Fruit and vegetablesPeaches and nectarines are improving all the time, and melons are now coming to their peak. The first of the seedless Italian watermelons have arrived, and their colour is improving. Cherries from England, France and Spain are very good, as are apricots from Spain and Italy.
English peas have started to arrive back on the market but as yet are small and not very sweet. Broad beans are now arriving from Spain, as are cauliflowers and broccoli, and Italian courgettes. Cheaper Jersey courgettes are also coming through but they do not have the same appearance or quality.
One under-used cabbage from England is the pointed Hisby. It has no waste and a very buttery taste.
Chefs Connection
020 7627 4809
www.chefs-connection.comFishLook out for roeless scallops this week, as these are expected in from the USA. The quality and flavour are superb.
Wahoo, escolar and mako loins from Ecuador will also be available. These are excellent for cooking. The wahoo, in particular, has fillets of a medium texture and are a good source of omega-3 oils.
Bad weather throughout northern Europe means wild cod will be very expensive. Prices for haddock and plaice will also be high, but should improve with the weather towards the end of the week.
Bad weather has also affected monkfish supplies and, with it being the French holiday season and demand extremely high, prices are set to rise.
Farmed Greek sea bass should be available at a reasonable price all week, as should all sizes of gilt head bream and swordfish.
Source: M&J Seafood
01296 588221
www.mjseafoods.com