MARKET REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2024

This month is the build-up for Christmas and we’re getting focused on doing an amazing job for our customers - it’s a big push for the whole team.

In November, we are now hitting the absolute sweet spot for proper English apples and pears. Varieties include Cox, Braeburn, russets, Gala and Pink Lady. We also bring in rare heritage varieties from Brogdale, the national fruit collection in Kent. Comice pears are underway. Varieties like Braeburn benefit from these cooler nights which help the flavour to come out. Passe Crassane pears from France start this month.

Vacuum-packed chestnuts have arrived. These were picked in September then cooked.

For citrus, Tout Miel clementines have been with us for a while now but November and December are the months when they eat really well. We also have Meyer lemons, bergamots, finger limes and cedro. Our Buddha’s Hands are sensational - really special. Turkish grapefruits also recommended.

Figs are done and over. It’s satisfying to say goodbye to something when it has run its course. Plums and Provence tomatoes are also finished.

For radicchios, Tardivo has started and we will have pink radicchio, too. Castelfranco and grumolo are in full swing. Pissenlit, frisseline, puntarelle, cime di rapa, chicoria and monks’ beard / agretti also in season.

Muscat grapes will go through to end of November.

Another highlight are quince from France.

Winter tomatoes are Marinda and Camone.

Brassicas include sprouts on the stalk, sprout tops, Savoy, purple sprouting, Hispi, Cavolo Nero. We sell a lot of kohl rabi at this time of year.

Roots include Helianthus, crosnes, chervil root, oca de perou, nasturtium root.

It’s full swing for autumn English truffles from around Herefordshire and white Italian Alba truffle.