2 - 8 DECEMBER 2024 Update Sydney Market that includes availability and price of seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers. Also includes recipe suggestions.
FRUITS
Sweet and juicy Mareeba mangoes are plentiful and very reasonably priced. Choose firm mangoes with a sweet tropical fragrance. Ripen mangoes at room temperature until the fruit yields to gentle pressure around the stem. Mangoes are $2-$5 each, depending on variety and size. Mangoes in small trays are $10-$15, and large trays are $15-$30, depending on size and variety.
Greengrocers are filled with highly fragrant peaches and nectarines that delight the senses. Prices range from $3-$12 a kilo, depending on size, flesh colour, and quality. Whip up this peach and passionfruit tart.
Golden-fleshed apricots are scrumptious, eaten fresh or cooked. Add apricots to savoury or sweet dishes, turn them into homemade jam, a spicy apricot chutney, or char-grill them and add them to a salad. Apricots are $3-$15 a kilo.
Cherry season is off to a fabulous start, with top-notch fruit quality. Numerous varieties are available, all varying in colour, flesh firmness, and taste. Anticipate spending between $9 - $40 per kilo for cherries. Buy early this week, as the weekend rain is likely to affect quality later in the week until mid-next week. This easy microwave cherry relish is delicious served with ham.
Now also in season are white-fleshed Rainier cherries; these fruits have an attractive multi-toned yellow or blush-coloured thin skin and boast a lovely flavour. Known for their larger size and heightened sweetness, they stand out among various cherry varieties.
Sweet, bite-sized grape tomatoes are a summer staple. They're bursting with flavour, perfect for snacking, tossing into salads, or roasting for a quick pasta sauce. Look for firm, vibrant red tomatoes for the best quality—grape Tomatoes are $3-$4 a punnet. Truss tomatoes are in excellent supply this week. Their rich flavour makes them ideal for everything from fresh salads to homemade sauces. Ripen them at room temperature until they reach a deep red hue for maximum sweetness and juiciness. Truss Tomatoes are $3-$6 a kg.
December marks the prime time for luscious berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and red currants, which are all in season now. Prices range from $2 to $5 per punnet, making it the perfect time to whip up delightful berry desserts.
Indulge in the delicately sweet papaya, recognized as one of the most nutritious fruits. Priced at $3-$6 a kilo, papaya is rich in vitamin C and beta carotene, converting to vitamin A in the body. Allow whole papayas to ripen at room temperature until they lose their greenish hue and yield to gentle pressure around the stem.
Aussie-grown limes: Supplies have increased, and prices are easing. 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 60c—$1.50 each, depending on size. For added value, look for bulk buy specials.
Ultra-juicy and tropical-tasting lychees are now in season. Grown in the tropical North, lychee prices vary with variety and seed size. The bigger the seed, the cheaper the price.
Hass avocados are creamy and versatile, perfect for toast, guacamole, or salads. Choose firm avocados at $2-$4 each and store unripe ones at room temperature. Refrigerate ripe avocados to keep them fresh longer.
Harvesting of new season Aussie-grown grapes is underway. Look for the green, red, and black grapes at your local greengrocer. Wash grapes and store them in the fridge to ensure they are crisp and firm. Grapes are $10-$20 a kilo.
VEGETABLES
Lebanese cucumber growers are enjoying a great harvest, with plenty available this week. Look for firm, deep green cucumbers with smooth, unwrinkled skin. These versatile cucumbers are perfect for summer dishes—try making a tasty spicy cucumber, coriander, and prawn noodle salad or whipping up a refreshing batch of homemade tzatziki. Lebanese Cucumbers are $2-$4 a kg.
Add a burst of flavour with green onions, also known as shallots, available this week for $1.50-$3 a bunch. Their delicate onion flavour is perfect for sprinkling over salads, stirring into scrambled eggs, mixing into pasta dishes, or adding a fresh twist to sandwich fillings. Keep them crisp by storing them in the fridge wrapped in damp paper towels.
Fast to cook, nutritious, and versatile, Asian leafy greens are a busy cook's best friend. Slice them into stir-fries and noodle dishes, or steam and serve with a drizzle of soy sauce as a quick side. Packed with flavour and goodness, they're essential for easy, healthy meals this week. Asian leafy greens are $2-$3 a bunch.
Wombok, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a mild and tender option for summer cooking. Its crisp leaves are ideal for fresh salads, light stir-fries, or pickling to make kimchi. Try shredding it finely for a refreshing coleslaw, or add it to noodles for a nutritious boost. Store in the fridge to keep it fresh and crunchy for days. Wombok are available at your local greengrocer for $3-$5 each.
Mushrooms are a versatile, flavour-packed ingredient. Sauté with garlic, add to salads, stuff with cheese, or grill as a burger topping. They also enhance pasta sauces with earthy depth. Store in a paper bag in the fridge for freshness. Mushrooms prices range from $10-$14 a kilo.
This week, Zucchinis remains a fantastic buy, offering great value at $2-$5 a kilo, depending on size. For a fresh summer idea, roast chopped zucchini with capsicum, red onion, and eggplant until tender. Serve at room temperature over rocket with a dollop of hummus and crusty bread for a light and flavourful meal.
Select firm eggplants with smooth, glossy skin that feels heavy for their size. Handle with care as they bruise easily. Delicious on the barbecue, sliced eggplant pairs perfectly with crumbled feta and a drizzle of olive oil. Or, try making a smoky roasted eggplant and garlic dip. This week, eggplants are a fantastic buy at $4-$7 a kilo.
FLOWERS
Hydrangeas are divine this week, available in stunning pastel tones and rich shades of blue and mauve. Perfect for brightening any space, they’re a must-have for flower lovers.
Flowering gum, smoke bush, Christmas bush, dahlias, dancing lady orchids, holly, and fragrant oriental lilies are also in season. Add texture with achilleas, allium (garlic flowers), and agapanthus in white and purple. Create stunning arrangements with David Austin roses, delphinium, buddleia, sea holly, and sunflowers. Unique blooms like artichoke flowers, crab claws, king proteas, Canterbury bells, chincherinchee, Leucadendron, and lisianthus are also available.
Visit your local florist to pick up a fresh bouquet and bring the season's beauty into your home!
Prices in this report are valid for the week of the report and may vary based on variety, size, quality, and trading area. For more information, contact Sue Dodd, Marketing Consultant, at tel 0438 725 453
Published On 2024-12-02 14:55:36
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