Dave's Market Update
In Fruit
"Our pick of the week is Williams pears. They are in perfect condition, sweet and juicy and best of all very inexpensive. In stone fruit, peaches, nectarines and figs are all great value and eating superbly.
The bargains in avocados continue to amaze me with both Reeds and West Australian Hass, both great value and eating extremely well. I have a piece of good advice for everyone. DON’T get involved with new season Shepards yet, it is too early and you will be disappointed with them no matter how cheap you pay for them.
Limes and raspberries are still well priced and there are fantastic new season Gala available if your supplier has the knowledge (some don’t and are selling immature fruit). Our imperfect Honey Gold mangoes are cheap and good and various plums are starting to eat well.
Our customers all love blueberries. However, we are now entering that difficult time of the year for them and so I think look at other options. This situation lasts for 3 months. Ten or so years ago, blues were not available in these months at all.
In Veg
Still fairly difficult in the vegetable area, however as always, we find some bargains to fill the shop. All cucumbers are very good value, Lebanese, baby Cukes and Telegraphs. As well, there is good value in asparagus (the later crop now in full swing), loose beetroot, and Dutch carrots."
- David Harris
Dave's Pick of the Week
“Williams pears are only available for a few months each year. They are the first commercial pear of the year. They have great flavour and are inexpensive and hence they are extremely popular when in season, which is right now.
To enjoy their flavour, they need to be a little soft and starting to turn yellow. In the early part of the season (which is right now), you may have to leave them in the fruit bowl to achieve this. However, once they start to ripen, they move quickly, so into the fridge as they turn yellow.
As always, the smaller fruit is far cheaper so look for real bargains with this fruit but expect to pay far more for the larger fruit. It is shaping up to be an excellent pear season.”- David Harris
HOW TO PICKWilliams pears ripen quickly, once they start developing a touch of yellow they will be ready to eat in a day or two.
HOW TO STORE
Store at room temperature in a fruit bowl. When ripe, store them in the fridge to prolong their life. Doing this should see them last 3 to 4 days.
