IN FRUIT:
Cold weather has affected the supply of some fruit lines, namely bananas and seedless melon. The cooler than average winter in the Northern Territory has caused issues with the seedless melon crops and the much cooler August temperatures in far North Queensland has slowed down the supply of bananas. Rest assured with Spring around the corner, low supplies of seedless melon and bananas are only a short term issues! In citrus, Murcotts and Afourers are both good eating at the moment and blood oranges are in their peak of season. Serious quantities of Strawberries are now flowing into the markets, with no disruptions to supply – unless we get some volume of rain or excessive temperatures - expect this to continue for the next few weeks. Blueberries are much the same as strawberries – plentiful. The cooler nights and lack of rain and heat in Northern NSW has allowed the fruit to sweeten up beautifully and stay crunchy. For connoisseurs of berries try our amazing selection of premium strawberries and blueberries. They are amazing this week and really affordable! Mangoes from the Northern Territory are increasing in numbers; windy conditions in the territory means the fruit is a bit rough and ready, but they are eating really well. They make the perfect imperfect!
This week we highlight once again our Morning Juice in Blood Orange flavour. Trying to squeeze in (pardon the Pun) one more special before the too-short blood orange season is over. From Leeton and Griffith in the Riverina, the cold nights have made the fruit’s pulp acquire the most deep crimson colour and a spectacular zingy raspberry-like taste. Make sure you lookout for our 300ml blood orange Morning Juice in store, as it is on special in all stores. Be sure to try this great product before the season ends!
IN VEG:
Veges are a little lighter in the markets this week. The cool temperatures that hit the Eastern states last week impacted the flow of veg, however one of the great things about the markets is that there are always opportunities. Some weeks, you just have to work harder to find them. Fennel, kale, kumera, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, zucchini, Dutch carrots, cucumbers and beans are all great value whilst it looks like corn and snow peas are slowly easing. The original snacking tomato - cherry tomatoes - are in good supply this week! Some terrific news this week: all of our stores now have Australian asparagus! After having to endure the imported product through winter, the Australian asparagus is welcomed. The major Supermarkets are still bouncing around with the imported stuff but we couldn’t change fast enough!
In organics, the pick are Dutch cream potatoes and organic lemons. Dutch cream potatoes are encased in a magnificent yellow flesh, and are one of the best eating potatoes available. Characterised by their thin skin, Dutch creams make for a mouth-watering mash, roast or boiled side.
