La Palma

Who's behind it

La Palma is the specialist and importer behind our seasonal exotics. As a buyer, they follow one question all year: where does the best passion fruit and exotic fruit come from right now. The origin shifts with the season. For passion fruit that means several countries through the year, from Vietnam and Colombia to France and Spain. That way the fruit arrives ripe all year. Mango, lychee, pomegranate and dragon fruit work the same way, coming from whichever origin is in season at that moment.

Why these exotics

Through the season, passion fruit is on our list from at least four origins: Vietnam, Colombia, organic from France and vine-ripened from Spain. Vine-ripened means the fruit ripened on the plant, which you taste in the acidity and the aroma. Mango you buy by variety: Osteen is creamy and low in fibre, Irwin smaller and more aromatic. Where possible, fruit arrives ready to eat or ripened on the plant, so you can use it the same day. You know which variety you're getting and how it behaves in a coulis, a dressing or raw on the plate.

In your kitchen

Put the variety on the menu. "Osteen mango" or "vine-ripened passion fruit" shows the guest what you're sourcing. Use passion fruit as a sharp acid note against fat, with a rillette, a fermented cream or a fatty fish. Keep the pulp with seeds for crunch, or sieve it for a smooth gel.

Move with the season: dragon fruit and star fruit for colour and shape, lychee and pomegranate when supply peaks. Ask about the origin of the week.