May is peak season - and low prices - for UK asparagus. Recent hot weather is like rocket fuel for these plants, which can grow up to 10cm per day if the conditions are right.

This month also brings the first of the European stone fruit such as peaches and cherries. But bear in mind prices will be high at first .... 

Wild garlic is still being foraged around the country but in warmer areas it is now in flower - which means it is past its best. 

Jersey Royal potatoes are a good buy - all grades available. This is also a good month for English purple sprouting broccoli. UK salad growers will start their harvests this month.

It is an interesting month for wild mushrooms. In general, they don't like the heat but you can still catch St George mushrooms (pictured below) and their close relative the Mousseron. Wild morels and girolle also available. 

May marks the start of the berry season. Right now, much of the crop is coming from Europe but the UK will soon catch up. The first English strawberries are due at the start of May. The first gooseberries due this month, too.

Another taste of spring is peas and broad beans. Again, these are currently trucked in from Southern Europe. 

Tomatoes from Southern Europe are looking good - grown under cover in most cases. Courgettes are also abundant.

Look at the size of this yellow pepper from Italy! 

The first melons are on the Market - watermelons, Charentais and smooth skinned-types such as the photo below. 

Wet or new garlic is ready - short season.

These are fresh or wet almonds from France. 

It is also a good month for artichokes. 

Note that blood oranges are now over. 

See you in June for our next Market Report.