EGGS
There have been several wholesale price increases over the last few months. Reasons are numerous, but essentially the higher prices are due to supply shortages, both here in overseas.
VEGETABLES
*** Recent heavy rain, particularly in Queensland earlier this year, as well as a cold snap, 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 should improve. Until then we are not buying.
Broccoli – Locally grown – very good quality.
Brussels Sprouts – Very good quality and value
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 – Victorian season – excellent quality, however expensive
Cucumbers – Locally grown. Improved supply of Lebanese Cucumbers should continue this week Telegraph Cucumbers are 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 and quality of all varieties is very good.
Snowpeas / Sugarsnap – Locally grown snows are scarce and expensive
Sweet potatoes – Excellent quality and value
Tomatoes – Supplies of all varieties are limited due to flooding in QLD. Market prices are high
Zucchini – QLD 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 in season and abundant. Excellent quality and value
Bananas – Very good quality and value
Berries – Blueberries are scarce, however supply is improving and quality is very good. Raspberries and Blackberries are very good quality however price is also higher
Grapes – All varieties are now out of season.
Kiwifruit – The New Zealand season has commenced. Excellent quality
Lemons – Both Lemons and Limes are very good quality. Lemons are very good value
Mandarins – The South Australian Imperial season has commenced – excellent quality and value
Mangos – The new season will begin around September
Oranges – Season for Navels is in full swing. Excellent quality
Passionfruit – Quality is very good – price is above average
Pears – New season Packams have commenced – quality is excellent
Pineapples – Have become very scarce – temporarily unavailable
Rockmelons – Supply has improved
Stonefruit – All varieties are now out of season
Strawberries – QLD season has commenced. Excellent quality however market prices are high. We are expecting supply to improve 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 is generally 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. However, to maximise flavour, tomatoes should not be refrigerated.