13 - 19 February 2017

FRUIT

Luscious figs are honey-sweet and eating deliciously. Depending on variety and size you can enjoy figs for $1-$3 each. Keep figs refrigerated until serving. Serve with gorgonzola cheese and wrapped in prosciutto, tossed in a salad or for a dessert we recommend Fig clafoutis. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve.

The Mildura and Robinvale region are providing top eating grapes. Natural sultana grapes are small in size, yellowish green colour and sweet eating and have just started. Other delicious varieties in season include Menindee, Flame and Ralli seedless. Depending on variety grapes are ranging from $3-$8 a kilo.

Don’t miss out on the extra sweet currants. These tiny clusters of are popular with the kids and the young at heart. Expect to pay $7-$8 a kilo.

Full-flavoured rockmelons from the Riverina, are a bargain at $2-$4 each depending on the size. A good rockmelon will have a characteristic melon aroma and feel heavy for its size.

Make the most of late season peaches and nectarines; both the white and yellow flesh varieties are still available for $3-$8 a kilo.

Juicy, sweet and economical Williams’ pears are tasty addition to a salad. Place slices of firm pear to a salad bowl, toss in rocket leaves, toasted walnuts and shaved parmesan. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil and toss. Williams’pears are $2-$3 a kilo, depending on size. This variety ripens from an attractive green to a buttery yellow colour in 2-3 days and need to be eaten quickly.

Limes are plentiful and top value at $3-$7 a kilo, or 30¢-$1 each.

New season Royal Gala apples are fresh off the trees. This sweet apple with a dense and juicy with a white flesh, was first grown in New Zealand and were introduced to Australia in the early 80’s. Depending on size and quality Royal Gala apples are $2-$7 a kilo.

Mangoes are a summer classic and late season varieties like Keitt, Honey Gold and Calypso mangoes are perfect for using in a salsa flavoured with chilli and coriander or whip up a mango and white chocolate cheesecake. Mangoes are $3-$5 each.

Finger limes (also known as citrus caviar) are native to Australia and available for around $1.50-$2.50 each. Ranging in size from 6 to 12 cm in length, they come in a wide range of colours including green, yellow, purple and pink to bright red. The pulp of the fruit is unique with a ‘caviar like’ appearance that also comes in a wide range of colours. Fruit varies in weight from 35g-45g each. The pulp is sweet and acidic and a delightful addition to sweet and savoury dishes. Serve with fish, oysters, sushi, avocado or papaya.

VEGETABLES

Zucchinis are better value this week. Depending on size zucchini are $3-$5 per kilo. Grated zucchini is perfect for adding to a pasta sauces or sauté sliced zucchinis with crushed garlic until tender.

Slender, fleshy and dark green in colour, snake beans are tender, mild-flavoured and versatile. Snake beans are at their peak freshness and value early autumn and selling for $2.50-$4 a bunch.

Select small, tender, highly coloured carrots. An essential ingredient in stocks and casseroles, carrots also add colour and flavour to soups, stir-fries, salads and roasts. Expect to pay $2-$2.50 a kilo for a kilo bag or $2.50 a kilo for quality loose Tasmanian grown carrots.

Salad, Truss and Roma tomatoes $3-6 a kilo. Cherry and grape tomatoes $2-$2.50 punnet.

Crisp cucumbers are the coolest of the summer vegetables. The price of Lebanese cucumbers is now $3-$4 a kilo.

Kumara supplies have increased and prices available for $2-$4 a kilo, depending on size.

Delicious served raw or cooked, fennels mild aniseed flavour teams superbly with pears, plums, oranges, potatoes, seafood, pork or chicken. Currently you can pick up Baby fennel bulbs for $2-$2.50 a bulb.

FLOWERS

Check the gorgeous tulips from Tasmania, gerberas are great value and come in a kaleidoscope of colours. alstroemeria, liatrus, lisianthus and mini roses are long lasting and in good supply. Other fresh flowers in season include water lilies and lotus pods, flowering gum, pineapple lilies, oriental and tiger lilies, chrysanthemum and the exotic, tropical flowers like ginger flowers, Easter daisies, carnations, roses (a good range of colours), white dahlia’s , gerberas, bouvardia, tuberoses, sunflower and celosia.

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, Retail Support Manager on tel 0438 725 453.

Published On 2017-02-13 08:45:00