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 – 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. Broccolini is excellent 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 – West Australian corn are 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 – Supply has improved. Good quality and value
Sweet potatoes – Excellent quality and value
Tomatoes – Supplies are improving and market prices are on the way down
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 – Supply of Blueberries, Raspberries and Blackberries has improved and quality is very good
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
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. Excellent quality and hopefully market prices will come down over the coming weeks. 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 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. However, to maximise flavour, tomatoes should not be refrigerated.