Well Gourmand, of course there is nothing to prevent anything being bought and sold (and eaten) at any time of the year. Market forces you might say. But IMHO when you take away the natural demarcations of seasons and events the resultant blurring of the boundaries leaves us all the poorer. One example is runner beans. The best ones are those you grow in your own plot. We have always grown our own runner beans and we never buy any in the shops or out of season. They taste delicious and are something to look forward to. I guess that's the secret. Half the fun is the anticipation!

Best wishes,

Peter