This month, peas and broad beans are at their peak, offering beautiful flavours with a distinctly French and Spanish influence. Italian nettles are also in season.

The UK asparagus season traditionally begins on April 23rd, but they’re already out for  both English and French green asparagus. White asparagus arrives from the Loire Valley, while purple and French wild asparagus also make their debut this month.

Berry lovers, take note—it’s an exciting time! The first Tulameen raspberries, Gariguettes, Clery, Ciflorette, and fraise des bois from Arzagot, near Malaga, are now available.

Tomatoes and courgettes are coming into their own, with standout varieties like Yoom, Marmande, and Noire de Crimée. More on these next month.

Artichokes are transitioning to France, and premium salads from Beausse, one of France’s finest growers, are beginning their season. 

European citrus is winding down, making this the final month for blood oranges and bergamot. Italian leafy lemons will hold on a little longer.

Melons aren’t quite ready yet, but they’ll be arriving soon.

As the season shifts, we say ‘au revoir’ (or ‘arrivederci’) to Italy’s bitter leaves, including puntarelle, cime di rapa, Tardivo, and pink radicchios. Treviso remains available, as does some English supply, though Castelfranco isn’t at its best. Agretti should still be around in early April but will soon taper off. 

Other News -

http://tiny.cc/mgug001 - James Goodyear Executive Chef at restaurant Gordon Ramsay High, on his career

http://tiny.cc/4gug001 - Chef Yiannis Mexis makes his solo debut with Greek Restaurant Pyro in London’s Borough

http://tiny.cc/wx3f001 - Chef Matt Gillan confirms the closure of his West Sussex restaurant, Heritage

http://tiny.cc/jx3f001 - Johnny Smith and Daniel Willis launch Hospitality Group

http://tiny.cc/raxc001 - Lisa-Goodwin-Allen to leave Northcote after 23 years

http://tiny.cc/0axc001 -  Is 2025 the year of the franchise?

http://tiny.cc/51db001- the winners of the National Restaurant Awards Rising Stars 2025

http://tiny.cc/u1db001 - Co-founders of Burger & Lobster, Goodman  and Beast Restaurant announce business split

http://tiny.cc/72db001 - The original Hakkasan on Hanway Place to close

http://tiny.cc/kuu9001 - All New Additions to The MICHELIN Guide 2024-2025

http://tiny.cc/p005001 - Key Openings of 2025

http://tiny.cc/d005001 - JKS considering employee share scheme

http://tiny.cc/xzz4001 - 10 Restaurant trends for 2025

http://tiny.cc/4o12001   - Sat Bains on his near death experience and 25 years in Nottingham