27 November - 3 December 2017

FRUIT

Mango lovers rejoice, as this seasons mango harvest is a bumper one. Irresistible, sweet eating mangoes are superb quality and great value at $1-$4 each. Select from Kensington Pride, Calypso, R2E2 and Honey Gold varieties. Trays of mangoes are $10-$30 each, depending in size and variety.

Cherries are the star of the fruit bowl. New season cherries will continue improving in size and value. This week cherries are available for $8-$30 a kilo, depending on variety and size. Tip: Invest in a cherry pitter this season to make stoning them fast and easy. Then create luscious cherry desserts or a fruity cherry relish to serve with leg ham.

Golden velvety apricots are $4-$16 a kilo depending on size and variety. Pan-fry halved apricots in a little butter and brown sugar until warmed through. Serve with vanilla ice-cream or yoghurt or whip up a batch of our delicious balsamic apricots it is delicious served turkey or chicken.

Shiny, delicate blackberries ($2-$6 a punnet) are range in colour from deep purple to black. Choose berries that are deep and evenly coloured, blackberries should be sweet and tart but never sour tasting. Serve blackberries with pancakes, puree into a coulis to serve with ice-cream, add to a crumble or berry trifle or serve with meringue or pavlova.

It’s time to enjoy a succulent and natural sweet Aussie grown nectarines and peaches. There are numerous varieties to select from each varying in colour, flavour and flesh texture. Early season nectarines are particularly tasty. Yellow and white fleshed peach and nectarine prices are ranging from price $4-$6 for small fruit through to $6-$12 a kilo for large sized fruit.

Delectable lychees are a sweet summer sensation. Refreshing and juicy taste, lychees vary with size and can be a larger or small seed variety. The fleshier the fruit the higher the price. Expect to pay $15-$25 a kilo.

Pink fleshed papaya is a delightful tasting tropical fruit ideal for a healthy breakfast. Papaya is available in three forms small and oval shaped, large and round or long and narrow. Papaya is a top buy at $3-$6 a kilo.

Harvesting of new season grapes has started. Look for green skinned Menindee seedless variety for sweet eating and value. Wash grapes and store in the fridge to ensure they are crisp and firm eating. Menindee seedless grapes are $8-$12 a kilo.

VEGETABLES

Tender, juicy and full of flavour Lebanese cucumbers are a top buy at $2-$4 a kilo. Thinly slice into ribbons and toss with smoked salad for a healthy salad.

Versatile eggplant work well with Asian or Mediterranean flavours and are delicious cooked on the barbecue to serve as a side dish or to add to summer salads. Eggplants are good value at $3-$4 a kilo for field grown product and $6-$8 a kilo for premium quality glasshouse grown product. Whip up a eggplant and garlic dip.

Gloss red capsicums add colour to meals and a healthy boost of vitamin C. Pop a few in the basket this week as they are only $3-$5 a kilo.

Cut a large iceberg lettuce into 6-8 wedges. Place a lettuce wedges on a platter and create a salad rich in colours and textures. That is then drizzled with a tasty dressing. Iceberg lettuce prices are around $2-$3 a head.

Locally grown shallots (green onions) have a mild onion flavours and can be eaten raw or cooked. Sold by the bunch they are superb value at $1.50-$2 a bunch.

Small tubers of kumara (orange sweet potato) are $2-$4 a kilo. Kumara is delicious served as a mash or thinly slice and layer with cream and sliced spring onions into a baking dish and cook until tender.

Machine harvested green beans are a thrifty buy at $3-$4 a kilo. Handpicked green beans have a longer shelf life and will sell for $8-$10 a kilo.

Mild tasting and extremely versatile zucchinis are a thrifty buy at $3-$5 a kilo. Thinly sliced and marinated, raw zucchinis are a tasty addition to a salad, perfect for a pizza topping and delicious barbecued.

A barbecue is not complete without mushrooms. Fleshy flats (large open mushrooms) have a rich intense flavour and meaty texture and sell for $8-$12 a kilo. Try barbecuing them with a dab of butter and crushed garlic.

FLOWERS

Mild weather is producing a bumper harvest of season fresh cut flowers, some of this week’s best buys include hydrangeas (white, blue, pinks and mauve), there is a fabulous selection of peonies, dahlia have started, bouvardia, Christmas bells, Oriental lilies, agapanthus (white and purple), David Austin roses, zinnia, delphinium, buddleia, sunflowers, artichoke flowers, crab claws, king proteas, spider orchids, Christmas bush, Canterbury bells, leucadendron and lisianthus.

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 tel 0438 725 453.

Published On 2017-11-27 15:35:00