11 - 17 December 2023 update Sydney Market that includes availability and price of seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers. Also includes recipe suggestions.
FRUITS:
Put some zing in your day with juicy Aussie-grown limes; supplies have increased and prices have eased. Grab a kilo this week. They are fabulous to have on hand for cocktails, marinades, salad dressings, and pairing with seafood. Limes are available at 50¢-$1 each, depending on size. For added value, look for bulk buy specials.
Stay refreshed with chilled watermelon wedges—perfect for hot summer days. Grab whole watermelons at $1.50-$2/kg or cut watermelon at $2-$3/kg. Ideal for poolside or beach outings, watermelon is also delicious, diced and tossed with rocket, Persian feta, and black olives for a quick salad.
Glossy and plump cherries are the quintessential Australian summer fruit. With so many different varieties coming from a wide area, including Young, Orange, South Australia and Victoria, there is sure to be a quality, size and price range to suit everyone. Enjoy cherries' natural sweetness or elevate the experience by dipping them in chocolate or roasting them for a delightful pairing with turkey or ham. Cherries are priced between $8 and $40 per kilo and offer a range of varieties and sizes to suit every taste and budget. Look for specials on a 2-kilo box.
Now also in season are white-fleshed Rainier cherries; these fruits have an attractive multi-toned yellow or blush-coloured, thin-skinned and boast an exceptionally sweet flavour. Known for their larger size and heightened sweetness, they stand out among various cherry varieties.
Discover the most aromatic and delicious peaches and nectarines at your neighbourhood greengrocer. Indulge your senses and with prices ranging from $3 to $16 per kilo, tailored to the size, flesh colour, and quality you desire.
Delight in the sweet goodness of blushing apricots, perfect for a scrumptious and nutritious snack. For a delightful twist, try char-grilling apricots to elevate your salads. Whether paired with turkey or chicken or crafted into a tangy relish, these gems are a versatile addition. Apricots are available at $3 to $16 per kilo, with prices varying based on size and variety.
Experience the crispness and flavour explosion of newly harvested grapes. You will find red, white and black grapes in-store (including seasonal favourite Black Muscatel). Grapes are priced between $7 and $20 per kilo, depending on the variety. Alternatively, indulge in fresh lychees' delectable sweetness and juiciness, available at $12 to $30 per kilo.
News-season blood plums are fabulous quality, their deep red hues promising a burst of rich, sweet flavour. Enjoy plums fresh, sliced into desserts, or infused into jams for a delightful taste of summer. These vibrant plums are a delicious addition to your seasonal fruit selection. Blood plums are $2-$12 a kilo.
Infuse a tropical flavour into your summer meals with sweet and juicy mangoes. Choose from the vibrant array of Kensington Pride, R2E2, Calypso, and Honeygold varieties, with prices spanning from $3 to $6 each. These delectable mangoes are currently sourced from Townsville, Bowen, and Mareeba.
Enjoy the simplicity of summer desserts made with fresh berries as the star. Pick from blueberries at $3-$6, blackberries at $4-$6, raspberries at $2-$5, or strawberries at $3-$6 per punnet. Whip up a berry & ricotta tiramisu pudding for a delightful make-ahead treat. December offers the peak value and quality for these luscious berries.
VEGETABLES
Refresh your summer and Christmas meals with the aromatic richness of fresh herbs like thyme, sage, parsley, and basil. From enhancing roasted vegetables to infusing meat stuffings and creating vibrant side dishes, these herbs, priced at $2-$4 per bunch, bring a burst of flavour and freshness to your festive table.
Prices are a bit firmer this week on asparagus due to the extreme weather in Victoria, so expect to pay $3-$4 per bunch. Grill, sauté, or steam it, then enhance with cracked black pepper and Parmesan cheese.
Full-flavoured punnets of cherry and grape tomatoes are $1.50-$3, and most other larger tomatoes, including Truss tomatoes, Roma tomatoes and salad tomatoes, are $2-$7 a kilo, depending on variety and size.
Don't overlook mushrooms for your barbecue; opt for fleshy flats with their rich, intense flavour and meaty texture, while buttons are ideal for kebabs. Mushrooms are available at $10-$12 per kilo, adding savoury depth to your grilling experience.
Create a festive burst of colour with roasted zucchini (priced at $3-$6 per kilo), red capsicum ($3-$7 per kilo), garlic cloves, and Spanish onions ($2-$4 per kilo).
Summer invites the enjoyment of eggplants, renowned for their ability to absorb and enhance flavours. Whether roasted, grilled, barbecued, or baked, eggplants, priced at $3-$6 per kilo, offer a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. Incorporate barbecued eggplant into homemade burgers for a pleasant texture and a delightful smoky flavour, or try a Lebanese char-grilled eggplant & tomato salad.
Enjoy a thrifty buy with machine-harvested green beans at $3-$5 per kilo, or opt for premium hand-picked beans at $8-$10 per kilo. Fresh green beans boast remarkable versatility, seamlessly enhancing salads with crisp texture or serving as a delectable side dish when steamed or sautéed.
Whole cauliflowers are currently priced at $4-$5 per head, making it an ideal time to try this recipe: whole roasted spiced cauliflower with tahini yoghurt & pomegranate. Whether for Christmas Day or any occasion, this flavourful and visually appealing dish will surely be enjoyed by everyone, not just vegetarians.
Sweet flavoured and low GI, kumara is delicious roasted to serve hot with roast turkey or served cold in a salad like this roast kumara, chickpea & baby spinach salad. With pumpkin prices up this year, I recommend kumara, it adds colour and is good value at $2-$4 a kilo.
FLOWERS
Transform your home into a festive haven with potted poinsettia plants or adorn vases with the beauty of Christmas bush, Christmas bells, holly, and spruce. Explore a range of seasonal blooms, including viburnum berry, Trix, gloriosa, hydrangea, hypericum, Xmas alstroemeria, Spider orchids, malacca palm, Sims, anthurium flower, roses, calla lily (yellow), gerberas, tiger lilies, and snow in the mountain for attractive foliage. Hurry, as this is likely the last week for Aussie-grown peonies.
Plan ahead for your Christmas floral arrangements, with red flowers being a popular choice—secure your orders early with your preferred floral retailer.
Please note that the prices quoted in this report only apply for the current week and are subject to variation based on product variety, size, quality, and the trading area. For more information, please feel free to contact Sue Dodd, Marketing Consultant, at 0438725453
Published On 2023-12-12 11:37:00
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