Dave's Market Update
In Veg
“Things have changed a little and for the first weekend in months, top quality well-priced vegetables are easier to source than fruit. Our two lead vegetables perfect for a winter feast are Brussels sprouts and snow peas. The Brussels are from Victoria and they are at their best when the weather is cold and they have dropped in price this week.
The snow peas on the other hand are from sunny Queensland. Traditionally, they were very dear mid-winter and did not fall in price until spring. A few substantial growers in central and southern Qld have upended this model and we are the beneficiaries.
Celery is also top quality and quite cheap. Our snackable carrots are great value also. Lettuce and red caps from Qld have fallen in price again. Broccoli continues to ease in price everywhere. As well, radish and shallots are cheap in NSW and Chinese cabbage represents very good value.
In all, it’s a better week for vegetable supplies than we have seen for months.”
- David Harris
In Fruit
“Undoubtedly the top news is the arrival of really top-class great eating Queensland strawberries. Highly coloured premium fruit, it’s dear, however I would venture to say worth every penny! They are dear and will be until we get some warmer weather up there.
Just as good and definitely just as dear, our premium blueberries from far north Queensland are also in our stores this week, very sweet, tasty fruit.
We have a gap in Imperial mandarins. This week Qld mandarins are finished however premium southern fruit is a week or possibly two away yet. However, there are some other very good mandarins available. I like the Daisy variety and soon some early Murcotts which have far fewer seeds to deal with.
Still, lots of choices in apples, pears and navel oranges… and this weekend, I think there will be a few net passionfruit available at a special price”.
- David Harris
Dave's Pick of the Week - "Snow Peas"
“My pick of the week is snow peas. Most unusual to have abundant supply in mid-winter, its normally a spring vegetable. However, this week, we have secured large quantities of excellent quality snow peas from Queensland and we will have them on special in all our stores this week. This vegetable is a no waste, extremely versatile vegetable that is less than one third price we sold them for last week.
This legume is referred to in French as a 'mange tout' which translates to 'eat all'. They are a fantastic addition to stir fries, in salads or just as a green vegetable with the main meal. The key to enjoying them is not to overcook them so they are still crunchy, so al dente is good and in fact they are delicious raw as well.”
- David Harris
HOW TO PICK
Pick snow peas which are bright green and crisp. Avoid snow peas which are wilted or yellowing.
HOW TO STORE
Store in the crisper of your fridge for up to 5 days.
