VEGETABLES
Supplies of a few vegetable varieties are starting to improve, and prices are on the way down. Hopefully we will see some excellent value and quality over the coming weeks.
Asparagus – The new Australian season should begin around September
Beans – The Queensland crop were badly affected by recent floods. We should start buying in the next week or so
Broccoli – Locally grown – very good quality and value. Broccolini is also very good right now
Brussels Sprouts – In season. Very good quality
Cabbages – Locally grown – very good quality
Capsicums – Both reds and green are very good quality and value
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, however market price is up
Corn – West Australian corn are excellent quality, however expensive
Cucumbers – Locally grown. Their supply always tightens with colder weather. Market price is up
Lettuce – Supply and quality of baby spinach, roquette, mixed leaf and Iceberg are very good.
Onions – Quality and value are very good
Potatoes – Supply and quality of all varieties is very good.
Snowpeas / Sugarsnap – Snowpeas are excellent quality and value. Locally grown Sugarsnaps are currently unavailable (only imported Chinese currently available in Market)
Sweet potatoes – Excellent quality and value
Tomatoes – QLD grown. Supplies have improved. Very good quality and value
Zucchini – QLD grown – very good quality and value
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 in season and abundant. Excellent quality and value
Bananas – Very good quality and value
Berries – Quality of Blueberries, Raspberries and Blackberries are very good. Market prices remain quite high
Grapes – All varieties are now out of season.
Kiwifruit – The New Zealand fruit are in full swing. Excellent quality for both green and gold
Lemons – Both Lemons and Limes are very good quality. Lemons are very good value
Mandarins – The South Australian Imperial season is coming to an end. We will need to check on Monday whether there are good Imperials, if not we will be switching to Afourers
Mangos – The new season will begin around September
Oranges – Season for Navels is in full swing. Excellent quality and value
Passionfruit – Quality is very good
Pears – New season Packams are in full swing – quality is excellent
Pineapples – Supply has improved. Very good quality
Rockmelons – Supply has improved. Very good qualiy
Stonefruit – All varieties are now out of season
Strawberries – QLD season. Excellent quality and hopefully market prices will come down over the coming weeks. 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 – Quality and value is very good
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. To maximise flavour, tomatoes should not be refrigerated