Food file

Fresh Produce
The English asparagus has been excellent to date but the season is drawing to a close over the next week or so. The new crop of Italian berlotti beans, however, are wonderful at present. The English hedgerows are now full of the fresh elderflower blossoms, delicious deep-fried in a light, sweet batter. This month also brings forth the new season of fresh gooseberries and the first of the white currants again.

Fresh Frais des Bois or wild strawberries are coming down in price as the season progresses but they are only really best used on the day of purchase as they do not hold well.

Source:
Chefs' Connection
020 7627 4809
www.chefs-connection.com


Fish
Codlings look like they are going to be in short supply again with Kattegatt's available, but North Sea supplies scarce and expensive. Large cod from Norway is obtainable and should be a little cheaper than last week. A fair amount of the Scottish boats are targeting haddock at the moment to save their cod quota, so Scottish supplies are going to be very scarce. Supplies flown in from Iceland are available with prices staying steady.

Large amounts of haddock are expected for the start of the week with prices favourable but dependant on quality.

Danish plaice is still scarce but slightly better supplies from Iceland are anticipated. Supplies from the South coast are available but prices could rise if the weather deteriorates.

Faroese and Icelandic lemon sole are expected for the start of the week and prices should be fairly reasonable.

No problems with the supply of bass and bream are expected but there is still no tuna coming from the Maldives. A shipment is expected from Brazil and Sri Lanka this week.

Supplies of swordfish are due in from Sri Lanka, however, although these aren't confirmed. Marlin and shark remain in short supply.

Exotics are due in from India and Australia this week.

Source:
M&J Seafood
01296 588260