Dave's Market Update 18.03.2014

IN FRUIT

Autumn for berries can be difficult but this year the Gods are smiling on us. It is neither too wet nor too cold this year and so we have some very good fruit. In summer the southern fruit is often heat stressed but this week the weather is just right. Hence some fantastic strawberry specials at all our stores and really good quality raspberries to go with them. I think the autumn raspberries which are coming from both Victoria and Tasmania are the best of the year for sweetness and flavour. Similarly a bit cooler weather is good for the banana quality coming from North Queensland. Plums and grapes continue to be just fantastic to eat. Another of my favourite plums the Radiance plum is underway this week. With grapes, now is when the red seedless come into their own as the best eating grape. This year’s heatwaves seem to have effected the colour - they are quite pale, but the flavour is fantastic. All the apples that were heat stressed are now coming from later areas and eating really well also - except the grannies are still mostly a cooking apple - I don’t like to eat them much before Anzac Day. Try the Jonathan for a change as they are only with us for a very short time. There is a flush of late season NSW seedless watermelon available also which has seen quite an easing of prices.

IN VEGETABLE

Capsicums, cucumbers, broccoli, snow peas and pumpkin are all continuing to ease in price and represent great value in vegies this week. There is also plenty of good zucchinis available. Tomatoes continue to be dear and I am still recommending grape tomatoes as the best options in this range.