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Lots of reds and pinks in time for Valentine's Day this month.
Yorkshire forced rhubarb is now in full flow. Growers are reporting a decent crop this year and the season will run until March, when the outdoor crop steps in.
Blood oranges are underway and the Moro variety - the deepest in colour - has now arrived. The photo here shows Sanguinello, a classic juicing variety.
Other citrus includes excellent leafy oranges, including unwaxed. These are from countries such as Portugal, Italy and also Tunisia, which is sending the Orange Maltaise, which is excellent for juice.
The season for clementines ends with the Nardicott variety. Niche citrus such as cedros (pictured below) and bergamots also available.
This photo shows Pomelos stocked at the wholesaler P & I. They are offering these mixed boxes, where the flesh of the fruit is red, pink, yellow and white.
For UK apples and pears, varieties include Cox, Braeburn, Conference and Comice. Wax-tipped pears such as Passe Crassane (France) and Decana (Italy) also available.
Other fruits for February include lychees, pomegranates and mangoes.
Wild mushrooms tend to be from Portugal at this time of year. Chanterelle, girolle and Pied de Mouton are in season. Morels are Chinese and cultivated.
Below are some black winter truffles from Italy, modelled at The Mushroom Man.
Winter tomato varieties include Marinda, Raf and Camone.
This is a good month for all kinds of artichokes - from baby bunched to large Globe.
Wet garlic is available - typically from Egypt.
For salads, you will find UK watercress and the bitter leaves from Italy such as the radicchios. (Tardivo, Castelfranco, Rose, Precoce).
Looking for inspiration for Valentine's? There are stencilled apples from France and traders bring in a wide range of strawberries. (P & I are bringing in some speciality fruit from Japan this year). Other ideas include redcurrants, pomegranates, passion fruit and early asparagus from France.
See you in March for the next Market Report.
