Crop update: December

Stuart Lawson, produce technical manager at fresh produce supplier Reynolds, reviews availability for the weeks ahead

British produce is currently faring very well due to the decent weather, with excellent quality root vegetables available right now, including parsnips, carrots, turnips and swedes. However, availability of large carrots continues to be an issue.

UK brassica crops, including sprouts, cabbages and cauliflowers, are also performing to plan, along with potatoes of all varieties.

New season Spanish easy peelers, including clementines, are eating well. However, volumes are down by around 30%, with fruit sizes larger than normal. Orange availability is also similarly tight.

European apples and pears continue to delight and strawberries will improve as Egyptian fruit begins to come through in the next week or so. Meanwhile, new season Brazilian white grapes are likely to be a better bet than European red grapes for the next few weeks, as the fruit will hold up better, despite the transit time.

European salad crops are all fine, although the hot temperatures in Spain may begin to affect quality and shelf life should they continue for a long period.