The trend of keeping the leaves attached to citrus, which began with Spanish and Moroccan clementines at Christmas, seems to be catching on.
Subsequently, Navels have been presented that way, and most recently at Asda lemons have come in for the same treatment at £1.37 for four.
Interestingly, varieties are also beginning to be named, which in this case are Spanish Vernas. These account for over 50 per cent of Iberian production and are almost unique to the country.
As our own cherry season gets underway, about three weeks early, one retail ticket at the other end of the scale is the tender and sweet Rainier variety at Marks & Spencer. Its sourcing was traditionally associated with Washington State, but this fruit is now being grown in Israel at £5.99 for 225g. Dark red 250g Spanish Santina, however, are two for £5.
Caesar salad has long been the yardstick when it comes to adding sachets of dressings inside the pouch pack, but the habit is growing.
The Co-operative, under its Truly Irresistible brand, has rung the changes with a garden salad with pea shoots and a mint and Pecorino cheese dressing at £1.60 for 115g.
For leaf lovers the main constituents are Apollo - described as incised leaves with fresh flavour - spinach, rocket, lamb’s lettuce, red chard and, of course, pea shoots.
The latter has risen to fame on its own steam over the last few years, and has been further enhanced by M&S by linking it to Wiltshire, in the same way that watercress has become the domain of Hampshire. The 50g pack washed in spring water is ticketed at £1.
And keeping things simple and cheap, Tesco has launched a new 120g shredded Iceberg pack at 75p or two for £1.
Mushrooms are as versatile a product as any, but Lidl has added a new dimension with summer here with an on-pack reminder that they are “ideal for BBQs”. The Irish-sourced pack is priced at £1 for 250g.
Another bright idea comes from Asda, which is including a portion of the island’s equally famous butter alongside Jersey Royals, on offer at 80p/360g.
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