OOH isn’t it nice to feel the penetrating warmth of the sun on your skin?
The beneficial effects of its rays have certainly had an impact on produce at the market, most notably with the explosion of daffs and tulips on Julian Harvard’s cut flower stall.


He has already informed me that this Saturday will be even more bounteous than last.


You may also have noticed the abundance of purple and white sprouting broccoli available at the moment which is also benefiting from this warm spell.


Purple sprouting broccoli contains the phytochemical sulphoraphane (thought to help prevent cancer) and may provide resistance against heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes.

It is packed with vitamin C and is a good source of carotenoids, iron, folic acid, calcium, fibre and vitamins A, E, K and B.


Just 5 minutes in the steamer will preserve its flavour, texture and, most importantly, all that goodness.


Elsewhere the ever industrious With Her Hands are serving up a new range of tomato jams this week - tomato jam with tahiti, vanilla and marcona almonds - fabulous with Brinkworth blue cheese or a Simon Weaver creamy brie; smoked tomato jam - perfect for barbecued meats or bacon sandwich and tomato jam with chillies and valrhona chocolate - a whole new experience, which has to be tasted to be believed.


With more than 50 stalls and a bumper flea market you know where to be on Saturday.