IN VEGIES
Rainfall and some cooler conditions in the major growing areas has slowed down some supply lines into the markets. There are still always opportunities in the markets – you just have to look a little harder. Cucumbers, loose beetroot, broccolini, fennel, onions, Brussels sprouts and (on the tail of the full moon a week ago) volumes of red caps are still in strong supply.
The pick in the tomatoes this week is truss tomatoes, and the popular snacking tomato Sweet Delights is on special in all stores.
From the rich fertile soils in Virginia, Kestrels potatoes are an excellent washed potato. This week supply and prices are fantastic, and it’s on special all stores. Easily distinguished by their unique purple blush, Kestrels make the perfect mash. They are a highly versatile variety with a delicious slightly-sweet flavour making them equally as good for roasting, boiling and frying.
IN FRUIT
Hass avocados from Toowoomba in the Darling Downs region in Queensland have started and are in all stores. After having to negotiate a tricky period for Hass avocados, we’ll welcome the start of our Balmoral Avocado season. Our partnership with Balmoral orchards is in its third season and we couldn’t be happier with the progression. Our new season Balmoral Hass avocados have a magnificent creamy texture and have that distinctive nutty flavour which we love in our avocados and I think they are some of the best avocados we produce in Australia.
The increased volumes of strawberries and blueberries we anticipated have been put on pause due to rain and cooler conditions in South-East Queensland and Northern NSW. The fruit hasn’t disappeared – it is all there and as soon as the weather improves so do the volumes.
The supply of papaya in the markets is incredible. It’s a been a long time since we have these sorts of volumes and the fruit eats amazingly.