MARKET REPORT FOR OCTOBER

We love this time of year - simply sensational autumnal produce flying out of Le Marché HQ.

On the fruit front, just had our first Kentish Royal Gala. Huge range of UK apples, plus pears and French specialities from top grower Vassout. Kissabel apples offer a lovely surprise on the plate, with their red blush.

Italian citrus building up momentum, with Miyagawa clems, bergamot and kumquats. Some lovely Portuguese clems on the stand. Grapes includes the last Muscat. Quince has started. Excellent black figs.

French chicory is highly recommended.

Roots include parsley, chervil, helianthis and Crapaudine beetroot.

Nuts include chestnuts in or out of shell and wet walnuts. UK cobnuts now dry but available.

Brilliant time for wild mushrooms - including porcini, trompette, pied de mouton, chanterelle.

Full-on squashes and ornamental gourds.

From Italy, this is the start of more bitter and classy leafy greens such as puntarelle and cime di rapa.