Fresh Produce Report 14 August

Heavy frosts have played havoc with the supply of fresh produce this week pushing up vegetable prices, keeping some lines such as beans, sweet corn, pumpkin and cabbage expensive.

Expect to pay firmer prices for Asian vegetables, broccoli, capsicums, cauliflower, celery, eggplant, leeks, mushrooms, snow peas, silverbeet, spinach and squash.

Brussels sprouts are reasonable in price and zucchinis are easing.  There are still bargain beetroot, fennel, potatoes, sweet potatoes and onions to be found.

Lettuce and mixed leaf have risen sharply in price.  Avocado prices have eased but tomato categories remain expensive. Cucumbers, shallots and some herb varieties cost more this week.

The best eating and bargains are to be found with seasonal fruit. Cheap and great quality apples and pears are joined by nashi pear, which is a watery, crisp, white-fleshed fruit that is excellent for cooking, in desserts or eaten raw.

Other seasonal bargains include sensational tasting strawberries, pineapples and nearly all citrus, including oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, blood and seville oranges, lemons, and tangelo. Limes have risen in price.

Bananas remain coslty, as are raspberries, blueberries, rockmelon and watermelon.

There are still some Australian grapes and kiwifruit available so look for country of origin labeling to be sure.