GO BEYOND FOUR SEASONS

PEAK SEASON BOX

Our Sourcing Team have selected the 9-10 varieties tasting their best right now. From familiar favourites to lesser known ones, these are our picks this week.

Coll de Dama Figs – Lleida, Spain
Reine Claude Plums – Toulouse & Montauban, France
Black Muscat Grapes – France
Red & Green Piquillo Peppers – Hampshire, UK
Romana Courgettes – Pembrokeshire & Hampshire, UK
Striata Aubergine – Lazio, Italy
Amarillo Peach – Lleida, Spain
Green French Oakleaf – Loire, France
Mixed Beans – Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, Hampshire & Kent, UK
Sandy Carrot – Dunkirk, France

SAVOURING THE SEASON:
GREEN LEMONS

We are lucky enough to receive delicious lemons all year round. Our large, leafy unwaxed lemons are the jewel in our crown, and from late August to October, that jewel is green.

Although green lemons may not be common, they are no less delicious. In fact, our early season lemons are something we are very proud to offer - they are an excellent example of varietal diversity as a solution to extreme conditions. Citrus thrive during warm days and cold nights, however, some varieties still ripen when the night time temperatures are high, as is the case in Campania and Sicily at the moment. Enter: Verdello and Interdonato. These varieties are rich in essential oils, teasing a taste of what is to come during our green citrus season. Where other varieties suffer in the heat, these can withstand it better, retaining more juiciness during this particularly dry period. They also happen to be green when ripe.

We have become so conditioned to believe that lemons must be bright yellow, that it is quite standard practice to submit lemons to artificial ripening processes in late summer. This process really diminishes their flavour.

Their potent oils mean their zest makes a stunning addition to dressings, gently lifting mild vegetables like courgettes, that are abundant during the summertime.