I must confess to never having read the small print when it comes to the descriptive minutiae of EU standards for fruit and vegetables. But I have a feeling that while the text may be fulsome over defining skin damage, there is far less detail when it comes to the practicalities of judging size, which can be very subjective.

I have had cause to wonder this week, trying to understand the multiples’ definition of the widely used term “large”, even if, I am sure, it is all legally correct. Oranges have been a case in point recently, so perhaps someone can write in and clarify the terms of retail reference.

Fruit is most easily quantified as it goes over the grader, but vegetables are another matter. In fact, as far as courgettes are concerned, they can arrive at certain times of the year looking like mini marrows. One example is Tesco’s new Spanish-grown twin pack in its Finest range, priced at £1.79 and described as “sweet and crunchy”.

Sweet is another term that is bandied about, and now that Marks & Spencer has firmly bedded in its “perfectly ripe” description, I note that “perfectly sweet” is being used on South African sweetcorn twin packs, also priced at £1.79. At this time of year, South Africa is not the only source, as Sainsbury’s is also stocking up from lesser-known Senegal on the same retail ticket.

Meanwhile, even if unusual spring weather abounds, mixed winter vegetables are still very much on the menu. But how they differ from the original simple stew packs! The category has moved onto an almost exotic level. Sainsbury’s now offers Prepared Squash Flavoured with Fresh Chilli and Thyme (£1.99 for 300g), and Roasting Veg with Manuka Honey and Poppy Seed Glaze (£2.49 for 400g).

Nearby on the shelf were Brocco Shoots under the Be Good to Yourself label, which are being packed in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and priced at £1.09 for 45g. This new pack, which sends a message that the product boosts the immune system, is actually a mix of broccoli, alfalfa, clover and radish.

A widening of consumer choice is becoming prevalent. After all, who would have thought that wild rocket, once seemingly only beloved by top chefs, would have become so popular and widely available? Lidl is importing 125g packs from Italy, provided by the Rago group.

Continuity with all products is of course key, which brings me on to another subject. I may have a bee in my bonnet, but I have always felt there is far too much use of the term “out of season”, particularly in the national media.

Logically, if a product comes from another country, it is in season in another part of the world. Morrisons seems to have hit the right note, by labelling its The Best-branded Italian baby San Marzano tomatoes (£1.49 for 250g) as “seasonal”. At least there can be no misconceptions on this - even though it is stating the obvious.

Topics