While consumers are often branded convenience conscious, every year a loyal band of buyers still makes their own marmalade.
One of the most attractive kits comes from Asda in a high-quality, woven, overwrapped basket for £3. The contents include not just 1kg of traditional Spanish Sevilles, but also an Italian Primofiore lemon, plus preparation instructions and the reminder to add 1.4kg of jam sugar.
Figs are usually plentiful, but often somewhat large in size. However, there is now a baby variety from South Africa as part of Marks & Spencer’s Latest Discovery range. Bite-sized, the 140g pack has ready-to-eat fruit and is on offer at two for £3.
On the wider mission to both encourage consumption and increase seasonal awareness, Tesco is promoting a 94-page publication alongside its produce range, called All you want to know about fruit. Author Mark Baylock not only explains some of the mysteries and histories of the major varieties, but also provides some useful tips on storage, how to judge maturity, as well as defining apple tastes. For anyone spending more than £40 in store, it is free - otherwise the cover price is £7.99.
Meanwhile, the endless discussions on which tomato varieties taste best would fill a book all of their own. For many years the Marmande area in France, which gave the fruit its name, has laid claim. Waitrose is selling the bumpy streaked variety loose for £3.99/kg, with each identified with a sticker and the information that they are picked green.
Chillies have become another line where more information is being provided on the various strengths. Sainsbury’s has a green variety from Gambia for pizza, soups and noodles at £1.35 for 150g.
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