English Banana and Round Shallots are superb, as are English Savoy Cabbages. There are a few Kentish Cauliflowers around, but they’re pricey and the quality is only so-so.

PRODUCT ALERT: A continuation of high winds and heavy rains in Spain and France is causing further damage to field crops and leaving in their wake countless numbers of demolished or destroyed growing-tunnels and glasshouses. News reports from March 1^st speak of hurricane force winds and torrential rains battering parts of mainland Europe. A storm which broke in France and regarded as substantial enough to be given a name, Xynthia, was described as the worst to have hit the country in the last 20 years. Apart from the human cost, which has been immense, the negative impact on the price and availability of certain produce resulting from such adverse conditions will be considerable. Already scarce and expensive Spinach (pre-packed especially), Lettuces, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Courgettes and Aubergines and Marrows will become progressively even scarcer and undoubtedly even more expensive. Holland, Germany and the UK have also been affected, albeit to a lesser degree. Here at home another bout of wet weather followed by frosts threatens to further delay many spring and summer crops. The current crop of Lincolnshire Cauliflowers was virtually wiped-out during the cold spell of December-January. More recently, they’ve been unable to transplant the heads in order to be ready for early April. Consequently, they’re unlikely to come on stream until early May, which will keep prices high. There are also delays in the availability of Spanish Peas and Broad Beans, as well as Jersey Royal Potatoes, which in previous years would have made an appearance by now. Other news concerns quality issues last week regarding South African Thompson Green Seedless Grapes which have prompted us to switch to Argentine Imperials (see THIS WEEK above). Limes are in short supply and pricey. Lychees are coming to the end and their quality depreciating fast, therefore avoid.