spain but very low volumes and expensive. Prices should fall as we get further into May.