The continued dry spell is starting to affect the quality of some leafier veggies, and more pertinently the winter crop planting, which is having to be delayed due to the dryness of the soil.
But lines such as tomatoes & cucumbers are now in full flow and in very good condition.
In addition we should have the first Herman plums in this week - they are always the first variety and there is then usually a gap until later varieties come through, so please don't miss out on them.
It is also allowing us a bring back a couple of recipe bags popular from last year - Plum & Orange Crumble, and the super simple Plum Tart (really easy - 10 mins prep, 20 mins cooking, and looks stunning!) - really just the sweet sister of the Tomato Tart.
The early season green garlic, has now dried out, and the stems withered to a papery string. The upside of this, is that we are now offering our very own Garlic Grappes. Grown with love in Tolleshunt D'Arcy by Roy Hill, hand-platted in North London by our good selves, these are very pretty, hang nicely in the kitchen and make for lovely little presents - in a way that, say, a kilo of carrots just isn't.
Roy's wife Rita grows sunflowers each year - they are a lovely and unusual off-shoot for us. Naturally, they are thriving in these parched days, so we hope you try them out.
Ansi, of Jacobs Farm, Essex has the first of her new season Ulster Sceptre New Potatoes starting this week - they are small, and delicious. and we also have the first few long aubergines - but not many this first week, so please do be quick.
Plus we have the first of the Organic Sunburst squash in this week from Martin @ Ripple Farm - firmer than courgettes, but much lighter than, say a butternut, squash, you dont have to peel them - just carve them up, season, and bake at 170g for 30 mins - they are delicious.