Fish
Bad weather in Denmark has seriously affected fishing in the area, putting a strain on supplies from elsewhere. As a result, only minimal supplies of wild cod are expected at the beginning of the week - but prices will be high.
Haddock supplies are expected to be better, so prices should start to ease. Small supplies of plaice are expected from Denmark at the beginning of the week, and Icelandic fish should be available on Grimsby market. Prices are fairly stable.
Farmed bass, bream and turbot remain plentiful, with prices steady for the foreseeable future. Tuna from Sri Lanka and Indonesia is also in very good supply, while French mackerel is available at a good price, with sizes starting to get larger. No problems on supplies of sword or marlin, but shark is scarce.
Reds, monk, coley, cats, skate, sardines, grey mullet and dogfish should be in ready supply this week, while Dovers are also available but still pricey. Prices on whiting should ease.
The price of scallops will drop as Cornish varieties will be available all week, and good supplies are coming from Ireland and Scotland.
Source:
M&J Seafood
01296 588221
www.mjseafoods.com
Fruit and vegetables
Home-grown gooseberries are an excellent seasonal crop now. The large dessert gooseberries will reappear shortly, along with the popular purple Pax variety. English raspberries are a superb flavour, and plentiful.
Summer squashes are good value, including round green and yellow courgettes, sweet butternut squash and summer marrows. Large globe artichokes are huge, with good-sized hearts, but Jerusalem artichokes are of poor quality.
Chefs' Connection
020 7627 4809
www.chefs-connection.com