Market report

Fish of the week

Prices per kg:

Large Mackerel £5.95
Sardines £4.50
Megrim Sole £7.50
Lemon Sole £8.50
Sprats £3.50
Grey Mullet £5.50
Bass 1-2kg £10.50
Smoked Cod Roe £18.50

Source: Chef Direct
01275 474707

Meat

Wood Pigeons
Mutton all cuts
Sirloins and Foreribs
Ox Cheeks
Pork all cuts

For prices click here

Source: Chef Direct
01275 474707

Fresh

Spring has definitely arrived... in Egypt. The proof is that the first pricy, but super zingy-fresh new wet garlic bulbs are here. As usual they're small and contain very tiny cloves. But because all but the outer skin can be sliced or chopped into salads, sauces and cooked dished, they are not too fiddly to use.

Things are warming up a bit in Spain and Italy, too. It shows in the quality of the leaves on their bunched beetroots and bunched carrots respectively. The Beetroot leaves are good enough to serve as greens and the carrot tops make an excellent garnish and can be added sparingly (too much can impart bitterness) to soups and stocks.

Cavalo nero (Italian Black Cabbage) is also a good choice at the moment. The dark, crinkly leaves are superb added to minestrone, made into pesto, shredded and deep-fried or simply steamed and tossed in olive oil.

Christmas is far enough away to start enjoying super-healthy Brussels Sprouts again. They are thriving in this cold weather and are sweeter than they've been for years, Brussels tops have made a return to form and our red Brussels tops are simply wonderful.

In Fruit, cape plums are good, but maybe not up to their usual standard due to some cold, wet weather in the South African growing season. There are still some good apricots, peaches and nectarines coming in.
Source: 4°C
020 8558 9708
www.4degreesc.com