January

Post-Christmas shortages and gluts cause severe market instability in January. The weather sticks its oar in too. Previous years have seen Israeli herbs devastated by floods, and those from Southern France killed by frost. English hardy crops can be damaged in a very hard frost, and earth-stored root vegetables can be impossible to harvest. So however you plan your menus, my advice is to keep your fruit and veg options open.

Blood Oranges remain largely seasonal. Everyone expects them in December and they always fail to show until January. They are usually well worth waiting for in terms of taste, but don't expect them to be too bloody at first. Seville Oranges are a must too, and not just for making marmalade.

Cox’s Apples keep their crunch until mid-February and French Apples fare pretty well, too.

Strawberries, Raspberries and Redcurrants are likely to be available at the beginning of the month, but supplies often tighten up later.

Supplies of Cape Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines and Cherries may become a little patchy, but should struggle on into February.

If costs are of paramount importance, it's worth leaving Melons off the menu. They often cost silly money (£6-ish for a Double Galia!).

Seedless Grapes may be a problem. Cape Dan Ben Hannah and Alphonse Lavalee Black Seeded are pretty reliable, though.

Lychees usually become fairly cheap, wonderfully tasty in January and Sharon Fruit remain a good buy.

Brassicas are likely to be plentiful.

The beauty of purple and green January King Cabbages warms the soul on a cold winter’s day, and they usually taste as good as they look.

Jersey Broccoli can be relied on for quality and rarely becomes short.

Curly Kale is a great cheapie that can look a million dollars on the plate. The winter crop is particularly dark and tasty.

Sprout Tops are down-to-earth pricewise and we hope to get a second flush of our exclusive Red Brussels, too.

If you fancy going up-market a touch, Cornish Spring Greens will actually start to look spring-like if the weather is as mild as the last few years. In a cold season, the Italian and French Spinach supplies can dry up. The Cyprus crop can usually be relied on, although the price can be more than a little frightening.

Cyprus Potatoes aren’t expensive, but taste as if they should be.

Thai Asparagus is never cheap, but it is always of excellent quality. The slim, pale spears will almost certainly be available to grace your table throughout the month.

Jerusalem Artichokes will continue to offer great taste at a good price.Spanish Globe Artichokes represent good value and pack plenty of peppery taste too.

Carrots, Turnips, Swede and Parsnips are a tasty safe-ish bet.

As the days get longer, you'll notice an improvement in the taste of Canary Tomatoes. They go from good to excellent. Almost worth buying tomatoes in the winter to bottle and keep for the summer! Despite originating in one of the world’s ideal climates West Indian Vegetables are great as British winter warmers.

Cheer up your customers in January by offering ripe Plantains, Yams or Eddoes. Spider Frisee is likely to be at its most variable in January. If you can, use Chicory or Radiccio for bitterness instead.

Israeli Herbs should remain good throughout the winter.

Basil sometimes suffers in cold weather, but the damage is done as it stands on the freezing tarmac at Heathrow awaiting customs clearance.

January's Wild Mushrooms have been excellent in recent years. Either due to the mild weather in Europe, or because there are now more sources of supply.