EGGS
There have been several wholesale price increases over the last few months. Reasons are numerous, and include supply shortages, the general cost of production and bird flu, particularly overseas. It is expected that the situation may only become worse over the coming months, with more shortages and price increases expected.
VEGETABLES
*** Recent heavy rain, particularly in Queensland has affected the supply of vegetables, and some fruits. Market prices are higher than usual for many items, however quality is generally very good***
Asparagus – Australian has ended. We don’t stock imported Aparagus. The new Australian season will begin around August / September
Beans – The Queensland crop has been badly affected by recent floods. Around mid June, supplies will improve. Until then we are not buying.
Broccoli – Victorian and Tasmanian seasons – very good quality and value
Brussels Sprouts – Very good quality and value
Cabbages – Locally grown – very good quality
Capsicums – QLD season has been rain affected. We are buying South Australian
Carrots – Premium quality, tender and sweet. It’s always best to store carrots in a plastic bag or tupperware, to prevent them from drying out and turning limp.
Caulitflower – Victorian season. Very good quality and value
Corn – Local season – very good quality
Cucumbers – Locally grown. Lebanese Cucumbers are in good supply. Telegraph Cucumbers are very good quality and value
Lettuce – Supply and quality of baby spinach, roquette, mixed leaf and Iceberg are very good.
Onions – -Quality and value are very good
Potatoes – Supply of all varieties has improved in recent weeks – quality is very good.
Snowpeas / Sugarsnap – Locally grown snows and snaps are now in season – very good quality and value
Sweet potatoes – Excellent quality and value
Tomatoes – Supplies of all varieties is limited, however quality is very good
Zucchini – Locally grown – very good quality
FRUIT
Apples – The new season for Pink Lady has commenced – quality is excellent and value should improve over the coming weeks. New season Kanzi are excellent quality and value – red / pink skin, juicy and crisp. New season Galas are very good, however may tend to turn floury after a few days in the fruit bowl.
Avocados – Hass are back in season – very good quality
Bananas – Despite all over the recent wet weather in QLD, supply and quality are very good.
Berries – Blueberries, Raspberries and Blackberries are all quite scarce. Not a great time for berries due to recent widespread rain.
Grapes – Green Globes (seedless) are excellent quality. Crimson seedlesss are also very good quality
Kiwifruit – The New Zealand season will commence very soon.
Lemons – Both Lemons and Limes are very good quality and value
Mandarins – The new season for Imperials has commenced. Quality and value are very good
Mangos – QLD Kensington Pride has finished. There are some late season varieties which are trickling in to the Market, however their eating value is inconsistent
Oranges – Valencias are coming towards the end of their season – quality and value remain very good. Navels will commence in another week or so
Passionfruit – Quality is very good – price is above average
Pears – New season Packams have commenced – quality is very good
Pineapples – Scarce
Rockmelons – Very good quality however market price is above average
Stonefruit – Plums are now out of season
Strawberries – Victorian season. Scarce – not a great time for strawberries right now due to unfavouable growing conditions. The best way to extend the life of berries is to remove them from their punnet and place on paper towel in the fridge. Only wash them just prior to eating.
Watermelon – Very good quality, however price is up
When unpacking your produce, it should be handled as carefully as possible to minimise damage and bruising. Vegetables will store best in plastic bags or tupperware to prevent them from drying out in the fridge – especially for carrots and broccoli. Most fruits will generally stay fresher in the fridge. However, to maximise flavour, tomatoes should not be refrigerated.