Cauliflower

LAVA, the group comprising the main auctions in Belgium, has predicted a successful summer for the country's cauliflower this year, with mild temperatures ensuring an early start to the season and production increasing steadily in the second half of May.

Volumes are expected to rise to a peak of 400,000-500,000 pieces per week in weeks 23-25, with production falling to 300,000 in the second half of June before picking up again in the summer months.

According to LAVA, Flandria cauliflowers provide a guarantee of quality to grocers, supermarkets and specialist shops, including a commitment to sustainable cultivation and fully traceability.

LAVA has advised supermarket buyers to present the white closed head in a visible manner to show off the cauliflower's 'ultra-freshness' and to position the vegetable with products like tomatoes and asparagus to create a colour contrast.

The group also links to a special website offering tips on how best to prepare cauliflower and recommending a number of simple, but tasty recipes.