Fresh Produce Report 4 July

Look for specials on new season Brussels sprouts this week with cheap prices on carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, capsicums and onion also available.

The cooler winter growing conditions have meant Asian vegetables, spinach, shallots, silverbeet, sweet potatoes, egg fruit, squash and pumpkin are harder to source so are more expensive.

Zucchinis are a mixed bag of quality and prices so look for firm, glossy, tender skins that feel heavy for their size.

Avocados and tomatoes are firm in price, as are iceberg lettuce, parsley, green shallots and basil.

However most mixed green leafy varieties and cos lettuce are of reasonable value while cucumbers have dropped in price.

The tasty pink lady apple has risen in price its while yellow fleshed, high flavoured  cousin, the delicious, is cheaper. Most other apple and pear varieties are well priced and eating well.

Bananas are firmer in price and are carrying a duller winter coat. Most citrus is at its cheapest all year, including navel oranges, a variety of mandarins and lemons, with limes the exception, having held a firm price. Cumquats are in season for those who love cooking marmalade or want an acidic, tart taste to their recipes.

Find the best tasting fruit experiences from crimson grapes, Queensland strawberries, red papaw and for something different, add guavas, tamarillos, yellow dragon fruit and carambola, also known as star fruit, to the fruit salad platter.

Watermelon is moderately priced, rockemlon is only of fair quality and expensive, while raspberries and blueberries are harder to source and also expensive. Pineapples are a mixed bag of price and quality.