We have listed below the UK seasonal fruit and vegetables which we offer, subject to availability, at the Food Float stall on Fridays and Saturdays. Much is available locally to Surrey / Sussex / Kent from small local suppliers with whom we have worked for many years. The precise dates of availability vary, based on weather conditions, harvest performance and supply/demand pricing.

We are happy, within reason, to tailor the boxes to avoid anything going to waste. We are also happy to receive requests for specific fruit & vegetable items to supplement a general order if you don’t need an actual veg box. There is a ‘comments’ option in the online shop or you can send us an email. Just specify quantity.

SUMMER SEASON:
June: Asparagus (from Godlaming), aubergine, beetroot, blackcurrants, broad beans, broccoli, cauliflower, courgettes, cucumber, gooseberries, hispi cabbage, lettuce, marrow, new potatoes, peas, rainbow chard, redcurrants, rhubarb, Romano peppers, baby salad leaves (packed by FoodFloat), spinach, spring onions, strawberries, tomatoes (from Pulborough), turnips, watercress.
Carrots & onions from storage.

July: Aubergine, beetroot, blackberries, blackcurrants, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cavelo nero, celery, cherries, courgettes, cucumber, fennel, french beans, gooseberries, hispi cabbage, kohl-rabi, lettuce, new potatoes, red/white onions, peas, purple sprouting broccoli, rainbow chard, raspberries, redcurrants, rhubarb, Romano peppers, runner beans, baby salad leaves, spinach, spring onions, strawberries, summer squash, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, whitecurrants.

August: Aubergine, beetroot, blackberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cavelo nero, cherries, corn-on-the-cob, courgettes, cucumber, damsons, fennel, french beans, hispi cabbage, kohl-rabi, leeks, lettuce, marrow, red/white onions, peppers, plums, potatoes, purple sprouting broccoli, rainbow chard, raspberries, redcurrants, rhubarb, runner beans, baby salad leaves, spring greens, spring onions, strawberries, summer squash, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, white cabbage.

AUTUMN SEASON:
September (peak harvest): Apples (from DCO), aubergine, beetroot, blackberries, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cavelo nero, celery, corn-on-the-cob, courgettes, cucumber, damsons (from DCO), hispi cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, marrow, onions, parsnips, peppers, plums, potatoes, purple sprouting broccoli, rainbow chard, raspberries, red cabbage, romanesco cauliflower, rhubarb, runner beans, spinach, spring greens, spring onions, summer squash, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, white cabbage.

October: Apples (from DCO), beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, brussels tops, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, cavelo nero, baby celeriac, fenland celery, corn-on-the-cob, courgettes, cucumber, hispi cabbage, kale, leeks, lettuce, marrow, red/white onions, parsnips, pears (from Ringden farm), potatoes, pumpkin, purple sprouting broccoli, quince, rainbow chard, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, sloes, spring greens, spring onions, summer squash, swede, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, white cabbage.

November: Apples (from Ringden farm), beetroot, brussels sprouts, brussels tops, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, cavelo nero, baby celeriac, fenland celery, hispi cabbage, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, leeks, medlars (from DCO), red/white onions, parsnips, pears, potatoes, pumpkin, purple sprouting broccoli, quince, rainbow chard, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, swede, turnips, watercress, white cabbage, winter squash.

WINTER SEASON:
December: Apples, beetroot, brussels sprouts, carrots, cavelo nero, celeriac, fenland celery, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, leeks, red/white onions, parsnips, pears, potatoes, rainbow chard, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, sprout sticks (with tops and sprouts), swede, turnips, watercress, white cabbage, winter squash.

January: Beetroot, brussels sprouts, carrots, cavelo nero, celeriac, celery, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, leeks, red/white onions, parsnips, red cabbage, spring greens, swede, turnips, white cabbage, winter squash.
Apples, pears & potatoes from cold storage.

February: Beetroot, brussels sprouts, carrots, cavelo nero, celeriac, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, leeks, red/white onions, parsnips, purple sprouting broccoli, red cabbage, spring greens, spring onions, swede, white cabbage, winter squash.
Apples, pears & potatoes from cold storage.

SPRING SEASON:
March (historically, the hungry month!!): Artichoke, beetroot, carrots, cavelo nero, celeriac, kale, leeks, parsnips, purple sprouting broccoli, early rhubarb, spring greens, spring onions, watercress.
Apples, onions, pears & potatoes from storage.

April: Artichoke, beetroot, carrots, celeriac, kale, parsnips, rhubarb, spinach, spring greens, spring onions, tomatoes (from Pulborough), watercress.
Apples, onions & potatoes from cold storage.

May: Artichoke, asparagus (from Godlaming), beetroot, cucumber, hispi cabbage, lettuce, new potatoes, peas, rhubarb, romano peppers, baby salad leaves (packed by FoodFloat), spinach, spring greens, spring onions, strawberries, tomatoes, watercress.
Carrots, onions & potatoes from cold storage.

Note: DCO means- Dorking Community Orchard (near Dorking West railway station), where we source traditional varieties of apple, such as: Sunset, Russett, Adam’s Pearmain, Claygate Pearmain, Monarch, Falstaff, Highview Pippin, Bramley (cooker) and Lanes Prince Albert (cooker). Also Damsons and Medlars.

Note: Carrots and beetroot are available as bunches or loose. Beetroot is available as normal, golden or candy type. Lettuces include round green, red oak, coz, little gem, red gem. Cabbages available are savoy, january king, tundra and hispi (pointed). Strawberries come in cardboard punnets. New potatoes are from Cornwall (early) or Kent. Tomatoes are from Nutbourne nursery (Pulborough) and grown hydroponically and insecticide free, using natural predators.

Our average food-miles from growing source (field or small holding) to our market stall is less than 18 miles. How amazing it that! What an amazing selection of local/UK grown fruit and veg is available.

Health Benefits of Fruit and Vegetables:

Purple fruits and vegetables: are high in antioxidants and anthocyanin, which has a positive effect on brain health, inflammation, and heart disease. Purple foods may also enhance calmness.

So think of: purple sprouting broccoli, red kale, beetroot, red hispi cabbage, plums, sloes, damsons, cherries, aubergine, red onions, etc. THE POWER OF PURPLE!

Jerusalem artichokes: are rich in many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium. This boosts gut health. They are rich in an important fibre called inulin. Inulin is a prebiotic fibre that feeds your good gut bacteria and improves the balance of your gut microbiome.

Pears: A good source of fibre, which may support gut health. A source of flavonoids, which may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Low in calories and high in fibre and water to aid weight management.

Apples: contain many antioxidants, which can help neutralise free radicals that can damage cells and lead to conditions like cancer and diabetes. Apples are high in fibre, which can help you feel full and keep your glucose levels steady. Apples have a low glycemic index, which means they don’t cause blood sugar levels to spike. Apples are rich in polyphenols, which may protect against heart disease.  Apples contain phlorizin, a phytonutrient that can help improve bone density and reduce bone breakdown. Apples can improve gut health by interacting with the gut microbiota.

Eating more fruits and vegetables, like apples, may help improve mental health.

Asparagus: is a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as B vitamins, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, selenium, and phosphorus.  Asparagus contains both soluble and insoluble fibre, which can help with digestion and lower cholesterol.

Asparagus contains antioxidants like gallic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, and rutin, which can help protect cells from damage. Asparagus is a rich source of folate, which can help with blood formation, immune function, and reducing fatigue. It’s also important for healthy fetal development during pregnancy.

Asparagus contains potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and regulate your heartbeat. Asparagus has anti-inflammatory properties.

Asparagus contains folate, which works with B12 to help prevent cognitive decline.  Asparagus is rich in amino acids, including aspartic acid.

Mushrooms: contain fibre, which helps feed the good bacteria in your digestive system. They may also help balance the bacteria in your gut, which can strengthen your immune system. Mushrooms contain ergothioneine, an antioxidant and amino acid that can prevent or slow cellular damage.

Mushrooms are high in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. They’re also low in sodium, so you can use them in place of saltier ingredients to reduce your sodium intake.

Early research suggests that lion’s mane mushrooms may help protect against neurological damage and promote nerve tissue growth. Mushrooms may also help prevent cognitive impairment, which is the stage between normal age-related cognitive decline and dementia.

Mushrooms contain selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6, which can help maintain a healthy immune system. Mushrooms contain vitamin D, which helps maintain and build strong bones. Mushrooms contain copper, which helps your body make red blood cells.

Tomatoes: contain vitamin C, which helps support your immune system and protect against disease-causing free radicals. Tomatoes contain beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A and is essential for vision. Vitamins A, C, and E in tomatoes help keep your skin, bones, and teeth healthy.  The nutrients in tomatoes can change the makeup of microbes in your gut, which can have positive effects on your overall health.  Tomatoes contain potassium, which is essential for relaxing blood vessels.

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a cancer-fighting compound that may help reduce the risk of prostate, lung, and stomach cancer. Lycopene may also help prevent type 2 diabetes by protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation.

Cavelo Nero (and other similar leafy veg such as Kale and Chard): is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support the immune system, bone health, and blood clotting. It’s also a good source of B vitamins, including folic acid, which is important during pregnancy. Cavolo nero contains fibre and calcium.  Cavelo nero is a good source of antioxidants.  Brassicas, like cavolo nero, contain phytochemicals that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Soluble fibre slows down the rate at which sugar is released into the bloodstream. Cavolo nero contains lutein, which can help with eye health.

Fenland celery: is low in calories: Two stalks of celery contain only 15 calories. Celery contains dietary fibre, vitamin K, and small amounts of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Celery contains flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.  Vitamin K in celery helps improve blood flow and blood clotting. Celery contains minerals like magnesium, iron, and sodium, which can neutralize acidic foods. Celery contains magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar. Celery is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system. Celery contains a compound called apiuman, which can improve the lining of the stomach and reduce the chances of getting stomach ulcers.

Watercress: may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A study of over 500,000 people found that eating cruciferous vegetables like watercress reduced the risk of heart disease by 16%. Watercress contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin K, which are all important for bone health. Watercress contains carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.  Watercress contains vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system.

Watercress contains glucosinolates, which activate into isothiocyanates compounds that may prevent certain types of cancer.  Watercress contains nitrates, which may enhance athletic performance. A nutrient profiling review found that watercress was one of the top antidepressant plant foods.  Watercress contains antioxidants that may help lower the risk of chronic disease

Super foods include: watercress, walnuts, dark leafy greens (cavelo nero, chard, kale), berries (strawberries and raspberries), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts), pumpkin, beetroot, cinnamon, and garlic. Super foods can be a great part of a balanced healthy diet.

*** We provide this information, merely as guidance. Please do your own research on the health benefits of fruit and vegetables. It provides real insight into healthy living. ***