Seasonal Produce

A "true" baby carrot is a carrot grown to the "baby stage", therefore long before the root reaches its mature size. These immature roots are preferred by some people out of the belief that they are superior either in texture, nutrition or taste.

There are numerous species of basil; some have scents reminiscent of pineapple, lemon, cinnamon or cloves; others have beautiful purple leaves. In Mediterranean regions, basil and tomato is a classic combination. The type used in Italian food is typically called sweet basil.

Basil is commonly used fresh in cooked recipes. Fresh basil is added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys its flavour. The fresh herb can be kept for a short time in plastic bags in the refrigerator, or for a longer period in the freezer, after being blanched quickly in boiling water.

A versatile green that's great for stir-fries. It has a generally sweet flavour with a hint of mustard. Dwarf bok choy are more leafy than the regular bok choy and it goes without saying that they are also a lot smaller.  This crop is actually grown all year round in our Essex glasshouse.

English grown peas tend to be available nearer the end of the month depending on the weather. The season will then run right up through the summer months. Peas are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables. Originally the tender tops of the plants were cooked along with the pea pods. Today we have shelling, snap, snow and sugar pod peas. For more information on English peas and beans visit www.tastesofsummer.co.uk