VEGETABLES
There are a few items which have increased in price over recent weeks – most notably Beans, Cauliflower, Onions and Pumpkins – all due to a combination of issues with weather, drought and seasonality.
Australian Asparagus – market price is quite high
Broccoli from Tasmania is very good quality
Cauliflower – scarce and expensive.
Corn – good supplies from QLD.
Capsicums – good quality and value from QLD. Greens are scarce and expensive.
Cucumbers – remain plentiful – locally grown, excellent quality and value.
Tomatoes – Truss and Cherry Toms are very good value right now.
Zucchini – very good / locally grown.
FRUIT
Apples – The season is coming to an end, however quality and value is very good. Pink Ladys and Jazz from Victoria and Galas and Granny Smiths from Batlow; Galas have been particularly good the last few weeks – very crisp.
Avocados – Quality and value are very good right now for Hass. Increased popularity for avocados over the last few years has put some pressure on supply, however it seems growers may be catching up thankfully.
Bananas – Good value and quality right now.
Blueberries and Raspberries – Blueberries are very good quality and value. Raspberries were very scarce at the end of last week and quality inconsistent – I’ve decided not to stock this week.
Cherries – Season just starting – I will commence buying next week.
Grapes – Some Australian fruit is hitting the market – I will commence buying next week.
Kiwifruit – The New Zealand season is over. From now until about April next year, Kiwifruit will be imported from Italy – which I tend to avoid.
Lemons – Excellent quality and value.
Limes – Good quality and value.
Mandarins – The season for Mandarines is finished.
Oranges – Valencias are now in season – I am buying very good quality seedless Valencias.
Pineapples – I am buying sweet pines with the to still on. Quality is very good. Will usually need a few days to ripen at home.
Rockmelons – Quality and value are very good.
Stonefruit – Mangoes from Northern Territory are very good right now. Peaches and Nectarines are just starting their season. Quality is good and will continue to improve over coming weeks. Apricots are now available and quality is very good.
Strawberries – The Victorian season has commenced – fruit at the moment is very good quality.
Watermelon – Quality and value have improved in recent weeks.