BUYER'S GUIDE: 20/12/11 - 28/12/11
As your eyes at the markets, here’s this week’s seasonal update from our buyers:
It is the season to be Merry and with the way our market is shaping up for the week all I can say is Ho Ho Ho and away we go!
Fruit:
No real shorts this week. A few quality issues, Strawberries being one but otherwise it's a buyers market. Quality is excellent, pricing is low and other than mandarins it is a Misère Ouverte! As per last week just Apples and Lemons holding in price and will lift as the weeks roll on.
Very good supply of Tropical Fruits from the Top End and Far North QLD: Longans, Lychees, Mangosteen, Rambutans and Ship Loads of Mangoes.
Also now in full swing Aussie Grapes, Red, Black & White all seedless, very sweet and crunchy.
Vegetables:
Slightly different story here. Broccoli and Caulies have come well down off last week's highs as have Green Beans, the quality and supply of Butter Beans is also back to normal.
Main items this week are Baby Corn, nil on market due to the heavy flooding in Thailand, White Asparagus limited due to imports and Green Asparagus doing its usual Xmas dance for this time of the year with supply coming from NZ, Peru and Aussie packers.
And oh yes Tomatoes being pushed by the market agents “they can't help themselves around this time of the year” pushing price which scared buyers into buying just in case the market Tomato agents are right.......for once! Roma Tomatoes are short and up in price. Otherwise plenty of colour and range to chose from.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit:
Cherries- Van's (NSW)
Kiwifruit (Imported)
Lychee (QLD)
Mango- R2E2 (QLD)
Peach (NSW)
Vegetables:
Broccoli (VIC)
Cauliflower (VIC)
Chat (Sml) Potatoes (SA)
Sweetcorn (NSW)
Rhubarb (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Chestnuts (VIC)
Edible Flowers (VIC/NSW)
Jerusalem Artichokes (QLD)
Longan (Imported)
Popcorn Sprouts (VIC)
Purple Congo Potato (SA)
Rambutan (QLD)
Donut Peaches (NSW)
Red Currant (SA)
Yellow Butter Beans (QLD)
NOT THIS WEEK:
End of Season:
Red Tamarillos
Poor Quality:
Broad Beans
Not Available:
Baby Corn
Horseradish
White Asparagus
RING OUT THE OLD, RING IN THE NEW
This week’s Q&A bulletin is different, because this week we don’t have the answers!
At Simon George & Sons we like our inspirational quotes and as we enter our second year at St Peters, we’ve taken to heart JFK’s principle that “efforts and courage are not enough without direction and purpose”. So with these wise words in mind, we’re asking for your feedback and ideas on how we can deliver more of what you want and need in 2012. To have your say and answer 10 quick feedback questions, please click here.
For our final bulletin of 2011, we thought we would share with you our vision and purpose for the coming year. While most resolutions will be abandoned before the sun rises on New Year’s day, this is one that you can count on in 20-12.
AVOID THE TRAFFIC, TAKE THE EXTRA MILE
OPEN COMMUNICATION & KNOWLEDGE:
At SG&S, we believe that knowledge is power and in 2011 we launched a number of communication initiatives that placed our clients at the forefront of produce trends. In 2012, we will refine these initiatives and ensure they not only continue to inspire you with the season’s best but get you the best bang for your buck.
- WEEKLY Q&A PRODUCE BULLETIN (Q&A): Each week we send out a bulletin on the latest products or services to watch out for. In 2012, these will feature exclusive and relevant content from suppliers, chefs and critics
- MARKET MUSE (SG&S Blog): The SG&S blog currently hosts our weekly produce bulletins, market updates, company profile, team bios and seasonal calendar. In 2012, we will be updating the format and including an industry page which will profile various chefs, their food philosophies and their latest creations using seasonal produce
- @SGSSyd Twitter Feed: The SG&S twitter feed launched mid last year as a means for SG&S to become part of the worldwide foodie conversation. In the New Year we will be continuing to expand our twitter network, answer produce related questions and keep our followers up to date on the latest news from growers, chef’s and the markets
- SYDNEY MARKET TOURS: SG&S will continue to offer guided tours of the Sydney Produce & Growers markets. Hosted by Simon George & Sons’ Director, Damian George, these tours offer us the opportunity to learn about your preferences and share tricks of the trade learnt over 35 years in the industry.
PARTICIPATION:
In 2011 SG&S supported a number of industry events. In 2012, we are looking to go that step further and actively involve ourselves in broader industry initiatives that help develop and grow the Sydney foodie culture.
LISTEN AND LEARN:
To stay relevant in an ever evolving industry Simon George & Sons is continually adapting our business and improving our service. In 2012, we will continue to implement innovations that offer our clients greater reliability, convenience and cost-efficiency.
- Online Ordering: This year SG&S invested in an online ordering facility that is efficient, user friendly and ultimately cost-effective for our clients. Orders are submitted via a secure page on our website where clients can access past order history, new orders and pricing at their convenience
- SG&S FLEET: SG&S recently upgraded our fleet of refrigerated trucks and vans. Custom built, the vehicles cutting-edge design enables us to deliver fresh produce safely and reliably every time. A state of the art tracking system also allows us to provide instant feedback on the location of deliveries, monitor potential delays and streamline delivery routes to better serve our clients
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you in 2012. Keep an eye out for the first bulletin of the New Year on January 26th. Until then we wish you all the best from the team at Simon George & Sons
To enquire or place an order please call (02) 9519 1411 or email us at orders-stpeters@simongeorge.com.au
For our Xmas trading hours please click here
BUYER'S GUIDE: 13/12/11 - 19/12/11
As your eyes at the markets, here’s this week’s seasonal update from our buyers:
I wish I could tell you that the rain is going to STOP and the sun is coming out…….but unfortunately it's not looking likely for now. A wet Xmas and New Year means we should expect some problems with Fresh Produce, but it’s not all bad!!
FRUIT:
Quality here is exceptional and so is the price. No out of the ordinary items in short supply at present and pricing is well down on the past years. Other than the usual items for this time of the year- apples and lemons being the most relevant- the rest of the gang is in good supply and should stay that way well into the new year.
Stonefruits are the pick, good quality, eating well and cost effective buying as is watermelons!
VEGETABLES:
We are seeing the wet weather taking its toll here on quality and supply. Right now it’s mainly impacting supply and price on Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Bean, Cauliflowers and has slightly lifted Tomatoes price. Still there is plenty to pick from as Pumpkin, Carrots, Zucchini, Eggplant and Spuds are in good supply and price well.
Back to “Singing In The Rain”
BEST BUYS:
FRUIT:
Avocado (#25-28 per tray)
Cherries- Van's (NSW)
Limes (QLD)
Mango R2E2 (QLD)
Rockmelon (QLD)
VEGETABLES:
Carrots - Med to Large (QLD)
Chat (Sml) Potatoes (SA)
Butternut Pumpkin (QLD)
Snow Peas (NSW)
Zucchini- Green (VIC)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Dragon Fruit (QLD)
New Season- Fig Tray (NSW)
New Season- Black Grapes (QLD)
Lychees - (QLD)
Mangosteen (QLD)
Donut Peaches (NSW)
New Season - Blood Plums (NSW)
Rambutan (QLD)
Popcorn Sprouts (VIC)
VIP Cherries - (NSW)
SORRY NOT THIS WEEK:
END OF SEASON:
Broad Bean
Red Tamarillo
SHORT SUPPLY:
No 2. Asparagus
Sweet Potato- large (very $$$)
Yellow butter beans
NOT AVAILABLE:
Bella Rossa Tomatoes
GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES
Q: Which herb did Shakespeare say improved recollection?
A recent spell of bad weather in NSW has affected the quality of local herb crops, with varieties such as sage and oregano tending to blacken quickly. So, while we wait for the summer weather to catch up to the summer menu, why not let our delicious range of microgreens step up to the plate?!
Simon George & Sons sources our microgreens from Flowerdale Sprout Farm in Victoria as they produce top quality plants that are consistent in size, flavour and presentation all year round. Microgreens are herbs (or brassicas) that are harvested when the first adult leaves begin to appear. Picking at this immature stage has two benefits. Firstly, the natural oils in the plant are still highly concentrated resulting in a more intense, less bitter/woody flavour than the mature herb. Secondly, the plants are beautifully presented with small leaves, buds and delicate stalks that make them suitable for even the finest gourmet presentation. Also with over 40 varieties currently available, chefs are able to blend different herbs to create signature dishes full of vibrant colour and authentic flavour.
TOP SELLERS
GREEN BASIL:
Flavour: Intense, clean clove flavour and fragrance
Best use: Italian- fresh or added late in the cooking process
Background: One of the most popular herbs in the world, Basil is synonymous with Italian cuisine (though in actuality it originated in far east Asia across India, Pakistan and Thailand)
CHARD: aka Bull’s Blood
Flavour: Beety, earthy flavour
Best use: Fresh in salads
Background: Considered to be one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world, as a microgreen it offers exciting colours and delicate earthy undertone to a variety of dishes
CORIANDER LEAVES: aka Cilantro/Chinese Parsley
Flavour: Intense and distinct spicy flavour, (touch of anise and pepper)
Best use: Asian or South American cuisine- garnish on curries or chillies- fresh in salads, sushi, rice-paper rolls
Background: A member of the carrot family, Coriander is native to Southern Europe and the Middle East. The leaves are often referred to as Cilantro while Coriander is the names for the seeds.
RED SHISO: aka Purple Mint, Japanese basil or Wild Coelus
Flavour: Sweet and spicy
Best use: Fresh in salads, soup or as a garnish.
Background: Shiso is the Japanese name for this plant which was traditionally used to dye pickled ume or mix with ume paste in sushi
WATERCRESS:
Flavour: Nutty, peppery flavour
Best use: Salads, sandwiches garnish
Background: Only raw broccoli (yum) has more vitamin C and magnesium than watercress gram for gram
INSPIRATION FROM OUTSIDE THE BOX (PUNNET):
Carrot: Boast a delicate carrot flavour, perfect for salads or garnish
Chives: A fantastic way of adding that onion flavour to a dish without the pungency. Boasts a strong, slightly sweet flavour
Dandelion: Far from the Dandelion & Burdock of yesteryear, these wide flat leaves can be used as an alternative to rocket as they have a slight peppery finish
Lemon Balm: These beautiful furry, serrated leaves deliver a citrus aroma and flavour that is perfect for desserts or beverages (cocktails)
Mache: Also called Cornsalad, Mache has sweet, nutty leaves that are velvety and bright and therefore perfect as a garnish
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
Borage Cress- perfect for adding that cucumber edge to a G&T
Shallot Cress- mix with grassy Australian olive oil to add a nutty, onion flavour to a salad
Melon Cress- a great option for desserts, this as a definite rockmelon flavour perfect for use in sorbets or a garnish
The Flowerdale microgreens stocked by Simon George & Sons are supplied in ‘Living Open Pots’, which offer good shelf life and convenience of use. The plant sits in a composted bark mix with nutrients essential to its growth delivered in a liquid form during the watering process. Being soil free you can just snip them out of the pot using scissors and give them a gentle wash prior to use. Its best to store the pots out of the fridge (somewhere cool) and use within five days. Once cut, store in a sealed container in the refrigerator where they will keep for up to two weeks.
For more information on our microgreen range please contact Simon George & Sons.
A: Can’t remember? Then you need some rosemary! Long before Red Bull gave you wings, the Ancient Greeks and Romans wore garlands of rosemary to help improve their memory and revive the spirits. To this day it is still worn as a symbol of remembrance.
XMAS TRADING
It’s that time of year again, when the decorations go up and the bank balance comes down! To help you prepare for the silly season, please find below our Christmas Trading Hours.
To ensure you receive prompt delivery of your orders for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, please submit them as early as possible. Please note that salad orders must be placed before 12pm on the last working day prior to delivery.
Many thanks and best wishes from the team at Simon George & Sons.
BUYER'S GUIDE: 06/12/11 - 12/12/11
As your eyes at the markets, here’s this week’s seasonal update from our buyers:
FRUIT:
Full range and good supplies all round. The summer fruits (mango, nectarines, peaches, apricots, cherries & plums) are now eating with good flavour and are priced to suit.
We will be supplying local “White Seedless Grapes” as of this week and will be doing the same with red and black over the next 2 weeks. Wet weather in several of the growing areas has caused some quality problems but there is enough good quality coming in from other areas to cover supply.
Also there is a full range of berries available; Blue, Black, Raspberries, Red Currants and Strawberries to name a few!
VEGETABLES:
Wet weather is taking its toll here on pricing but nothing over the top! Supply is good, quality is sound with only a few items on the short list.
As the summer weather slowly arrives we will see products like Broadbeans, Globe Artichokes & Brussels Sprouts disappearing form the market place.
New Season Aussie Garlic is in full swing as is the range of locally grown tomatoes including Gourmet Cherry varieties, Quality Heirlooms, Cherry and Baby Roma Truss and Roma’s. The flavour of these local tomatoes is excellent.
BEST BUYS:
FRUIT:
Apricot (NSW)
Cavendish Bananas (QLD)
Cherries (NSW)
Mango R2E2 (QLD)
Nectarine (NSW)
VEGETABLES:
Assorted Micro Herbs (VIC)
Green Bean (QLD)
Green Zucchini (NSW)
Sweet Corn (QLD)
Tomatoes- Cherry Truss (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Dragon Fruit (QLD)
Edible Flowers (VIC)
Flowers - Orchids (NSW)
Green Grapes (Australian) - (QLD)
Lychee (QLD)
Mangosteen (Imported)
Popcorn Sprouts (VIC)
Red Pomello (Imported- USA)
Rambutan (QLD)
Red Currants (VIC)
SORRY NOT THIS WEEK:
END OF SEASON:
Broad Bean
Red Tamarillo
SHORT SUPPLY:
Lotus Root
NOT AVAILABLE:
Mandarins
Tomatoes- Yellow Teardrop
CHERRIES ON TOP
Q: What does it mean to ‘cherry pick’ something?
This weekend, Young, NSW, the birthplace of the Australian Cherry Industry, is hosting the 62nd National Cherry Festival. First commercially planted in 1878, Young accounts for 60% of the total cherry production in NSW. While NSW and VIC have traditionally been the cherry capitals of Australia, Tassie is hot on their heels as the home of our cherry exports, which is more the pity for us locals as the temperate maritime climate of the island produces lush, large fruit.
A member of the rose family, the majority of eating cherries are classified as either a sweet (Prunus Avium) or sour cherry (Prunus Cerasus). Sweet cherries are believed to have come from a wild cherry once found in the Caspian– Black Sea region, these cherries are delicious both fresh and cooked. Sour varieties can also be eaten fresh but are most often used for cooking, baking and preserving due to their tart flavour.
In recent years, plantations have been established outside traditional growing areas in the hope of prolonging the traditional cherry season which runs from November to February. Similarly to strawberries, a constant supply of cherries is achieved by harvesting different varieties at staggered intervals. To achieve a consistent supply, some states will grow more than 50 different varieties of cherry. It is therefore difficult to compile an exhaustive list, so the table below focuses on the main cherry varieties in NSW, when to look out for them and what to expect.
New Australian selections are starting to make their mark but are not yet commercially strong, keep an eye out for Sir Dom, Sir Tom, Dame Roma, Sir Douglas, Dame Nancy and Sir Hans in coming seasons.
So far, the 2011 season has brought mixed fortunes for Australian cherry growers. Cherries are extremely delicate and rains or high winds at harvest time can spell disaster for growers as they can cause the cherries to split or bruise. While the Yarra Valley, Central and North Eastern VIC are projecting one of their most fruitful season’s in decades (if the weather holds), NSW regions are battling high rains that are already causing some of the bigger fruit to split. While still hopeful, local farmers are warning that NSW markets may see a smaller fruit size this year as a result.
To kick of the season with a bang, here are some inspired cherry recipes to sink your teeth into:
- SAVOURY: Roast Duck with cherries & roast kipfler potatoes
- SWEET: Watermelon, cherry and rose salad, with shortbread, yoghurt & cherry syrup
- PICKLED: Pickled Cherries (have with duck, pork belly or blue veined cheese)
- SLAMMING: Esta Bebida 2
To find out more about the delicious cherry varieties on offer or to place your order contact Simon George & Sons.
A: Cherries don’t ripen after they’ve been picked, so it has always been important to choose your fruit carefully. To cherry pick is to inspect something very closely, so you come out with only the very best. With this in mind, how do you cherry pick a cherry?
A cherry’s colour is highly dependent on variety, so a darker skin will not necessarily be the best indicator of maturity. Instead, look for a cherry that is good and plump, with glossy skin and a nice green stem. Avoid soft, dull or bruised fruit or small hard cherries as they will lack flavour and juice.