BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 17th Jul - 23rd Jul
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Asian Celery * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Gai Choy * Kachay
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Pomellos- red * Tamarillo (gold)
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Longans * Loquats * Lychee * Rambutan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 17th Jul - 23rd Jul
Due to extreme weather patterns over the last 6-8 weeks many lines of fresh produce have been heavily affected. The wet weather experienced before winter delayed plantings, this was followed by extended cool nights, frosts and then more heavy rain.
FRUIT: Market Overview
- Apples and Pears will be unaffected due to the majority of fruit coming out of cold storage
- Citrus fruits (incl. Navel Oranges, Grapefruit and Lemons) are unaffected, yet limes will be firm. Mandarins will be firm due to changing varieties more so than weather
- Avocados and Bananas are affected mostly due to the cold nights rather than the wet . Sizing will remain small and skin dull in colour
- Melons are adversely affected due to the cold nights and rain. NT Honeydew and Rocks are due to start at the end of this week- 19/20 July
- Strawberries have been affected, quality concerns expect
- Pineapples and Bethonga have been severely affected due to lack of sun, cold weather, rain and the inability of growers to pick. Pineapples will be extremely short supply for the next 2-3 weeks
- Blueberries and raspberries are also affected and will remain expensive for the next couple of weeks
VEG: Market Overview
- Wet lines such as iceberg, Cos and celery should be ok. Broccoli has shortened mainly due to the cold. Cauliflowers will have issues
- Salad lines have been severely affected. Rocket is very difficult to get, and Mesclun and baby Spinach have increased in price. These lines will be short for the next 2-3 weeks
- Capsicum have been affected- reds and yellows will have some quality issues. Pricing is stable
- All cabbage lines have been affected due to the inability for farmers to get to the fields to pick. Prices will rise sharply but not for long.
- Beans and Corn have issues in quality and supply. Good beans will be scarce and expensive. Due to the rains, corn hasn’t been sprayed and we are expected to find grubs
- Eggplant, Squash and Zucchini have been affected due to the cold and rain and will remain short for the next couple of weeks
- Cucumbers are good and have not suffered much
- All pumpkin varieties have been affected, especially Jap and Butternut. Theses lines will be in short supply for 3-4 more weeks
- Snow peas and snaps have been affected but pricing remains reasonable
- All Chinese vegetables have been adversely affected. There is planting gaps from previous rain falls. Short supply is another issue.
- Fancy lettuces are smaller in size and in short supply
- Herbs – Basil , chives , mint have been affected but these lines are quick to recover
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Avocado (QLD) * Kiwifruit - bulk (Imp- NZ) * Oranges - large (QLD) * Panama Passionfruit (QLD)
Vegetable: Broad Beans (NSW) * Celery (VIC) * Parsnip * Telegraph Cucumber (SA) * Russett Burbank Potato (TAS)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Cherries (Imp-US) * Blood Oranges (QLD) * Green Mangoes (NT) * Pomello (QLD) * Red Papaya (QLD) * Tamarillo - red (WA)
Vegetable: Borlotti Bean (QLD) * Namenko Mushroom (NSW) * Red Witlof (VIC)
Other: Black Truffles (WA- New Season)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Butter bean- yellow * Chestnut Mushrooms
Short Supply & Expensive: Mesclun Lettuce * Pineapple * Wild Rocket
Expensive: Rockmelon
A TOUCH OF FROST:
Q: Do any produce lines perform better after a frost?
While the recent cold spell and its resulting frosts are producing magnificent black truffles this year, they have had a slightly less desirable affect on the leaf line crops grown along the Eastern Seaboard. The impact of the cold weather is evident in the shorter shelf life and diminished appearance of fresh leaves, as well as smaller size heads/bunches due to stunted growth and farmers trimming frost damaged outer-leaves.
While all coloured lettuce lines are under pressure, Rocket, Mesclun and Baby Cos have really felt the cold and are not up to their usual standard. Stock will be available over the coming weeks, however premium quality gear will be thin on the ground. It’s not all doom and gloom however, some leaf lines are holding up better than others and our bulletin today highlights varieties that are still performing consistently, if not at peak quality. Over the coming weeks, our recommendation for leaf lines is to buy small amounts regularly and in the case of mesclun- make your own mix from individual products (such as Red Mignonette, Red Oak, Cos, Treviso, Green Oak) as this will help ensure a consistently high standard for all varieties of leaf.
COS LETTUCE: aka Romaine
Supply/Performance: Baby Cos unfortunately is feeling the cold, however full size Cos is still available and holding up well
Appearance: cylindrical, head with tightly folded leaves that are light green towards the stalk and mid-dark green at the edges
Flavour: coarser than iceberg with a sweet taste and crisp texture
Best for: sub for baby cos, though not as sweet
GREEN OAK:
Supply/Performance: currently available and consistent quality
Appearance: small head of tender, green leaves (shaped like oakleafs)
Flavour: sweet, mild flavour
Best for: creating your own mesclun mix
ENDIVE:
Supply/Performance: currently in good supply and sound quality
Appearance: rosette of curly light-medium green leaves with serrated edges
Flavour: bitter edge
Best for: subbing for rocket
RADICCHIO:
Supply/Performance: hardier than true lettuce lines, this chicory relative is currently in good supply and sound quality
Appearance: deep red leaves striped by thick white veins
Flavour: slightly bitter with firm leaves
Best for: creating your own mesclun mix, sub for rocket ( bitter leaves) as it can be grilled, fried or used fresh
TREVISO:
Supply/Performance: a winter variety of radicchio this is currently in good supply and sound quality (Peak Season: May-Sept)
Appearance: elongated version of radicchio – similar in shape to cos
Flavour: slightly bitter though milder than other radicchio varieties
Best for: creating your own mesclun mix, sub for rocket ( bitter leaves) as good fresh/cooked
RED OAK:
Supply/Performance: currently available and good quality
Appearance: small head of tender, red leaves (shaped like an oakleaf) on a green stalk
Flavour: mild, sweet
Best for: creating your own mesclun mix
RED CORAL:
Supply/Performance: While green coral isn’t consistent at the moment, red coral is performing quite well albeit noticeably smaller in size
Appearance: loose, wavy leaves that have green stem and dark red leaves
Flavour: mild, delicate sweetness with a slightly bitter edge
Best for: creating your own mesclun mix
RED MIGNONETTE:
Supply/Performance: currently available and good quality
Appearance: crisp, curled purple-red leaves on a green stalk
Flavour: slightly tart
Best for: salads, sandwiches and garnishes
WHITE WITLOF: aka Belgian Endive, chicory
Supply/Performance: currently available and good quality – peak season
Appearance: tightly packed leaves that form a white spear with yellow tips
Flavour: crisp, bitter leaves
Best for: soups, casseroles, stir-fries, pasta, risotto, salads
RED WITLOF:
Supply/Performance: currently available and good quality
Appearance: tightly packed leaves that form a white spear with red tips
Flavour: sharp, slightly bitter taste- crisp leaves
Best for: soups, casseroles, stir-fries, pasta, risotto, salads
A: Absolutely. In addition to truffles (which rely on frosts to develop their unique fragrance), there are a number of other produce lines that reap the benefits of a good cold spell or frost. Carrots and beets (including baby versions) tend to stay underground longer in the cold and as a result are amazingly sweet when harvested. Cabbage lines (kale, brussel sprouts, collard greens) are also cold weather specialists perfect for soups, risottos, pastas or a ‘mixed greens’ side.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 10th Jul-16th Jul
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Asian Celery * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Gai Choy * Kachay
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Longan * Tamarillo (gold)
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Cumquats * Loquats * Lychee * Rambutan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 10th Jul - 16th Jul
Another fun week at the farm!
Rockmelons, Honeydews and Pineapples are in short supply and up in price. The NT season gets underway this week so Rocks and Honeys should come back in to play mid-late next week, whereas Pines look like they will sit here for the next few weeks. On the Vegies side, Zucchini and Beans are short supply and expensive.
The QLD season is well under way and as of today the market is fully supplied with Capsicums, Tomatoes, Eggplant, Avocadoes, Mandarins and Sweet Potatoes. Beans and Sweet Corn will follow as of next week.
Stick with the Picks!
Market: at a glance
Fruit: Apples, Citrus, Avocados, Ruby Grapefruit, NZ Kiwifruit, Mandarins, Blood Oranges, IMP Mangoes and Cherries, Pawpaw & Papaya, Panama Passion and WA Tamarillo’s. Grapes, good without being great. White Seedless- FORGET IT! USA here in 2 weeks.
Veg: Artichokes, Beetroot, All Cabbage, Red & Green Caps, Celeriac, Eggplant, Cos Lettuce, Asian Veg, Silverbeet, Sweet Corn, Large Red & Brown Onions & plenty of Heirloom Tomatoes this week!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Blood Orange * Cherries (Imp- USA) * Green Papaya - cooking (QLD) * Mandarin (QLD) * Panama Passionfruit (QLD)
Vegetable: Broad Beans (NSW) * Desiree - chat potatoes (SA) * Heirloom Tomatoes (NSW) * Sweetcorn (QLD) * Telegraph Cucumber (SA)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Bananas - cooking (QLD) * Banana Leaves (QLD) * Blood Oranges (QLD) * Drinking Coconut (Imp) * Feijoas (QLD) * Green Mangoes (NT) * Persimmon (New Season - NZ Imp) * Tamarillos - red (WA)
Vegetable: Red Witlof (VIC)
Other: Black Truffles (WA- New Season)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Chestnut Mushrooms * Chives * Pencil Leeks
Expensive: Pineapples * Rockmelon * Yellow Squash
MARKET 5: Spanish Cuisine
Q: How did the Spanish navy influence Spanish cuisine?
At this time of year there really is nothing like indulging in the rich, earthy flavours of Spanish food (and a glass or two of sangria) to keep the winter chills at bay. Inspired by the Spanish tradition of preparing simple, seasonal food (and a Euro 2012 win), this week we have produced our ‘Market 5’ guide to the best performing (and buying) produce at the Sydney Markets for bringing an authentic, Spanish twist to your menu.
PIMENTOS: aka Peppers, Capsicums, Chillies
Peppers (or pimentos in Spanish) play a key role in Spanish cuisine. The markets at the moment are full of peppers (both capsicums and chillies) that are crisp, vibrant and full of flavour making them an easy choice for the ‘Market Five’. We have chosen to profile the habanero chilli, however for more information on the varieties of ‘pepper’ available and their unique characteristics, please click here.
1. Habanero Chilli
Availability: all year – best Nov – Mar
Appearance: look like a small bell pepper that has had the air sucked out
Flavour: very hot and spicy, with a hint of citrus. Average between 100,000 and 350,000 on the Scoville scale depending on growing conditions
Best For: a very angry tomato sauce, spicy salsa
TOMATOES:
Originally imported from Mexico, tomatoes were believed to be unfit for consumption however they are now at the heart of many Spanish dishes, including Sofrito, Patatas bravas (crisp spiced potatoes), Pan con Tomate (tomato bread), Gazpacho (cold tomato soup) and Paella. Today we have featured the all purpose truss tomato, however to view a more comprehensive overview of Simon George & Sons varieties click here.
2. Truss tomatoes: (available in gourmet, cherry, baby roma, roma)
Availability: all year, best Dec - Feb
Appearance: rich, red fruit still attached to vine
Flavour: usually ripened on the vine, these have a wonderful rich flavour and are suitable for eating fresh and for cooking
Best for: suitable for eating fresh and cooked
POTATOES:
Potatoes are a key ingredient in a number of famous Spanish dishes, the most obvious being potato tortilla (Tortilla de Patata) and Patatas Bravas mentioned above. Most potato varieties are at their peak this time of year and all are currently performing well at the markets. For tortilla de patata and patatas bravas the potatoes are fried, therefore I would recommend using either an all-rounder or waxy variety, here I have featured Bintje. For a list of varieties under these headings click here.
3. Bintje:
Available: all year, best Nov- Aug
Appearance: small – medium elongated oval, with yellow skin (brown flecks) and cream white flesh
Flavour: our most popular waxy potato it is firm fleshed and creamy
Best for: any dish that requires the potato to be fried. A good cooking potato.
ORANGES:
Spain is the 6th largest producer of oranges in the world and with two orange varieties (Seville/Valencia) named after growing regions in Spain, it is safe to assume that this wonderful citrus contributes to their national food identity. Here I have featured two different orange varieties that sadly boast short seasons at the Sydney Markets but are wonderful while they are here.
4. Blood Oranges:
Available: late Jun – Aug (having just come into season they need a week to be at their best, but will be worth the wait)
Appearance: medium sized fruit boasting orange skin with a red blush and orange-red flesh
Flavour: sweet, juicy and less acidic that regular oranges
Best for: Sangria, they bring a wonderful colour and refreshing zest to this traditional Spanish wine
5. Seville Oranges:
Available: Jul- Aug
Appearance: medium sized fruit with thick, orange skin that is difficult to peel
Flavour: very acidic and therefore very tart
Best for: whilst often used in marmalades, the acid in Seville oranges makes them perfect for serving with particularly oily or fatty dishes. In Southern Spain they are also frequently served with fish dishes, such as salted cod, to bring out the flavours of the fish
A: Many of the dishes we know as being distinctively ‘Spanish’ came about as a result of the bold venturing of the Spanish navy, in particular the discoveries of Christopher Columbus. Of the ingredients listed above, all of which are considered synonymous with traditional Spanish food, none are actually native to Europe. It was the Spanish conquest (and colonisation) of the Americas, made possible by a thriving navy, that brought the wonders of peppers, tomatoes and potatoes into the Spanish diet. This ‘new world’ produce was adopted into the Spanish cuisine over time, resulting in native dishes renowned for their rich combination of Moorish spice and exotic flavours.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 3rd Jul - 9th Jul
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Asian Celery * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Gai Choy * Kachay
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Tamarillo (gold)
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Cumquats * Longans * Loquats * Lychee * Rambutan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 3rd Jul - 9th Jul
The cooler weather has slowed supply on some items but with school holidays underway demand and supply are at par.
Just 3 to note for this week, Rockmelons, Honeydews and White Seedless Grapes. Rocks & Honeys are up in price, limited supply, quality ok without being brilliant. Good quality White Seedless Grapes are not available.
Otherwise the market is well stocked and quality in general is good.
- Tomato supply is on the increase, which will ease prices over the coming weeks.
- Imported Cherries are at their best- quality and price.
- Australian Truffle season is in full swing.
- Blood Oranges have started this week, better supply from next week on.
- Figs in normal winter mode- limited supply and up in price.
- Green Cooking mangoes in good supply.
- Heirlooms Tomatoes peaking now- quality and price!!
- Medium Strawberries – short supply
Best Hits:
Fruit: Apples, Pears, all Citrus, Ruby Grapefruit, Kiwi Fruit, Papaws & Papaya, Passionfruit, Pineapples and Watermelons.
Veg: Artichokes, Beans, Broccoli, All Cabbage, Capsicums, Cauliflowers, Eggplant, Silverbeet and Gold Sweet potatoes.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Apples- green juicing (VIC) * Avocado (QLD) * Kiwifruit- bulk (Imp) * Mandarin (QLD)
Vegetable: Broccoli (QLD) * Brussel Sprouts (VIC) * Cocktail Chat Potatoes (SA) * Heirloom Tomatoes (NSW) * Rhubarb (QLD) * Silverbeet (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Cherries (Imp- US) * Dragonfruit- yellow (QLD) * Green mangoes (NT) * Tangello (VIC)
Vegetable: Asparagus - white (Imp) * Celeriac (VIC) * Royal Blue Potatoes (TAS) * Tuscan Cabbage (NSW) * Watermelon radish (NSW)
Other: Black Truffles (WA- New Season)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Baby Gold Beetroot * Chestnut Mushroom * Kale - green
Not Available: Slippery Jack Mushrooms * Wild Pine Mushrooms
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 26th Jun- 2nd Jul
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Asian Celery * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Gai Choy * Kachay
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Figs * Tamarillo (gold)
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Cumquats * Longans * Loquats * Lychee * Rambutan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 26th Jun- 2nd Jul
The market is in good shape this week with only some slight issues:
QLD: Extreme cold snap is affecting a few lines. Good quality but slow growth and delay picking of beans, corn, peas, medium strawberries, rocket, rockmelons, bananas and raspberries. So stock is in short supply driving a price rise.
VIC: Experiencing lots of rain all over the state which in turn is affecting rocket, broccoli, iceberg lettuce and celery crops.
Noteworthy: Quinces are on their way out (end of season). New season USA Cherries are in stock now (for next 6 weeks). We have aromatic, Australian Black Truffles available by the gram.
Short Supply: Chestnut mushrooms, Zucchini flowers, pink and yellow mushroom, baby Zucchini , golden beetroots, and yellow chives
Great buys: Honeydew, Passionfruit, Green Zucchini, Papaya, Green Mango, Desiree large and bunched herbs.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Cherries (Imp- USA) * Corella Pears (VIC) * Oranges - juicing (NSW) * Pawpaw- yellow (QLD) * Red seedless grapes (VIC)
Vegetable: Cos Lettuce - large (NSW) * Medium Potatoes- washed (SA) * Rhubarb (QLD) * Spring Onions (QLD) * Zucchini - green (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Dragonfruit- yellow (QLD) * Green Mangoes (NT) * Nashi Pears (VIC) * Pink Lady Apples (VIC)
Vegetable: Broad bean (NSW) * Portabello Mushroom (NSW) * Purple Carrots * Tuscan Cabbage (NSW)
Other: Black Truffles (WA- New Season) * Chestnuts (VIC)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Baby Gold Beetroot * Chestnut Mushroom * Oyster Mushrooms (pink & yellow) * Wild Rocquette * Zucchini Flower (female)
Not Available: Blood Oranges * Slippery Jacks Mushrooms * Wild Pine Mushrooms *