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The big story for May is the start of the European stone fruit season. Typically, apricots and cherries are the first to arrive. Peaches and nectarines take a little longer to get going - the early harvests look the part but are often a little disappointing.
Asparagus, of course, remains a highlight. The recent cold weather in the UK has slowed down the homegrown crop but this should be the month when volumes pick up. From the Continent, wholesalers are importing wild asparagus.
White, purple and green asparagus also available. Below is an Italian crop.
This is the Wye Valley green grown by the Chinn family.
Other good calls for British produce include Jersey Royals, which are still in prime condition and now reasonably priced. UK-grown salads will become available later in May - right now they are coming from Europe, with the exception of watercress.
UK strawberries are just starting and eating quality will improve over the next few months.
These are pineberries, sometimes called white strawberries - often grown in Belgium.
Outdoor rhubarb from the UK is peak season.
From Europe, you will find veg such as courgettes, heritage tomatoes, radish, peppers and aubergines (round, graffiti). Peas and broad beans also widely available.
Beans are just starting, too, such as Borlotti and yellow. The picture below shows some beautiful Italian tropea onions.
It is the back end of the citrus season, but can still find some beautiful fruit such as these leafy cedros.
These are huge pomelos, imported from China.
Wild mushrooms include girolles, ceps and European morels.
See you in June for our next Market Report.
