VEGETABLES
The cold weather has slowed the growth of quite a few locally grown vegetables. The local season for Zucchinis, Cucumbers and Tomatoes is slowing down, so market prices will be slightly higher for those varieties over the coming weeks.
The price of Cauliflower, Corn and Snowpeas is higher than usual due to the colder weather.
Even though prices are up slightly, quality is generally very good.
QLD winter vegies, such as Brussels Sprouts, will begin to flow into the market over the coming weeks.
FRUIT
The quality and value of most fruit varieties is excellent at the moment.
Apples – In peak season – quality is excellent. I am buying Pink Lady, Kanzi and Granny Smiths this week. The Pink Lady’s are non-waxed – so will not appear as glossy. A very good tasting, crisp and juicy apple.
Avocados – Shepherds are in season and price is very good. They are a green skinned variety which means that ripeness is determined by feel. The Hass variety is starting also – I may switch to them in the next week or so.
Bananas – Price and quality is very good.
Berries – I am holding off buying strawberries and blueberries just at the moment. The QLD season has started. Price is high right now but should come down soon and will be available on the site in the next week or so. QLD produces the best strawberries of the year and will be available from now until late August. There is generally a flush of fantastic quality and value around July.
Grapes – Their season is over. There are a few Australian grapes in the market however they will have been cold-stored for a few months and quality isn’t great. Otherwise they will have been imported from USA.
Mandarins – QLD Imperial Mandarines are in season – quality is very good. QLD mandarines will continue for another few weeks and will then be followed by South Australian fruit. SA Imperials will continue throughout June/July and then we get the later season varieties such as Afourer around August/September.
Oranges – Navel Oranges are very good quality.
Rockmelons – Rockmelons are back on. Quality and value is very good. On the very remote chance their is any bacteria on the surface, they can be washed with water and/or some vinegar before cutting.
Stonefruit – Plums have finished so the stonefruit season is now officially over. Mangoes usually start around September with Peaches and Nectarines hitting the market around October.