Written by Tom Moggach
November 06, 2019

[A-Z of Chef's Guides]

Leafy clementines now flooding into the Market - always a highlight for November.

Citrus of all kinds is exceptional. Here are a couple of rare ones from wholesaler Gilgrove. Ever seen a limequat?

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Limequats

How about a Buddha's Hand?

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Buddhas Hand

And - a bit more mainstream - some juicy kumquats. These snack-size fruit can be eaten skin and all.

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Kumquats

For British fruit, a wide range of British apples and pears are on hand. In addition to the varieties below, you'll find Russets, Gala and Bramley.

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Apples

This is a new variety, grown in France, spotted at P & I Fruits. Kissabel has a pink tinge to the flesh.

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Kissabel

For veg, brassicas are strong. This includes sprouts and tops, kales, Romanesco and purple sprouting. Many traders are moving to Spain for their broccoli. Squashes of all kinds are also plentiful.

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Sprout Tops

From under the ground, Jerusalem 'chokes are a good bet - these are British from wholesaler S Thorogood. A wide range of standard spuds also available.

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Jerusalem Artichokes

From the Continent, specialities include radicchios (Tardivo, Castel Franco, Chiccorinos), salsify, chervil root, Thema artichokes, crosnes and celeriac.

Don't forget nuts - fresh chestnuts are in their prime. Seen last month's Chef's Guide to Chestnuts?

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Chestnuts

Wet walnuts also here - these over at H G Walker.

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Walnuts

Familiar with persimmons? These are growing in popularity. Spain is a key exporter at this time of year.

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Persimmon

Turkish figs are all but over. But you will find some Italian (below), French and new crops from the Southern Hemisphere.

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Italian Figs

These are from Peru - this batch from Premier.

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Figs

The last of the European plums are the Angeleno variety from Spain and Italy.

Chillies are bringing plenty of colour. These are from the same wholesaler as the figs - Premier.

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Chillies

It's a good time for wild mushrooms, especially ceps.

Fruit And Veg Market Report November 2019 Ceps

A new trader for the Market is the London Herb Company. They are fully stocked and trading in the units once occupied by Worldwide Exotics, which has been bought by The French Garden.