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Newsletter August 2016
It’s hotting up, and its not just the Rio Olympics that has got us the the summer mood. At last we’ve had some proper heat that has had us dusting off our havaianas and getting the old BBQ out. Congratulations to Team GB so far securing numerous medals in rowing, cycling and golf to name but a few! There are lots of things going on with British produce at this time of the month. The UK berry season is coming into its own, from sweet and fragrant raspberries to tangy sour gooseberries; these little orbs of delight partner up with sweet or savoury dishes a like. Weather it’s a delicious fresh dessert or an accompaniment to meat or fish, we mustn’t over look the mighty British berry. See our Rio Olympics page for our tribute to the berry! We’re nings again menu,
also starting to see the beginof our stone fruit season, which are a huge part of a high summer from savouries through to sweets.
See our “Six of the Best” page next for a snap shot of what we think is the best at the moment...not just from the UK, but from our neighbours too.
In This Edition 1. Six of the best A selection of some of the best vegetables this summer .
2. banking on it Banking Holiday & The Notting Hill Carnival
3. What’s Up Doc? Dr. Mariana Williams gives us the low down on what produce is REALLY healthy and why.
4. CHERRY BABY & Greengorgeous Beautiful Rainier cherries and greengages the pick of the month.
5. epic epping elderberries & lovely pair Elderberries foraged for you and all about this seasons melons
6. Gooseberry Fool & berry interesting Something tiny but mighty for the summer, typically British
7. mean greens From plantains to limes, this page is dedicated to all things green.
8. Slightly Stoned All things sweet and juicy with a stone in the middle
How d’you like them APPLES Just a little heads up that you can expect British apples to come into full bloom for our next edition.
9. NUTURED IN NORFOLK Introducing our wonderful source of all things micro like flowers, herbs and vegetables.
10. purple reign All things purple in the shape of fruit and veg!
11. magic mushrooms A magical tour of the best mushrooms of the season
12. OUT OF THE GROUND A classic rundown of our heritage potatoes and chips.
13. Store cupboard A rundown of our dry-store produce and a few treats too.
Next Page: 6 of the Best
A type of cantaloupe melon but smaller than its cousins and a lot more fragrant. A perfect tribute the summer sunshine. Why not throwback to the 70’s with some salty parma ham! Beautiful tangy bursts of flavour with a sweet after taste and deep rich colour when cooked down for sauces. Beautiful! From the UK and Holland. watermelon There isn’t a fruit that says summer more than the watermelon. Served warm with crab or as part of a summer sorbet, its become more elegant recently and seen in on some very interesting menus. Beautiful plums form our own trees, we are seeing opals at the moment and are eagerly awaiting victorias that will be coming through over the next few weeks.
We don’t know why these aren't more of a thing. They are the most delicious sweet root. Shredding and served with wholegrain mustuard is our favourite!
English plums
black figs
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Dark, sweet, sumptuous. Figs have got a long and quite sexy history. They were the fruit of passion in ancient Greece. They are coming from Spain at he moment.
The Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe and originated in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. Taking place every August Bank Holiday weekend in the streets of London W11, the Notting Hill Carnival is an amazing array of sounds, colourful sights and social solidarity At the roots of the Notting Hill Carnival are the Caribbean carnivals of the early 19th century – a particularly strong tradition in Trinidad – which were all about celebrating the abolition of slavery and the slave trade. The very first carnival was an attempt to showcase the steel band musicians who played in the Earls Court of London every Weekend. When the bands paraded through the streets of Notting Hill, they drew black residents out on to the streets, reminding them of the Caribbean homes they had left behind. In the days of abolition, there was a strong element of parody in the songs and dances Trinidadians performed. Having been forbidden to hold festivals of their own during the period of slavery, they now took full advantage of the relative new freedoms the ending of slavery brought them. Dressing up in costumes that mimicked the European fashions of their former masters, even whitening their faces with flour or wearing white masks, they established a tradition that continues in the costume-making of today’s Notting Hill Carnival. The food is a huge part of the thrill the Carnival the smells and tastes of Caribbean line the streets. Look out particular for corn on the cob, which a huge staple in the Carribbean.
of the in is
ENJOY THE BANK HOLIDAY!
Next Page: Whats Up Doc
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There’s been lots in the news about the Junior Doctors contract. Yes Chef, support them all the way. Every month Dr. Mariana Williams (Intensive Care Doctor at Queen Alexandra Hospital-Portsmouth) gives us the nutritional low down on our seasonal fresh produce, based on the REAL scientific and medical evidence out there.
What’s up
PEACHES Peach could be of great interest as an important antioxidant source including chlorogenic acid, and it may provide health-promoting advantages to consumers by intake of this fruit or by utilization of its peels as antioxidant sources in industry. Rossato SB, Haas C, Raseira Mdo C, Moreira JC, Zuanazzi JA. Antioxidant potential of peels and fleshes of peaches from different cultivars. J Med Food.2009 Oct;12(5):1119-26.
CHERRIES To study the relationship between cherry intake and the risk of recurrent gout attacks among individuals with gout. Individuals with gout were prospectively recruited and followed up online for 1 year. These findings suggest that cherry intake is associated with a lower risk of gout attacks. Ibrahim DS, Abd El-Maksoud MAE. Effect of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaf extract on diabetic nephropathy in rats. International Journal of Experimental Pathology. 2015;96(2):8793. doi:10.1111/iep.12116.
MUSHROOM Adjuvant treatment with mushrooms is associated with improvements in the immunological and hematologic parameters of breast cancer. Novaes, Maria Rita Carvalho Garbi et al. “The Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Agaricales Mushrooms and Other Medicinal Fungi on Breast Cancer: Evidence-Based Medicine.” Clinics 66.12 (2011): 2133–2139.PMC. Web. 15 June 2016.
ELDERBERRY has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat influenza, colds and sinusitis, and has been reported to have antiviral activity against influenza and herpes simplex. We investigated the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry syrup for treating influenza A and B infections. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32 (2):132-40
see page 7 for gooseberry
GOOSEBERRY The effect on total serum cholesterol and its lipoprotein fractions of supplementation of the diet with gooseberry was studied in normal and hypercholesterolaemic men aged 35-55 years. Results are encouraging. Jacob A, Pandey M, Kapoor S, Saroja R. Effect of the Indian gooseberry (amla) on serum cholesterol levels in men aged 3555 years. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1988 Nov;42(11):939-44.
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Next Page: Cherry Baby
THE GOLDEN CHERRY WITH THE PERFECT SWEETNESS Rainier cherries originated in 1952 after Harold Fogel and other researchers from the Washington Agriculture Experiment Station in Prosser, Washington crossed the Bing and Van cherry varieties. Much to their surprise, the combination of these two red cherries produced a golden yellow cherry with a red blush and incredibly sweet flavour. Rainier cherries were named after Mount Rainier, the highest
Greengages are a sweet and juicy type of dessert plum that range in colour from yellow to dark-green, and can be speckled with burgundy. It is believed that they originated in Armenia, just to the east of Turkey, and spread to Europe quite late, entering this country in the early 1700s - although there are references to the greengage before that time from travellers to Italy, where it was known as verdocchia. The French called it Reine-Claude after Queen Claude, wife of Francis I, whose reign overlapped that of our own Henry VIII. We know this green-skinned plum as the greengage because, in 1724, an English Catholic priest called John Gage, who was studying in Paris, sent some young trees to his brother, Sir William Gage, who lived at Hengrave Hall just outside Bury St Edmunds. But the trees lost their labels in transit so the gardener planted them and labelled them 'green Gages' after his master. The name stuck and has endured to this day.
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Epic elderberries
The Forest covers 6000 acres stretching from Manor park to the north of Epping in the North East of London. Epping Forest is one of the largest open spaces in the city and boasts an array of wild, forageable produce. Elderberries grow in abundance here. These tiny white flowers bloom in June and July and then develop into little dark berry clusters. Primarily used to flavour different syrups, wines and cordials. Danny and Paul live on the doorstep of Epping forest and are able to forage for some of the berries themselves.
It has to be said, our buyers are spoilt for choice at the moment when it comes to melons. In particular Watermelons from Italy are superb. Larger than their Spanish counterparts, they have darker green skin so the c o mp ari son with the pearlescent pink flesh is a beautiful contrast.
Charentais Melon. An authentic Charentais melon has a light pistachiogrey ribbed skin and a beautiful deep orange flesh inside. We’re in love with the colours of these melons as well as their delicious, summer filled flavours.
Also not to be missed right now are the infamous
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Next Page: Gooseberry Fool
THE DEATH OF THE BRITISH GOOSEBERRY
The gooseberry is a funny thing. often hairy and a little tart, it has fallen out of favour in recent years, as homely cooks favour brighter crumble contenders, such as raspberries and blackcurrants. This is a shame. With a little love and imagination gooseberries can make delicious additions to both sweet and savoury dishes. The Leveller is the green variety, and the ruby red is often called Fayberry.
berry interesting
Also known as the musk strawberries they have notes of pineapple and raspberry a combination that tastes like good ole' American bubblegum.
All things little, round and juicy...
Juicy and sweet with a highly aromatic smell, more akin to a pineapple, that inspired the name. Beautiful snow white berries really stand
These are the same variety as the above pineberries, with the same delicious pineapple flavour but with a gorgeous sunset yellow colour.
The British gooseberry is in danger of disappearing from UK grocers for good, it has emerged, as demand for the soft fruit reaches its lowest level ever. The green fruit, which had its heyday in the early 1900s, is now grown by just a handful of UK farms, down from more than 100 in 1990. Over the past two decades, farmers have invested heavily in extending the season for popular soft fruits, such as the strawberry. In addition, mainstream berries are imported from all over the world to ensure a year-round supply. "These has been no investment in gooseberries," said Mr Taylor. "Their season is extremely short: they're here and gone in the space of a month." There are just three weeks remaining of the current gooseberry season. There are two kinds of gooseberries: the tart, cooking variety typically used for crumbles, and the sweet, dessert gooseberry, which can be eaten raw.
yellowberries
A magical blend of strawberries and raspberries, and absolute triumph of imagination!
About the size of a grape, kiwi berries are a small variety of kiwi fruit that have a smooth, edible skin. The fuzz-free exterior makes it easy to pop this berry-like fruit into your mouth as a quick and delicious snack
Next Page: Mean Greens
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Perfect for Asian inspired salads, refreshing and sweet with a tart edge.
We are really excited about Boiron’s fantastic range of purees. In particular we are huge fans of the 100% cucumber puree, which is a perfect for the summer. Think starters, cocktails and PAGE 7 refreshing palate cleansers.
The good news on the lime front is that prices are set to drop at the end of this month, although we are still finding lemons on the high side at the moment. .
Next Page: Nurtured in Norfolk
FLAT MOUNTAIN PEACHES Every season these get more and more popular. Also known as Saturn or Doughnut peaches, they can be used in just the same way as their rounder counterparts.
APRICOTS A relative of the peach, nectarine, plum and cherry, apricots are fragrant, with a soft, velvety skin that ranges from pale yellow to deep orange. Inside there's a large kernel that will fall out easily if the flesh is ripe.
NECTARINES Nectarines are a smooth-skinned variety of peach and can be white- or yellow-fleshed, free-stoned, or cling-stoned (where the firmtextured flesh clings to the stone). White nectarines have a more delicate, sweeter flavour than yellow ones.
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Next Page: Nurtured in Norfolk
Nurtured In Norfolk are specialist growers of edible flowers and leaves as well as micro shoots and vegetables. Used by chefs around the country including Michelin starred chefs in some of the UK’s most famous restaurants. Nurtured in Norfolk believes in delivering the highest quality and consistency in their products.
Micro Veg Baby Fennel Baby Leek Micro Carrots Micro Leeks Micro Onions
Edible Flowers
Micro Turnips
Amaranth Flowers
Micro Rainbow Carrots
Apple Blossom
Baby Courgettes
Blackcurrant Sage
Baby Aubergines
Borage Flowers
Cucamelons
Butterfly Sorrel
Baby Beetroot
Buzz Buttons
and many more...
Calendula Nasturtium Flowers Impatiens Lavender Flowers
and many more..
Edible Leaves Apple Mint Aztec Mint Banana Mint Bronze Fennel Ice Plant Large Nasturtium Leaves Lavender Mint Salicornia Sea Beet Sea Purslane Strawberry Mint Wild Garlic Wormwood
and many more..
Micro Shoots Golden Pea Shoots Salad Pea Shoots Sunflower Shoots Tendril Pea Shoots Golden Pea Shoots Salad Pea Shoots Sunflower Shoots Tendril Pea Shoots
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and many more...
Next Page: Purple Reign
Purple Grelot Onion an attractive deep purple -red skinned spring onion with a mild flavour and a crisp texture. The purple outer skin merges with the silver when peeled, adding a colour contrast to salads
Purple Cauliflower Gets its beautiful hue, which can vary from pale to jewel-toned, from the presence of the antioxidant anthocyanin, which is also found in red cabbage and red wine.
Blood Peaches This is the peach all the in-the-know farmers’ market junkies will be looking for in June and July. Has a has a firm texture and is sweet yet slightly tart.
Violet Baby Artichoke The baby violet artichoke is an intriguing vegetable. A delightful little gem of a veg is so delicious that you soon forge the time consuming task of preparing it.
Purple Broccoli This untidy-looking, colourful cousin of broccoli can be used in much the same way. Leafier and deeper in colour than calabrese, it adds vibrancy and crunch to vegetable dishes.
Aubergines Are delicious on the barbecue or cooked slowly in a vegetable curry or ratatouille. Get versatile with these, they’re really worth it.
Purple Carrots Purple carrots (usually orange or white inside) have even more beta carotene than their orange cousins. Delicious and nutritious.
Banana Shallots Baby Aubergines Tiny but mighty. Full of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre and with the potential to lower cholesterol, aubergines are a great choice for salads, stews and beyond.
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The banana shallot, or echalion, is a cross between a regular shallot and an onion . It has inherited the best qualities from each side, the larger size of the onion and the mildness and sweetness of the shallot.
Next Page: Magic Mushrooms
PAGE 11 Next Page: Out of the Ground
OUT
of the
Ground
Please state when ordering whether you need the potatoes for shipping or mashing, we can guide you to the best for your needs.
Chippies Choice potatoes are available in 25kg sacks, and were the first chipping potatoes to give storage, preparation and frying instructions in six languages, allowing best practices to be observed in restaurants of different nationalities.
Possibly the best specialist chipping potato brand in the UK, our exclusive Chippies Choice potatoes are a firm favourite of the fish and chip shop trade. Guaranteeing a light, golden, fluffy but firm textured chip, Chippies Choice ensures consistent production of the perfect chip. To achieve this, potatoes are always selected using strict variety, dry matter and fry colour criteria.
Available washed in 5 or 10kg boxes and in 1kg nets.
A very old variety dating back to 1850 which has made an astonishing comeback in recent years .This variety is a long potato pink in colour with a butter yellow middle. It is suitable for boiling, steaming or roasting whole
This white root is the cream of the winter crop. It’s a ubiquitous part of a Sunday roast or a Christmas dinner but also over the years has been a part of the sweet course. Cakes, creams and even ice-creams have used this surprising little root to great effect.
Available washed in 5 or 10kg boxes and in 1kg nets.
Also known as La Ratte, La Reine, Ratte du Touquet, or Asparges is a small potato with a unique nutty flavour– described has hazlenutty with a smooth, buttery texture. Good for mashing, using in salads or even casseroles .
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Available washed in 5 or 10kg boxes and in 1kg nets.
Jazzy is the all new small potato. It’s a waxy, setskinned potato which is great value, versatile and good looking. Jazzy is grown in Britain, by a group of 5 friendly farmers who are based in Cornwall, Norfolk and Lancashire.
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Available washed in 5 or 10kg boxes and in 1kg nets.
Available in 25kg sacks washed or unwashed
This is a rare version of the King Edward and is oval in shape with red skin and a white flush. It has a floury texture suitable with the same cooking properties as a King Edward so good for roasting, chipping and Next Page: Store Cupbaord mashing.
Eleusi Oil comes from a family run farm on the South tip of Italy. The farm’s operations began in the 1960s when Giuseppe Giovazzini planted the first 150 olive trees. The main business was local olive oil cultivation, production and marketing. During the 1980s, Giuseppe’s son, Pietro, increased cultivation.
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