Dave's Market Update 20.05.2014

IN FRUIT

The weather has always been a significant factor in the fruit & veg industry. This week the market reflects  the results of two weather events. New season Packham pears are now in stores and are great eating - their delicious, rich flavour makes them the perfect snack.  The warm weather has kick started the Queensland strawberry season with supply and quality gradually increasing and the crazy prices we have had over the past month softening.

IN VEGETABLE

Unseasonably warm weather has seen increases in the supply of many vegie lines - broccoli, machine picked green beans, Dutch carrots, pumpkins, celery, beetroot, rhubarb, kale, silverbeet, green capsicums, and  fennel. Supply of broccoli from QLD and VIC is strong and the quality is fantastic making it excellent value this week. Dutch carrots are an old favourite that are in really good supply at a great price. Potatoes continue to improve in supply and quality. This week the potato we are highlighting is the new season Nicola potato from Tasmania. Nicola’s are long, oval-shaped potatoes, with yellow skin and flesh and a delicious buttery flavour. They’re the perfect boiling potato and great in salads, mash, gratins and baked dishes. Planting gaps caused by the rain and damage from cyclone Ita have caused  some vegies to remain very light in supply - zucchini, corn, lettuce, cauliflowers, squash, eggplant and tomatoes especially. In the tomato range there is still some good news with pre packed Petite cocktail tomatoes available in good numbers. They’re bursting with  flavour and definitely my pick in tomatoes.