Produce News Summer 2023

As we move into the warmer summer months we are starting to see an abundance of local seasonal produce starting to arrive. The cool spring has delayed some of the early vegetable crops and with the dry summer last year has resulted. In less of the old crops being available there have been a few supply shortage. In particular cabbages, potatoes and onions have been really difficult and this will continue into the summer until some of the new crops start arriving to relieve the supply shortage.

The inflation we saw in some of the dairy products over the past year has now slowed down and prices in this area are a little down or at least static for now.

Recommendations

• All root vegetables remain available, but have mostly changed over to either new crops or imported, however we expect the supply problems to continue for a while yet and the prices to remain volatile.

• Brassicas such as broccoli and cauliflower are now local again, but we may have a few gaps due to the hot days affecting the growth cycle.

• New crop “Norfolk Peer” mid potatoes are now about to start and will look and taste fantastic once they are here, then they will be available all through the summer.

• Local asparagus will be finishing around 21st June, as is normal to let the plants re-grow and take on nutrients ready for next year.

• The local berry and soft fruit season is now in full swing with “Norfolk” strawberries and raspberries all started, blackberries, gooseberries , blueberries and the redcurrants will follow on very soon.

• Melons have been particularly difficult and expensive over the past couple of months, but are now improving in quality and price now that the new “Spanish” season kicks in, a little later than usual.

• Outdoor rhubarb remains available for another few weeks but will finish for a few months in August.

• All our leafy salads including the baby leaf are now locally grown and harvested they have been improving week by week so far this spring.

• UK tomatoes have now started, with local “Norfolk Heritage” tomatoes starting very soon and then going on into the autumn, they have always proved to be a popular seasonal option through the summer months.

• Summer stone fruits – peaches/nectarines/apricots/plums and cherries – are all in season and at their best over the summer months – cherries will have a limited season this year.

Other more specialist seasonal items to consider

• Chicory- red and white.
• Heritage carrots and potatoes.
• Baby vegetables.
• English watercress.
• Mooli.
• Kohl rabi.
• Fresh peas and broad beans in pod with runner beans to follow in July.

Items finishing/finished

• Local asparagus is now finishing and we will move back to imported over the summer.
• Wild garlic has now finished until next spring.
• Jersey Royal new potatoes finishing soon as the local new crops arrive.
• Blood oranges now finished until December.