The Seasons Are A-Changing
Yep, we’re calling it—it's all over red rover for stone fruits. The last week or so has brought unpredictable swings in quality and availability for nectarines, peaches, and mangoes.
So, is it time for a mandi? Well yes, they’ve landed, but based on the one I ate this morning, I’d say it’s still one to two weeks too early.
So, what’s hot and what’s not for the basket next week?
The Good News
Fruits:
Apples – Bravos have just landed and they are tantalising on the eyes and on the taste buds.
Pears – Nashi are red-hot. If you haven't been giving them a whirl, I urge you to reconsider. Also, Bosc pears have just arrived, and they’re delicious!
Passionfruit – Wowza! These giant ones are bursting with flavour. Crack one open and it’s like slurping nature’s Passiona.
Kiwi – Green and gold are both in. Prices are improving, but I wouldn’t say they’re in abundance just yet.
Plums – Crimson Blush is the best of the bunch left. Sugars and Sierras are hasta la vista…
Figs – Still coming through and quality has been good. We mostly have the black fig varieties, but if I see any whites around, we’ll add a couple in. They’re a treat—white on the outside, fiery pink on the inside.
Limes, Lemons, Grapefruit – There are mandis coming in, but it’s a taste-and-see situation. Imperials should be looking good in the next two weeks. Limes, lemons, and grapefruits are all in abundance, so make the most of these QLD beauties.
Grape news – Grapes are probably the pick of the week. In greens, we’ve got a sweet globe variety that’s crisp, juicy, and sweet—all in one grape. Worth the extra dollar compared to supermarket offerings like Thompson and other older-picked fruit.
Crimsons are the number one grape next week for both value and flavour—an absolutely ripping sweet treat!
If you’re after something exotic, sapphires are a beautiful pick—deep fruit flavour, still crisp for a black grape.
The Not Berry Good News
Berries are tricky this week. It’s the end of the season for VIC and SA, and we’re eagerly awaiting QLD fruit to kick into gear. Prices are high, quality is average—I’d be giving them a miss.
Blues are arriving sporadically—one day from Tassie, not the next. If nothing comes in from Tassie, we have to use NZ blues.
Blackberries and raspberries from Tassie have been fantastic though—they're the picks of the berries this week.
The Lay of the Land – Veggies
Cauliflower Blossom (aka Fioretti) – What is it?
It’s cauliflower’s version of broccolini.
Tender-stem cauli that looks like a bunch of flowers—it’s great in stir-fries, steamed, pan-fried, or roasted. I urge you to give it a go next week. It’s on special and it’s a must-add to your weekly staples.
Local News
From Farmer Charlie Vella:
-
Kale
-
Corn
-
Cos Lettuce
From Farmer Steve:
-
Silverbeet
-
Watermelon Radish
-
Radish
-
Rainbow Chard
From Farmer Simon:
-
Baby Bok Choy
-
Shallots
Throwing the Season Together
I always think spring and autumn are the best times to fire up the wok. The body starts to crave more than meat and salad—it’s looking for something heartier, but not quite ready for soups.
Tathra Pork Mince with Ginger, Shallots, and Coriander
Shop our weekly seasonal produce here
