Fruit and vegetablesEuropean black figs have been slow to start but are now showing signs of improved quality and volume. Red and white wild strawberries are also popular at this time of year, but have a very short shelf life. Pale aubergines from Italy are wonderful at present. The creamy, virtually seedless flesh has a much better flavour than the regular aubergines. Black-skinned mooli or black radish is lovely used in summer salads or fresh pickles. It is much hotter than the regular white mooli. Dessert gooseberries will finish shortly, along with fresh broad beans. An unusual exotic fruit from Asia is now appearing on the market, called Buddha's fingers. The fruit has very little flesh but the zest or skin can be candied or used to make a refreshing tea.
Source: Chefs' Connection
020 7627 4809
www.chefs-connection.comFish
Fishing conditions generally have been good, especially in the Faroe Islands where heavy landings of haddock should see prices fall. Icelandic holidays have meant the volume of cod on the market has been down, but the situation should improve when the Baltic season starts next week. There have been good landings of conger eel, mackerel, lobster, langoustine, grey mullet, sardines, squid, octopus and whiting around the British Isles. Monkfish is also particularly good at this time of year, but demand from the Continent has pushed prices up. Plaice remain expensive, as do Dover sole, despite improved landings. Mussels are not at their best at this time of year. John Dory and turbot are also out of season.
Source: M&J Seafood
01296 588221
www.mjseafoods.com