Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

According to Harris Farm Market the heatwave throughout much of Australia will cause supply problems over the next few weeks.

At this time of year much of our produce comes up from Victoria and South Australia. The 40° plus temperatures down there have played havoc. Farmers can’t get pickers to work in these temperatures (don’t blame them) and much of the produce is rotting in the fields.

Produce from New South Wales is limited. As usual, no promises this list is 100% accurate. If you want to make sure your produce is grown locally, check the providence with your greengrocer.

Fruit:

• Avocadoes
• Berries: mostly from interstate, but I’ve seen NSW strawberries this week
• Cherries
• Figs: I’ve seen some great tray specials over the last week
• Grapes
• Nectarines: grown in Victoria, South Australia, parts of Queensland and also NSW, so check the provenance of your local supplier
• Oranges Australian navels are in season, although you’ll also see Valencias from the US on sale. The Australian fruit are fabulous.
• Peaches: grown in Victoria, South Australia, parts of Queensland and also NSW, so check the provenance of your local supplier
• Plumcots: I’ve never eaten this cross between plums & apricots but a friend always raves about them, so I’m keen to try
• Plums

Vegetables

• Asparagus
• Asian greens
• Beans
• Bitter melon
• Capsicums
• Celery
• Chillies
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Radishes
• Shallots
• Snowpeas
• Squash: just coming into season
• Tomatoes
• Wild rocket
• Zucchini

The monthly what’s in season guide is compiled from a number of sources, including: the Harris Farm Market and Fratelli Fresh market updates; Lettuce Deliver’s weekly shopping guide; the Sydney Markets seasonal guide; updates in Donna Hay and Delicious magazines; a range of books; as well as my own observations of what’s currently available and good value. I sometimes continue to make updates during the month, as fruit and veg availability changes.

Photograph by Yuxian.fishy.wang.

05 February, 2009