Dave's Market Update
In FRUIT
“It’s berries and more berries this week. The strawberries are a bit of a mixed bag as some of the Queensland growers decide they have had enough for the season. On the other hand, the blueberries are magnificent. Even the cheapest smallest fruit eats well at the moment and the larger premium fruit is as good as it gets. With both these being relatively cheap, this has started to drag down the raspberry price as well.
What is also great news is that the arrivals of good quality, good eating mangoes from the Northern Territory is ramping up and we will see cheaper prices next week for sure.
Excellent quality white grapes from Australia and some quite good USA fruit are both quite dear but eating really well and far superior to the red varieties. The early peaches and nectarines have started.
Apples and pears and all citrus are excellent. Let’s enjoy this glorious spring weather and the change of season.”
- David Harris
In Veg
“The wonderful spring weather has accelerated the harvest in vegetables. Leading the charge is our Australian asparagus crop. It is top quality, fresh new season produce. We have eaten it 3 times already this week, by this weekend, it will be at a fantastic price! Fabulous in stir fries, on the barby or just steamed; you can’t go wrong.
The other fantastic vegetable is English spinach. For most of my career, we relied on local Asian farmers, however now, Victoria supplies the majority of. Whilst the weather remains dry and not too hot, this will be my go-to green at home.
In our NSW stores, we have secured a supply of top-notch green Shanghai for the week. Iceberg lettuce, broccoli and imperfect zucchinis are all cheap and good. To go with your lettuce, Lebanese cucumbers and tomatoes, either truss or imperfect gourmets are great value.
This weekend will see very inexpensive good quality snow peas in all our stores”
- David Harris
Dave's Pick of the Week - English Spinach
"English spinach, or common spinach is often confused with Silverbeet.
English spinach, along with coriander, is the most delicate of the leafy green vegetables, and the majority of the product we source is mostly from Victoria and a small amount from Sydney basin veg growers. It is a vegetable that doesn’t grow well in really cold weather and hates heavy rain or intense heat. As a result, it is at its best in early Spring!
Nowadays, most spinach is consumed very young as baby spinach; one of the most popular lines in salads. Washing English spinach before you cook it is really important, as the leaves can be very gritty otherwise. It is a delightful green vegetable, absolutely at its prime right now and certainly very well priced!"
- David Harris
HOW TO PICK
Look for bright green, fresh leaves with crisp stems. Avoid the ones that are looks wilted or discoloured.
HOW TO STORE
Remove the band from the bunch and refrigerate in a plastic bag in the crisper for up to 3 days.
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*Image used for illustration purposes
