8 - 14 MAY 2023

FRUIT

Fruit Lemons are currently in season and offer great value for money. Lemons are $2 to $6 per kilo, typically costing between $1.50 and $2 each. Warm up with a nourishing bowl of Greek lemon & chicken soup, create a delicious and tangy lemon pudding, or add the juice and zest to your cakes and muffins.

Sweet persimmons are an autumn treat, priced at $1 to $3 each or $3 to $10 per kilo. Enjoy them firm and crisp like an apple, or let them ripen for a softer texture. The flavour of sweet persimmons develops when left at room temperature for a few days, and their thin edible skin softens. Add sliced persimmons to salads with hazelnuts and salad greens, or enjoy them alongside a ripe brie or camembert cheese.

Firm Hass & Shepard avocados typically take 2-5 days to ripen when kept at room temperature fully. You'll know they're ready to eat when they yield to gentle pressure near the stem end. The creamy texture of avocado makes it an ideal topping for baked jacket potatoes with nachos. Avocados are priced at $2 to $4 each based on size.

Pears lend a delightful sweetness and crunch to salads and can be transformed into elegant desserts when poached or roasted. When the fruit yields to gentle pressure near the stem end, it is ready to be enjoyed. For cooking purposes, opt for firm pears. Beurre Bosc and Packham pears retail at $2 and $4 per kilo, depending on variety and size.

With a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, Imperial mandarins offer a refreshing and juicy experience. These citrus gems are easy to peel, making them a convenient snack. Whether enjoyed on their own, added to salads, or used in desserts, the deliciousness of in-season Imperial mandarins is simply irresistible. Expect to pay $1.50-$3 a kilo.

Discover the culinary wonders of quince, a delicately scented and versatile fruit. Like apples and pears, quinces are delicious roasted and can be transformed into delicious stews, baked treats, and flavourful jams. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the exquisite flavours of quince in your cooking. Quinces are $5-$6 a kilo.

Embrace the season's ruby red pomegranates at $1 to $5 each. Unlock their deliciousness by enjoying them in various ways: Sprinkle pomegranate arils over yoghurt, cereal, or salads to enhance their taste and provide a delightful crunch. Experiment with pomegranates in your cooking by using their juice in sauces, marinades, or dressings.

VEGETABLES

Vegetables This week, take advantage of the convenience and affordability of machine-harvested green beans. Steam or microwave beans with a drizzle of olive oil and a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest or crunched garlic to make them extra delicious. Machine-harvested beans are $2-$4 a kilo, while perfect hand picks are $5-$8 a kilo.

Cauliflower thrives in cooler climates with creamy white florets. It's a nutritious rice substitute, perfect with Indian curries or as a couscous alternative. Enjoy it as a side dish with roasted veggies, chicken, or meat. It also makes tasty soups with leek and bacon. Prices range from $3 to $5 per head, making cauliflower an excellent culinary choice.

Brussels sprouts are versatile, suitable for steaming, pan-frying, stir-frying, roasting, or boiling. They harmonise beautifully with bacon, hazelnuts, olive oil, butter, and spicy Asian flavours. Brussels sprouts offer both culinary flexibility and deliciousness, with prices ranging from $4 to $10 per kilo.

Add chestnuts to your shopping list. Supplies and quality are excellent, and prices range from $6-$12 a kilo. Once cooked, their creamy-white flesh is similar in texture to a roast potato with a delicate, sweet, nutty flavour. Try chestnuts cooked and removed from their hard shell, then stir-fried or add to casseroles, meat stuffings, pasta filling or puree to use in cakes and desserts. 11 scrumptious ways to make the most of chestnuts.

Enjoy the rich earthy flavour of nutritious Windsor-grown mushrooms in risotto, pasta dishes, meatloaf and spaghetti Bolognese or simply sauté and serve with eggs for breakfast. Depending on size, mushrooms are $10-$12 a kilo.

Fabulous fennel is in season; whether served raw or cooked, this bulb adds a distinct flavour and is a top value at $1.50-$2.50 a bulb.

Raw in salads: Slice the fennel bulb thinly and add it to salads for a crisp and refreshing taste. Its subtle anise-like flavour adds a unique twist to your salad creations. Try this red cabbage, fennel & toasted almond salad.
Roasted: Roasting fennel brings out its natural sweetness and creates a tender texture. Roasted fennel makes a delicious side dish or a flavourful addition to roasted vegetables; try our spiced kumara, fennel & chicken tray bake.

Leafy and flavoursome Asian greens add flavour, colour and crunch to stir-fries; make the most of quality and value. Bok choy, choy sum and gai lum are a bargain at $1.50-$2.50 a bunch.

Jap pumpkins, with their vibrant golden flesh and delightful nutty flavour, shine when roasted, added to salads, or incorporated into pasta dishes, Massaman curry, risotto, or frittatas. Experience their golden colour and natural sweetness to elevate your meals. Jap pumpkins are $2 to $3.00 per kilo, depending on if it's whole or cut.

Brushed potatoes in a 5-kilo bag offer the best value at $5-$7. This all-purpose spud is delicious, mashed or roasted.

FLOWERS

Flowers Flowers are a popular gift choice for Mother's Day, as they symbolise beauty, love, and appreciation. When selecting flowers for Mother's Day, consider your mother's personal preferences and favourite colours. You can also choose to combine different flowers to create a custom bouquet that holds a special meaning for your mum.

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 2023-05-08 14:58:00