BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 16th - 22nd October
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Lotus Root * Sugar Cane * Tamarind
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Gai Choy * Kachay * Luffas * Water Spinach
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Cumquats * Dragonfruit * Figs * Loquats
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Fuji Fruit * Guava (cooking) * Kaffir Limes * Lychee * Mangosteen * Persimmon * Pomelos * Rambutan * Starfruit (Carambola) * Tamarillo (gold) * Winter Melon
BUYER'S GUIDE: 16th - 22nd October
MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit
The Buy list: Granny Smith and Delicious Apples, NZ Hass Avocados, Bananas, Blueberries, Ruby Grapefruit, IMP Grapes, NZ Kiwifruit, SA Mandarins, Mangoes, All Pears, Navel Oranges, Paw Paw, Rockmelons, Rhubarb, WA Strawberries, Long, Seedless & Champagne Melons.
The Watch List: Limes (Price), “PASSIONFRUIT (PRICE)”, Starfruit (NA).
Market Insights: Clear across the board with Fruit. Quality is good, solid supplies on market with plenty to choose from. Stone fruit: Good quality eating peaches and NT mangoes now available. Early nectarines are on market- lacking flavour, appearance and limited shelf-life. The right product will be available in 4 weeks. Seedless, Long and Champagne Melons are in good supply and priced to suit. Beware- good quality passionfruit is expensive and limited in supply.
MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables
The Buy list: Aussie Asparagus, NSW Artichokes, Green Beans, Beetroot, Carrots, Celery, Chicory, Lebanese & Continental Cucumbers, Edible Flowers, Eggplant, Fresh Herbs, Kale, Kohl Rabi, Leeks, All Lettuce, Fresh Green Peas, Salad Mixes, Silverbeet, Spring Onions, Gold Squash, Swedes, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes (At Last), Zucchini, Onions
The Watch List: Brussels Sprouts (Price & Size-slightly on the larger side), Bird Eye Chilli (Price), Lotus Root & Cooking Guava (Season Ending). Kaffa Limes (Supply)
Market Insights: At last we see tomatoes come back into the fold! Quality is good with prices expecting to drift back over the coming weeks. Red & Green capsicums are off their highs and will settle down as the week draws on. Caulies & Broccoli, no problem with supply or quality, just an increase in demand nudging the price up slightly. All Lettuce, Green Beans, Carrots, Celery, Eggplant, Leeks, Mushrooms, Salad Mixes, Sweet Potatoes and Green Zucchini are in the good buying zone for the week. And pumpkin is on the back foot, pricing is coming off their recent highs. Halloween Pumpkins now available!!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Blueberries (NSW) * Mangoes (NT) * Paw Paw (QLD) * Rhubarb (NSW) * Watermelon- seedless (QLD)
Vegetable: Cos Lettuce - large (NSW) * Green Beans (QLD) * Potatoes- washed large (QLD) * Tomatoes- small (QLD) * Zucchini- green (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Blood Lime (NSW) * Champagne Melon (NT) * Peaches (NSW)
Vegetable: Baby Gold Beetroot (NSW) * Finger Fennel (NSW) * Green Peas- fresh (QLD) * Halloween Pumpkin (NSW) * Purple Jester Potato (TAS) * Soya Beans- fresh (New Season- QLD) * White Asparagus (New Season- VIC)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Not Available: Guava- cooking * Starfruit (Carambola) * Lotus Root
End of Season: Pomello
Short Supply: Kaffir Limes
Expensive: Passionfruit
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 9th - 15th Oct
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Gai Choy * Kachay * Luffas * Tamarind * Water Spinach
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Kaffir Limes * Pomelos
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Dragonfruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Lychee * Persimmon * Rambutan * Starfuit (Carambola) * Tamarillo (gold)
BUYER'S GUIDE: 9th - 15th Oct
MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit
The Buy list: Granny Smiths, Royal Gala, NZ Hass Avocados, Bananas, Blueberries, Ruby Grapefruit, USA Red Seedless Grapes, Honeydews, Kiwifruit, Mandarins, NT Mangos, Nashi Pears, Blood Oranges, Pawpaw, New Season Peaches, Pineapples, Rockmelons, Seedless & Long Watermelons.
The Watch List: Figs (Price), Passionfruit (Price), Strawberries (Quality)
Market Insights: It is a good week for fruit, New Season Peaches are now available, eating 7/10. NZ & WA Hass Avocados are our main supply now- good quality and solid supply. Also in good supply Blueberries, Import Red Seedless Grapes, NT Mangos, NZ Kiwi, All Melons, Murcott Mandarins, Nashi Pears, Pawpaw & Papaya and Pineapples. WA & SA Strawberries are in good supply as the QLD season draws to a close and good quality NSW Mulberries available.
MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables
The Buy list: Artichokes, Green & White Aussie Asparagus, Green Beans, Broad Beans, Fresg Green Peas, Beetroot, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Celery, Celeriac, Chicory, Eggplant, Edible Flowers, Baby, Large & Finger Fennel, NSW Herbs, Leeks, All Lettuce, Mushrooms, FRESH Soy Beans, Silverbeet, Sweet Potatoes, Red & Brown Onions and Zucchini.
The Watch List: Brussels Sprouts (Price), Red & Green Capsicums (Price)
Market Insights: Market has eased considerable on most vegetables lines. Tomatoes are drifting back slowly; quality is good with supply on the increase. Good supplies this week of FRESH QLD Soy Beans. It is a trial so there will be weeks when not available, expecting full supply this December. New season White Asparagus is available, the quality is excellent and the price less than the imported. All wet lines are at their best in quality and price.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Blueberries (NSW) * Grapes- red seedless (USA) * Mandarin (QLD) * Paw Paw (QLD) * Rockmelon (QLD)
Vegetable: Cauliflower (NSW) * Eggplant (QLD) * Green Beans (QLD) * Leek- large (NSW) * Mushrooms- No 2 (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Champagne melon (NT) * Longan (IMP) * Peach (NSW) * Mulberries (NSW)
Vegetable: Finger Fennel (NSW) * Halloween Pumpkin (NSW) * Heirloom Tomatoes (NSW) * Portabello Mushroom (NSW) * Soy Bean- fresh (New Season- QLD) * White Asparagus (New Season- VIC)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Not Available: Loquats * Purple Jester Potatoes
End of Season: Pomello
Short Supply: Starfruit (Carambola) * Strawberries - plate VIP
Expensive: Passionfruit
BUYER'S GUIDE: 3rd Oct- 8th Oct
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Bethonga Pineapple (QLD) * Blueberries (NSW) * Kiwifruit (NZ) * Paw Paw- yellow (QLD) * Rhubarb (NSW)
Vegetable: Asparagus- medium (VIC) * Cos Lettuce- large (NSW) * Eggplant (QLD) * Green Peas (QLD) * Mushroom- no 2 (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Bell Apples (QLD) * Blood Oranges (QLD) * Champagne Melon (NT) * Honey Pears (QLD) * Loquats (NSW) * Pomegranate (IMP)
Vegetable: Edible Flowers (VIC/NSW) * Eggplant- seedless (NSW) * Purslane Lettuce (NSW) * Roman Beans (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
End of Season: Pommelo
Short Supply: Starfruit (carambola) * Strawberries- plate VIP
Expensive: Red Capsicum
Not Available: Guava * Heirloom tomatoes * Red veined sorrel
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 3rd Oct-8th Oct
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Gai Choy * Kachay * Luffas * Tamarind * Water Spinach
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Kaffir Limes * Pomelos
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Dragonfruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Longans * Lychee * Persimmon * Pomelos- red * Rambutan * Starfuit (Carambola) * Tamarillo (gold)
USE YOUR MELON
Q: What is the difference between 'summer' and 'winter' squash?
In the time that I have been producing these bulletins for Simon George & Sons I have covered a broad range of topics, though I don’t think I have tackled anything as daunting as the important produce group I am profiling this week- the Cucurbitaceae. Made up of around 960 species, the Cucurbit family produces a fabulously diverse range of fruits (many thought to be vegetables) which have the rare privilege of being considered both everyday items and gourmet favourites in Australia. The Cucurbitaceae family includes Melons (Winter and Summer), Squash, Pumpkins, Cucumbers and Zucchini. Our bulletin this week provides a snapshot of how these products are performing in the markets this Spring, plus links and information on Cucurbit varieties worth a second look as the weather heats up.
GENUS: CUCUMIS
ROCKMELON aka Cantaloupe
Rockmelons are available all year but are at their sweet, musky best during Summer (roughly Nov- Mar).
Buyer’s Update: sweet, good quality fruit is well supplied making it one of our best buys this week – (QLD/NT)
HONEYDEW:
Honeydews are available all year round, enjoying a natural peak in Summer (Dec-Jan). The yellow honeydew is a hybrid variety with smooth flesh that is sweet and luscious
Buyer’s Update: sweet, good quality fruit is well supplied making white Honeydew one of our best buys this week – (QLD/NT). Yellow Honeydew is currently available and pricing well
CASABA:
The Casaba looks like a wrinkled, pointy yellow honeydew and boasts a mild, sweet flavour distinct from the musky tones of a rockmelon
Buyer’s Update: not yet available- Casaba is at its best Dec/Feb
CUCUMBER
Available all year, cucumbers peak in production Dec-May just in time for summer salads. It is the seeds that give a good cucumber its essence, medium sized fruit tend to be best
Buyer’s Update: QLD telegraphs are abundant and good quality making them a BB this week, meanwhile green cucumbers and Lebanese cucumbers are in good supply, good quality and reasonably priced
HORNED MELON aka Kiwano, African Horned Cucumber, Prickly Cucumber
The immature green fruit tends to be referred to as a prickly cucumber and used as vegetable, whereas the mature fruit (distinctive yellow-orange skin) is called a horned melon and used as a fruit
Buyer’s Update: not currently available, in Australia it is grown in QLD with fruit usually available Dec – Mar
Appearance: prickly skin that turns a bright yellow-orange on maturity
Flesh: similar to a cucumber with it has small white seeds enclosed in a green jelly like flesh throughout
Flavour: sweet and tart, these are amazing served chilled
Selection: a general rule is- the brighter the orange colour, the sweeter the flesh
GENUS: CITRULLUS
WATERMELON:
Buyer’s Update: one of our best buys this week after a period of high pricing- seedless and long both performing well (QLD)
GENUS: CUCURBITA
BUTTERNUT SQUASH
From the Moschata species of the Cucurbita genus, the butternut is very popular in Australia due to its versatility and nutty flavour. For further information on butternut squash please visit our previous bulletin – Pumpkin Patch by clicking HERE.
Buyer’s Update:: Butternut is the best buying of the ‘pumpkins’ or rather Cucurbita genus at the moment,
PUMPKINS
For further information on Pumpkin varieties, their seasonality and usage please visit our previous bulletin – Pumpkin Patch by clicking HERE.
Buyer’s Update: The Jap is limited & expensive at the moment however it is better buying than Jarrahdale which is currently very high in price
YELLOW SQUASH aka button, scallopini, pattypan squash
Button squash remind me of baked dinners, which in turn inspires thoughts of Yorkshire puds but with their sweet, succulent flesh and bright colour button squash are capable of so much more. Available year round with peak fruit arriving Jul-Nov
Buyer’s Update: in consistent supply at the moment, yellow squash is performing well in terms of quality and pricing fair
ZUCCHINI aka Courgette (green/baby/yellow)
Brought to Australia by Italian migrants in the 50s, today zucchinis are available all year and typically best value Jun-Nov
Buyer’s Update: moderate supply of green, yellow limited
ZUCCHINI FLOWERS
Male flowers are not only more economical but the long stems make preparation and cooking much easier if the fruit isn’t required. For more information on zucchini flowers please visit our previous bulletin – Battle of the Sexes by clicking HERE
Buyer’s Update: good supply just in time for spring/summer sides - both female (with fruit) and male (no fruit) are currently available
GENUS: BENINCASA
ASIAN MELONS:
Long, Hairy and Winter melons are (despite appearances) all the same species. For further information on Asian Melon varieties and their usage please visit our previous bulletin – Asian Melons by clicking HERE.
Buyer’s Update:
Hairy melon- in season supply & price good
Long Melon- season just started, the small amount of fruit available however is reasonably priced
Winter Melon- season hasjust started and only limited fruit available however prices fair. Supply peaks late spring/summer
GENUS: MOMORDICA
BITTER MELON aka Fu Qua, Balsam Pear, Bitter Gourd, Bitter Cucumber
Buyer’s Update: bitter melons are in season with quality and pricing currently good
GENUS: LUFFA
SPONGE (SMOOTH) LUFFA and RIDGED LUFFA
Luffas are perfect for dishes where the sauce will be soaked up into the fruit. They absorb the flavours literally ‘like’ sponges. For further information on Luffas and their usage please visit our previous bulletin – Asian Melons by clicking HERE
Buyer’s Update: – both sponge (smooth) and ridged luffas are currently available but not in large quantities, with prices sitting a little high
A: The terms 'summer' and 'winter' when discussing squash are as straightforward as they seem, being a direct reference to the seasonality of different varieties. While advances in farming have made this seasonal distinction more or less redundant, it does provide an insight into the characteristics of the fruit. 'Summer squash' are picked immature while the skin is still edible (button squash, zucchinis, crookneck squash etc) whereas winter squash are harvested mature a thick, hard rind and fully matured seeds. 'Winter squash' originally picked up the moniker as their characteristic hard, thick rind meant they could be stored for longer periods and enjoyed in the depths of winter, unlike their summer counterparts.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 25th Sept - 3rd Oct
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Gai Choy * Kachay * Tamarind * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Asian Celery
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Dragonfruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Longans * Lychee * Persimmon * Pomelos- red * Rambutan * Tamarillo (gold)
BUYER'S GUIDE: 25th Sept - 3rd Oct
MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit
The Buy list: Granny Smith & Delicious Apples, Bananas, Blueberries, Ruby Grapefruit, Honeydews, Kiwifruit, Mandarins, Nashi, Beurre Bosc & Packham Pears, Blood Oranges, Navel Oranges, Red Papaya, Pineapples, Rockmelons, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Watermelons: Seedless and Longs.
The Watch List: Import Grapes (Quality), Figs (PRICE), Lime (Price), Passionfruit (Price), Mulberries (Quality).
Market Insights: The appearance of the early season Peaches and Nectarines is now more consistent but the eating quality is low, 5/10 at best therefore still on hold as a buy. NZ Hass Avocado season is on, quality is good with oil content just under par as expected for early season supply, local Avocado eating quality is much better. Bananas, Blueberries, Pineapples, Red Papaya and Rockmelons are in solid supply. NT Mangoes all systems go. New Season Loquats in stock as are QLD Gooseberries, both sold by 250gm punnets. Lime price has eased with Lemons just starting to increase slightly. Grapes are a mixed bag, locals are the best buying in terms of quality with Imported USA being better priced. Strawberries now being supplied from WA & QLD. USA Pomegranates are now available.
MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables
The Buy list: Aussie Asparagus in full supply. Broad Beans in good supply now & for the next few weeks- great quality in addition to well priced. Same with Baby Beetroot, Dutch Carrots & Baby Gold Beetroot. Telegraph Cucumbers, Celery, Chicory, Rapi, Chinese Leaf Veg, Celeriac, Fennel Large, Leeks, All Lettuce, Button Mushrooms, Snow & Snap Peas, Gourmet Salad Lines, Silverbeet, Swedes, Sweet Potatoes and Spuds and Onions.
The Watch List: Red Capsicums (Price), Brussels Sprouts (Size and Price), Tomatoes (Price), Jarrahdale Pumpkin (Price), Heirloom Tomatoes (Supply).
Market Insights: Artichoke season will end in about 6 weeks with limited supply after that. Aussie Asparagus in full swing- Jumbo, Medium, Thin and No2 (No2 sold by 6kg box). Brussels Sprouts, size is BIG, quality sound. Red Capsicums price on the decrease. Baby Veg in good supply. All Chinese Leaf Veg are good buying, locally supplied. Edible flowers, full range, fresh stocks arrive Monday, Wednesday & Fridays with special orders requiring notice. Local Herbs- good supply, Angelica from QLD with notice. All wet lines (Lettuce, Celery, Cabbage, Cauliflowers, Leeks etc) excellent quality with supply overriding demand. Mushrooms- buttons, cookers, flats, cups & Portobello in ready to roll and priced to suit. Tomatoes, yes the longest they have held this money ever...painful to say the least. NZ season commences with supply here as of next Tuesday, QLD supply now on the increase....Amen! Pumpkin, Jap and Butternut still better buying then Jarrahdale. Aussie garlic season not far off!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Cavendish Bananas (QLD) * Red Papaya (QLD) * Rockmelon (QLD/NT) * Ruby Blush Grapefruit (QLD) * Watermelon (QLD)
Vegetable: Asparagus- medium (VIC) * Broad Bean (NSW) * Flat field Mushrooms (NSW) * Silverbeet (NSW) * Telegraph Cucumber (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Bell Apples (QLD) * Green Mangoes (NT) * Gooseberries (QLD) * Loquats (NSW) * Pomegranate (IMP)
Vegetable: Baby Gold Beetroot- bunch (NSW) * Black Kumato Tomato (QLD) * Lettuce- Purslane (NSW) * Vine Sweetened baby Capsicum (QLD) * Yellow Cherry Tomatoes (QLD)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Not Available: Dragon Fruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Beef Oxheart tomatoes * Heirloom tomatoes * Honeycomb Full Frame