Tony Polistina, co-owner of Forestway Fresh, has announced that the Australian navel orange season has begun, selling at approximately $5.50 per kilo, while Queensland’s Imperial mandarins are peaking at just $3 per kilo. This makes it an ideal moment to try recipes like Anna Jones’s mandarin compote, perfect for toast or as a filling in her Mother’s Day queen of puddings.
Berry prices have fluctuated recently, with Queensland raspberries available at about $3.50 a punnet—making them a great value compared to imported blueberries which can reach $7.90. Strawberries are also set to drop in price as their Queensland season kicks off, currently priced at around $4.50 a punnet. Apples and pears are in abundance, with Royal Gala apples available for as low as $3.50 per kilo, while new-season Packham pears are retailing between $3 and $5 per kilo.
Several recipes can utilise the current harvest, such as Nigel Slater’s marmalade pears or raspberry and apple crumble. Although rockmelon and honeydew are not at their prime sweetness, watermelon from the Northern Territory is of good quality albeit priced at around $5 per kilo—almost double what it usually costs.
As the cooler season approaches, root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, and carrots are ready for roasting, with local kent pumpkin affordable at $1.50 per kilo, while supermarkets sell it for about $3. Cauliflower is priced at $5.50 a head, expected to decline soon, alongside newly arrived Brussels sprouts, which are around $10 to $12 per kilo.
Zucchinis are available at $5 a kilo, ideal for roasting. Tomatoes are currently around $8 a kilo, but anticipated to decrease soon, making them perfect for recipes like Alice Zaslavsky’s garlicky tomato bread.
In good news, the transition from Shepard to new-season Hass avocados is underway, with prices expected to reach $2.50 to $3 by late May. Leafy greens like cabbage and lettuce remain stable around $3.50 to $4.50 each, complemented by an ample supply of silverbeet.
In summary, the current seasonal produce includes a strong variety with good value for apples, avocados, mandarins, and fresh vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes, while prices for tomatoes and some other items are set to drop shortly. Be cautious with blueberries, eggplants, and red capsicums, which should be avoided for now due to high costs.