In Season: Something special
Claire Power, product marketing manager - fresh produce, Pauleys: Summer is nearly here and with the start of the UK season just around the corner, it's more than just the first strawberries which are currently being harvested.
English cucumbers are now on stream and with the recent good weather conditions, quality is good and volume will continue to increase.
May sees the last of the stored English onions before we move onto new imported onions from Chile and New Zealand. It has been a difficult season due to the poor weather conditions last year.
Imported prices are high and would not expect to see any reductions in costs until the new English season, which starts at the end of September. Difficult availability will occur for cauliflower until next month too when UK produce will be in season.
Grapes from Chile, India and Brazil will have availability issues, but next month, availability will be excellent with arrivals from Brazil, Peru, Egypt and Mexico.
Jersey Royal potatoes are also available from mid-May. A trusty classic that has been around for 125 years, they are renowned for their unique taste, flavour and delicate skin.
Alan Edmeades, marketing product manager, M&J Seafood: Supplies of swordfish are excellent but a word of caution - North Atlantic swordfish (pictured right) is on the IUCN Red List of endangered species, so make sure you go for long-line caught swordfish.
Like tuna, swordfish is meaty, though less oily than tuna. Cook on the rare side and try serving with a thick-cut apple sauce, flavoured with chilli and lemon grass.
Coley (pictured, below) is now in season and is the most popular alternative to cod and haddock. The flesh is often a dull off-white colour but lightens during cooking. It has a fine flavour and works well with creamy, sharp, strong or spicy flavours. Try topping it with a tomato pesto and roasting for eight to 10 minutes, then serving with char grilled vegetables and spiced couscous.
John Martin, product marketing manager, Prime Meats: Seasonal price rises will be starting to kick in on popular summer products such as chicken and steak.
Chicken consumption rises in the summer due to its versatility - barbecue, griddling, stir fries, salads, sandwiches - and its healthy, low fat nutritional properties.
Steak consumption increases significantly in the summer months as consumers break out the barbie at home, and retail demand will drive prices up for the whole market.
For further information, contact:
Pauleys: 0870 600 2005
M&J Seafood: 0845 606 9090
Prime Meats: 0845 606 9090
