27 FEBRUARY - 5 MARCH 2023
FRUIT
Launched into the Australian market this summer, Zara strawberries are highly coloured, heart-shaped, fragrant and about 30% sweeter than other varieties. You will find premium Zara strawberries sold in a yellow punnet for around $5-$6 punnets; however, most strawberries will range from $2-$4 a punnet.
Tangy, flavoursome plums are at their peak supply. Both yellow flesh and red-fleshed varieties are perfect for stewing or poaching. Expect to pay $4-$15 a kilo on average for established types; however, the new Queen Garnet is $15-$20 a kilo.
Plump and succulent figs are delicious. Ripen at room temperature and once ripe, refrigerate and use as soon as possible. Figs sold loose are 50¢-$3 each; alternative, the punnets (250-400g) are $3-$5 each.
Juicy emerald-coloured limes are a delicious and healthy ingredient for your cooking and baking. Mix lime juice with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a flavourful salad dressing. Add lime zest to baked goods like muffins or cakes for a citrusy twist. Limes are 50c-$1 each.
Late-season peaches and nectarines can be a delicious and juicy treat. Nectarine and burrata salad: Slice the nectarines and arrange them on a plate with fresh burrata cheese, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Your local greengrocer has fruit for $3-$10 a kilo, depending on size and variety.
William's pears can be a great addition to a healthy diet as they are low in calories and high in fibre, vitamin C, and other nutrients. Juicy Williams’ pears are $2-$4 a kilo.
Red Love apples are the first apple in Australia to have red skin and pinkish-red flesh. Similar in flavour to a Granny Smith, these attractive apples are perfect for cooking, juicing, baking and slicing to serve on a cheeseboard. Grown in Lenswood, Victoria, this apple originates in Switzerland. Red Love apples are $7-$8 a kilo. If not, you can opt for the classic Royal Gala selling for $3-$8 a kilo. Storing apples in the crisper section of the refrigerator maintains their crunchy texture.
Finger limes burst with freshness, bringing a zingy citrus flavour and a delightfully crisp texture to a dish. They work well in sweet and savoury dishes adding a zesty vibrancy to crustaceans, oysters, scallops, smoked eel, crème fraiche, yoghurt, vodka, gin, beer, sparkling wine, avocado, cucumber, asparagus, melons, papaya, stone fruit, mango, custard. In season for a short time, finger limes are $10 for 150gram (7-8)
The Mildura and Robinvale region is known for producing some of the best-eating grapes in Australia. Whether eaten fresh or cooked, they are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal or snack Pair grapes with a variety of cheeses or an appetiser or combine halved grapes with mixed greens, feta cheese, and a citrus vinaigrette for a light and refreshing salad. Most varieties are seedless except Muscats and Red Globe. Enjoy grapes from $4-$16 a kilo.
VEGETABLES
Eggplants are $3-$6 a kilo. Fresh, young eggplants only require salting if you intend deep-frying. Cut eggplant into 1 cm slices, brush with olive oil and grill until soft and golden. Use in a vegetable lasagne or add to a pizza topping. Try this tasty eggplant, tomato and pinenut salad.
Versatile celery is a good buy at $2-$5 a bunch. Store unwashed celery in an air-tight container in the fridge for maximum shelf life.
Cooler nights produce a flush of compact, flavoursome snow-white cauliflowers. Pop a 'cauli' in the trolley for only $3-$6 ahead, depending on size.
One of the most nutritious vegetables, broccoli provides some iron, potassium and a high content of vitamins, including vitamin C. With only minimal preparation needed, broccoli is a popular choice, especially at $3-$5 a kilo.
Golden cobs of sweetcorn are a popular buy and a family favourite. Boil whole cobs or remove kernels for fritters, muffins and salads. Sweetcorn is 50¢-$1 a cob.
Snake beans continue to be a great buy. Ideal for Asian dishes and stir-fries, snake beans team superbly with flavours like garlic, ginger, tomatoes and fresh herbs. Expect to pay $2-$2.50 a bunch.
Chinese cabbage, also known as Wombok, has a crisp, light green to white leaves with a mild flavour. Shred leaves finely, stir-fry with noodles, or use leaves in a salad. Chinese cabbage is $3-$5 ahead. This bok choy & chicken chow mein recipe is a great mid-week meal.
Sweet red capsicums are not only vibrant and delicious, but they are also a great source of vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient that supports the immune system; add capsicum to a salad, stir-fry or whip up a capsicum hummus: Blend roasted capsicums with a can of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic for a tasty twist on traditional hummus.Red capsicum are $3-$8 a kilo.
Fresh zucchinis are a top buy at $3-$7 a kilo. These Mexican-style stuffed zucchini with avocado mash are easy to make and packed with nutrients. They make a great appetiser or side dish and are a tasty way to add more vegetables to your diet. Enjoy!
FLOWERS
Early autumn is a fantastic time for a whole range of flowers, including sedum, hydrangea, sunflowers, pineapple lily, scabiosa, oriental lilies, chrysanthemums, veronica, white hypericum, coral celosia, amaranthus, alstroemeria, bouvardia, locally grown silver dollar gum, asters, dahlias, tuberoses, tiger lily, lisianthus, roses, siam tulips, Easter daisies, carnations and crab claws.
Prices quoted in this report are only relevant for the week of the report. All prices are estimates only as prices vary depending on variety, size and quality of produce and the trading area. For further information please contact Sue Dodd, Marketing Consultant on 0438725453.
Published On 2023-02-27 15:41:51
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