The price of food eased this month. Although they were up 0.6 percent on the month and 8.4 percent on the year, this was down on the 2.8 percent increase in the June 2009 month and equal to the 8.4 percent on the year to June 2009.

All subgroups were up on the month apart from the meat, poultry and fish subgroup, which was down by 0.7 percent. Leading the increase was fruit and vegetables. However, although they were up 3.1 percent on the month, it was well down from the 15 percent increase in the month of June. To put the effect of veg in perspective, the 41 percent increase in lettuce prices accounted for over three-quarters of the increase in the food price index. There were falls in prices for tomatoes (down 9.5 percent) and minced beef (down 8.2 percent).

On the year all subgroups were up, led by grocery food (up 7.8 percent) followed by meat, poultry and fish (up 12.4 percent) and fruit and vegetables (up 12.2 percent). Prepared meats and smallgood prices are up almost a fifth, while bread is up 13.5 percent and cakes and biscuits are up 16.7 percent. However, cheese is down close to 16 percent on the year, butter is down 21 .6 percent and potatoes are down 10 percent.

Recipe of the month Nectarine Sorbet With Lemon Tuiles