I get the feeling that most retailers are devoting more space to winter vegetables as temperatures fall. Good news, of course, for brassica and root producers, and the situation also results in the emergence of more prepared lines now that convenience is king.

A good example is the traditional stew pack, which is still in evidence. Marks & Spencer has given it a whole new twist with its One Pot Classic Casserole, priced at £1 for 400g.

The ingredients, which are chopped up broadly into the same size, include a range of winter veg. Carrots account for 25 per cent of the mix, new potatoes 24 per cent, leeks 17 per cent, onions 14 per cent and swedes 20 per cent.

The latter of these has also had a makeover at Tesco, with the addition of a new microwaveable 400g bag under the brand Easy Swede. It is selling at a price of 79p.

Some products, such as the above, are easy to prepare for DIY consumers, but there are exceptions.

High on my list of those that are not are mangoes, because the fleshy stone seems almost glued into the fruit regardless of how sharp the kitchen knife may be.

Del Monte has got over this with its Naked Fruit range on Tesco shelves at £2 for 220g. In one sense it is also a glowing example of the art of packaging as two fruit halves are each individually sealed in their own bags and displayed in a dispenser. Despite the technology, however, there is a warning that packs may still contain some stone.

At this time of year Europe is showing its best face as far as apples are concerned. Again at Tesco, a variety called Evelina apples, sourced from Belgium, have arrived under its Finest brand for £2.49.

I was intrigued by Sainsbury’s choice of varieties, defined as “Timeless Favourites”, under its Best of British label.

Fuji, despite now being international, is more closely associated with China, but it is interesting to see that it has crossed the seas and is being raised in Suffolk by Boxford Farms at £1.99 for six fruit.

And as a footnote, despite Christmas still being some way off, this retailer has no intention of being caught out by the Delia Smith effect. It already has US cranberries on offer at £4 for 300g.

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