29 October - 4 November 2018

FRUIT

Plump, purple and flavoursome blueberries are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Blueberries are currently coming for North NSW, Coffs Harbour and Queensland and are selling for $2-$4 a punnet.

It’s an ideal time to enjoy spring raspberries, full flavoured, low cal and so versatile, raspberries are delicious in fruit salad, dessert and smoothies. Raspberries with Ricotta & Passionfruit Mascarpone Raspberries are $3-$6 a punnet.

Western Australian & Victorian strawberries are sweet and plentiful. Expect to pay $1-$4 a punnet. With warmer than usual weather in Victoria strawberries are eating sweeter this spring. Slice and serve strawberries on your favourite breakfast cereal with yoghurt.

Creamy Hass avocados are enticing and naturally good for you. This week a premium quality, medium sized Hass avocado can be purchased for $1.50-$3each.

Its melon time, select from fragrant sweet eating rockmelons from Bowen are good value at $2-$4 each. White and golden rind honeydew are in season and eating well. Expect to pay $2-$4 each depending on variety and size.

Crimson fleshed and packed with juicy, Bowen grown seedless watermelon is a bargain at $1-$2 a kilo. Look for specials at your local greengrocer.

High fibre Packham pears are still good quality and available for $2-$4 a kilo. Classic poached pears are easy to prepare, taste delicious or add thin wedges or pear to a rocket, parmesan and tasted walnut salad.

Fragrant, sunny yellow fleshed mangoes are sweet eating and plentiful. Supplies are currently from Katherine and Townsville. Expect to pay $3-$5 each depending on size and variety. Mangoes work well in sweet and savoury dishes.

As we move closer to summer nectarine and peaches supplies increase and the fruit gets larger and richer in flavour.

Medium sized nectarines and peaches are starting to arrive at your local greengrocers. Fruit is coming from orchards in Northern NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. for $5-$15 a kilo.

Harvesting of glossy, vibrant red and rich black cherries varieties is underway is some growing areas. Fruit will continue to improve with size and intensify in flavour as the weather warms up.

VEGETABLES

Kale is the trendiest veg in the leafy green section. At $1-$3 a bunch this vegetable packs great value nutritionally and value for money. Kale can be used in similar ways to spinach. Add kale to heathy veggie or Buddha Bowls like this Green Veggie, Avocado & Egg Bowls

5 kilo bags of brushed, Desiree and washed potatoes from South Australian are a savvy by at $6-$8.

Versatile and tasty fresh Australian asparagus is plentiful and the quality and priced at $1.50-$2.50 a bunch enjoy it boil, char-grill or steam asparagus to serve hot or cold. Whip up a Potato, Asparagus And Tuna Salad.

Premium quality broad beans are available for $3-$5 a kilo. Their distinct flavour is complemented by fresh herbs, garlic or lemon juice.

Peppery tasting watercress make a tasty change to lettuce and it’s a rich source of vitamin C. Toss watercress leave into salads Here are two extra tasty salads to try Watercress, Avocado & Tuna Salad and Watercress, Green Apple & Seed Coleslaw . Watercress is $2-$3 a bunch.

Cherry and grape tomatoes are plentiful and a thrifty purchase at $2.50-$3 a punnet. We highly recommended the medley or heirloom tomatoes. These punnets of mixed varieties varying in colours, shapes and flavours are superb eating and have great eye appeal when tossed in a salad. Expect to pay $6-$8 punnet. Do try the super tasty Marmande tomatoes, they are a little softer in texture but are full flavoured. Here is a flavoursome way to serve your tomatoes warm Roasted Cherry Tomatoes With Parmesan Crumbs

Lebanese cucumbers are firm, crunchy and thin skinned, spring and summer is the peak time for Lebanese cucumbers and this week they are selling for $2-$3 a kilo. Store cucumbers in the refrigerator but away from apples as they will accelerate deteriorate. Whip of a batch of homemade Cucumber, Garlic And Yoghurt Dip (tzatziki) simply perfect for serving with spicy food or lamb kebabs. Lots of specials instore.

With its tender flesh and mild flavour, zucchini is very versatile veggie. Slice, dice, chop, grate, spiralise. Be sure to snap up zucchinis at $3-$5 a kilo. For something different, slice and marinate in soy sauce, and grill at your next barbecue. Zucchinis can also be added to a stir fry , baked in a cake , serve a zucchini as spaghetti or added them to a frittata .

Enjoyed for crispy fleshy stems and tender flavour packed leaves Gai Lum or Chinese broccoli is a thrifty buy at $2-$2.50 a bunch. Steamed and served with freshly grated ginger and oyster sauce or chop and add to your favour stir-fry.

Now is the time to enjoy the intense flavour of Australian grown garlic for $24-$30 a kilo. Also sold on the stem for $6-$10 each, depending on size. It is not the cheapest garlic but you will use less as its flavour is superior. Aussie garlic is in season from October to December. Taste the difference and support Australian garlic growers.

FLOWERS

Your local florist has the most spectacular range of spring blooms to share. This week we recommend, waratah, peiris, chincherinchee, delphinium, tree peonies, hellebores, lily of the valley and hydrangea, local roses, veronica, lilac, pine cushion, bee hive, sea holly, ranunculus, rose lily, freesia, sun flowers, boronia, billy button, paper daisy, kangaroo paw and olive branches., king protea, guelder rose (snow ball), pink veronica.

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, Retailer Support Manager on mobile 0438 725 453.

Published On 2018-10-29 16:20:24