Charles Campion is The Smart Shopper - Life & Style - Evening Standard
       

Charles Campion is The Smart Shopper

Charles Campion's food shop hints and tips...

Fishing for clues
Following the recent wake-up call in the media, we are all considering just which fish to eat more carefully. If you contact the Marine Stewardship Council it will suggest a list of "sustainable" fish but the problem becomes where to buy them. The best approach is to pick a traditional fishmonger and ask advice. Steve Hatt, in Islington, has excellent Scottish haddock fillets at between £12.50 and £14.50 per kg depending on size (large fillets always cost more than small ones) and they get a big tick from the MSC. But he doesn't sell Norwegian cod (MSC recommended), preferring to get his cod from Peterhead (£11.50 to £16 per kg). For Hatt it's a question of quality - and the Scottish cod can be anything up to two days fresher. Steve Hatt, 88-90 Essex Road, N1 (020 7226 3963) (msc.org).

Pop sensations
What will they think of next? Diva Gourmet Popcorn (wholegrain and "air-popped" - more fibre and less fat) comes in four flavours: sea-salt and balsamic vinegar; camembert, gouda and brie (both below); rock salt, and sweet chipotle chilli. Each 21/23g bag is 85p. Harvey Nichols Foodmarket, Sloane Street, SW1 (020 7235 5000, harveynichols.com).

Season's greeting
It's not a great time of year for greengrocers but two great treats are in season - the forced Yorkshire rhubarb is top quality at the moment (pale pink and delicate, on menus as "champagne rhubarb") while there are also organic Seville oranges on sale. Both the rhubarb and the oranges freeze well so it is worth stocking up so you can make marmalade through the year in small batches and have some champagne rhubarb stockpiled for turning into fool in a hot summer. Yorkshire rhubarb £6.99 per kg. Organic Seville oranges £3.99 per kg. Pomona Foods, 179 Haverstock Hill, NW3 (020 7916 2676).

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