September brings the best of both summer and autumn.

UK apples are underway. After the dry and hot summer, some growers are reporting smaller calibre fruit. Those with irrigation have seen fewer issues. The first varieties are Discovery, Windsor, Gala. Pears will follow on soon. 

European stone fruit is reaching the end of the season. Cherries are over. Peaches and nectarines are winding down but you will still find some good fruit at the start of the month.  

The hot summer has been a bonus for grapes - expect excellent quality. Below are Muscat from France. There are many varieties - mainly from France and Italy. 

September also means figs. Bursa black figs from Turkey will keep going for about two months; Sollies black figs from France (pictured below) have a shorter season. 

On the citrus front, the European season is just beginning. Below are Verdello from Italy, which are highly aromatic with high levels of essential oils. The Miyagawa clementines will be available this month. 

Don't forget UK-grown outdoor rhubarb - ending soon. 

For vegetables, beans include the last of the runners. From the Continent, Coco de Paimpol and Borlotti. 

UK sweetcorn is a good buy. Some growers reports issues with the lack of rain over summer to swell the kernels. 

There is a huge variety of summer and winter squashes on the Market - aren't they beautiful? 

UK courgettes still available but end soon.

As the weather cools, brassicas start to improve - this is UK-grown variegated kale. Also plenty of cabbages to hand. 

UK salads should last through September. 

As a final flourish, how about these Scottish girolle? Still going and a classy ingredients for any menu. 

See you in October for our next Market Report.