3 - 9 June 2024 update Sydney Market that includes availability and price of seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers. Also includes recipe suggestions.
FRUITS:
Winter is the best time to enjoy vitamin C-rich citrus fruit. Mandarins, oranges, tangelos, lemons, and grapefruit are all in good supply, and the quality is excellent. Look for multi-buy specials on citrus to get extra good value.
Colder weather is sweetening up Australian Navel oranges. Extra sweet, large, freshly harvested navel oranges are a top buy again this week at $2-$5 a kilo. For something a little different, try sweet-eating Cara Cara navel oranges. This seedless, sweet, red-fleshed variety originated in South America and is now harvested in Australia from May to August. Cara Cara navel oranges are also $2-$5 a kilo, depending on size.
Winter is the peak season for Australian lemons. To enhance the flavour of tomato-based casseroles and soups, drizzle lemon juice before serving. Lemons cost $2-$6 a kilo.
Queensland strawberry season is underway, and quality and prices are improving every week. Strawberries are also still coming from Victoria. Depending on quality, strawberries are $3- $7 a punnet.
Fabulously versatile pears work well with sweet and savoury flavours, including Flavours like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, sage, cardamom, curry, orange, mint, coriander, watercress and fennel team deliciously pears. Pears also make luscious desserts and baked goods like these moist pear and pecan muffins. Packham and Beurru Bos pears are a choice-buy at $2-$5 a kilo; other fancy varieties are $4-$6 a kilo.
Mix it up with kiwifruit - with three colours to choose from (green, yellow, and red flesh fruit now in season). Each type has its distinct coloured flesh and flavour profile, but all are a top source of vitamins. Expect to pay $6-$16 a kilo depending on the variety. Team kiwifruit with homemade date, pecan and honey yoghurt.
VEGETABLES
Top-quality globe artichokes are now in season and selling for $2-$3 each. Boil trimmed globe artichokes until tender, then slice and combine with diced tomatoes, baby bocconcini, parsley, pepper and olive oil to serve with crusty bread. Master the art of cooking artichokes with this simple recipe for globe artichokes with prosciutto.
Large, snow-white cauliflowers are superb quality and a thrifty buy at $3-$5 ahead. Just perfect for a cauliflower & broccoli gratin.
Super-healthy and tasty Brussels sprouts are in season and available at your local greengrocer for $5-$10 a kilo. Select Brussels sprouts of a similar size to ensure that all Brussels sprouts cook simultaneously. Take your Brussels sprouts to a new level with this tasty recipe for Brussels sprouts with chorizo and crispy breadcrumbs.
Loved for their soft, oniony flavour and lovely aroma, leeks are used as a base for a stew or braise, as you would onions. They are perfect for making a creamy soup or used in a vegetable pie. They can be teamed with potato, pumpkin, carrot, or celeriac. Leeks are $2-$3 for a large single stem and the same price for a bunch.
Fresh herbs bring a delightful fragrance and rich flavour to your dishes without adding extra kilojoules. Whether used alone or combined, they can elevate your winter cooking. Popular choices for the season include thyme, parsley, oregano, and sage; all are abundant and top-quality during winter. Budget around $3-$4 per bunch for these versatile herbs.
Celery is economical, healthy and versatile. Raw celery is crisp, tasty and low in kilojoules. Serve celery sticks with peanut butter, whip up a creamy celery soup, add flavour and fibre to hearty winter soups with celery or add crunch to a chicken sandwich with finely diced celery. This week, celery is a good buy at $2-$4 a bunch, depending on size.
Versatile carrots are a highlight of winter cooking. Enjoy them roasted, and use them in soups, stir-fries, or casseroles. Priced at just $1.50-$2.50 per kilo, they are a great bargain. Have you tried vibrant purple carrots? Rich in anthocyanins—powerful antioxidants that give them their distinctive colour and potential health benefits—they are a must-try. To preserve their vibrant colour and nutritional benefits, cook them with minimal water and avoid overcooking. Purchase freshly harvested purple carrots by the bunch for $5-$6 or larger carrots by the 500g bag for $2.50-$3.50 at your local greengrocer.
Broccoli flourishes in cooler weather, and your local greengrocer has quality broccoli for $3-$5 a kilo. Steaming and stir-frying are ideal methods for cooking broccoli. If boiling, use small quantities of water and cook rapidly, as overcooking reduces flavour and vitamin content. Spicy broccoli and chilli soup is a delicious choice in winter.
FLOWERS
Winter brings a stunning array of seasonal flowers with lasting beauty that can brighten any
space. These blooms can stay vibrant longer with proper care-keeping them away from direct heat and regularly
changing their water. Now is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of tulips, ornamental kale, roses, lavender,
hyacinth, Oriental lilies, jonquils, daffodils, Dutch iris, sweetpeas, stock, mini gerbera, and poppies. Potted
cymbidium orchids and cyclamen also make excellent, long-lasting choices. Embrace the season's charm with fresh
flowers and bring a touch of nature's elegance into your home.
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, Marketing Consultant on 0438725453
Published On 2024-06-03 15:59:00
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