BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 18th - 24th September
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Gai Choy * Tamarind * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Asian Celery * Kachay
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Dragonfruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Longans * Loquats * Lychee * Persimmon * Pomelos- red * Rambutan * Tamarillo (gold)
BUYER'S GUIDE: 18th Sept - 24th Sept
MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit
The Buy list: Delicious apples, Pink Lady Apples, Bananas, Blueberries, Grapefruit Ruby, Honeydews, Kiwifruit, Mandarins, Nashi, Beurre Bosc & Packham Pears, Blood Oranges, Navel Oranges, Red Papaya, Pineapples, Rockmelons, Rhubarb, QLD Strawberries, Watermelons: Seedless and Longs.
The Watch List: Import Grapes (Quality), Figs (PRICE), Lime (Price), Passionfruit (Price).
Market Insights: NZ Hass Avocadoes are on market, it is early but they are on market and for sale. Bananas- prices easing and quality is on the rise with the warmer weather. The quality of all Melons has increased- good eating and prices have eased. NT Mango season is on- good supply, good quality and eating 8/10. Imported (China) Nashi Pears on market for sale. Early season “Peaches & Nectarines” are on market but nothing special- eating quality, 6/10, on hold as a buy.
MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables
The Buy list: New Season Aussie Asparagus- Thin, Medium & Jumbo, white in 2 weeks. Broad Beans- peaking now and well priced. Hand Picked Green Beans- excellent quality, very tender and priced to suit. Carrots, Celeriac, Chicory, Chinese Cabbage, Eggplant, Fennel Large and Baby, Leeks, Cos, Baby Cos & Iceberg Lettuce, Button Mushrooms, Snow & Snap Peas, Gourmet Salad Lines, Silverbeet, Gold Squash, Rapi, Swedes, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes and Spuds and Onions.
The Watch List: Red Capsicums (Very short supply, PRICE), Brussels Sprouts (Supply is back on with varying quality), Ouch!!! Tomatoes (PRICE & Supply), Jarrahdale Pumpkin (Price).
Market Insights: Red Capsicums and tomatoes are in very short supply, quality is sound but pricing....don’t ask! Jarrahdale Pumpkin is in short supply with Jap on the increase as well. Butternut pumpkin holding. Edible flowers are in season, full range available; however notice needed to fill larger orders. Asian leaf veg in good supply, same with locally grown herbs.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Blueberries (NSW) * Mandarin (QLD) * Packham Pears- green (VIC) * Pineapple (QLD) * Seedless Watermelon (NT)
Vegetable: Broad Beans (NSW) * Leek - large (SA) * Portabello Mushroom (SA) * Spring Onions (QLD) * Sweet Potato - large (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Aussie Mangoes (New Season- NT) * Cumquats (QLD) * Pomegranate (Imported)
Vegetable: Cime de Rapa (NSW) * Idaho Potato - foil wrapped (SA) * Lettuce- Purslane (NSW) * Lettuce- Rocquette (NSW) * Purple Garlic (Imported) * Sorrel- red vein (VIC)
Other: Edible Flowers (NSW/VIC)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Not Available: Dragon Fruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Beef Oxheart tomatoes * Heirloom tomatoes
LOCAL, LIGHTER PRODUCE
Q: Which other locally sourced produce lines should I be looking out for at the moment?
While it may still be only September, I am already shifting towards alfresco dining (where possible) and adjusting my palate to the lighter, fresher flavours that go hand in hand with the rising mercury and my annual Spring health kick. I know I’m not alone and this week I wanted to share not only our range of fresh produce lines perfect for the next wave of salads and sides, but also show some support for our local growers and profile top quality produce that SG&S is currently sourcing from Greater Sydney/NSW based growers.
SALAD LEAF LINES:
LOCAL PRODUCT: Hydroponic Mix
There are a number of reasons to enjoy hydro lettuce, probably the most obvious being it is free of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. It may not technically be classified as organic but many consider it pretty close. Essentially a mesclun mix made up of ¾ leaf sizes (rocket, baby spinach etc) it’s a great base for any salad.
Source: Sydney/NSW
Supply: good supply, all leaf lines performing well
LOCAL PRODUCT: Oak Lettuce (Red/Green)
For further information on Oak Lettuce characteristics and availability, please refer to our past blog on leaf lines- A Touch of Frost
Source: mostly NSW, however product is also sourced from VIC when required
Supply: currently performing well- supply, quality and price all good
LOCAL PRODUCT: Cos Lettuce (Standard/Baby)
For more information on Cos Lettuce characteristics and availability, please refer to our past bulletin on leaf lines- A Touch of Frost
Source: NSW
Supply: Both Baby Cos and standard Cos are performing well, standard Cos is good quality and super cheap- making it one of our best buys this week. Meanwhile Baby Cos is fantastic eating
LOCAL PRODUCT: Chicory Leaf
Not to be confused with Witlof/Belgian Endive which is also sometimes referred to as Chicory, this leaf line boasts a stronger bitter flavour than witlof, with production peaking in the warmer months.
Source: NSW
Supply: good quality stock, with supply plentiful and therefore pricing well
LOCAL PRODUCT: Endive
For further information on Endive characteristics and availability, please refer to our past bulletin on leaf lines- A Touch of Frost
Source: NSW
Supply: good quality stock, with supply plentiful and therefore pricing well
SALAD EXTRAS:
LOCAL PRODUCT: Spring Onions aka Salad Onions
Growing up my mother referred to Spring Onions as Salad Onions, their softer flavour and characteristics make the perfect for lighter dishes
Source: NSW
Supply: great buying at the moment, quality is fantastic and supply strong
SIDES:
LOCAL PRODUCT: Dutch Carrots & Baby Dutch Carrots
For more information on Dutch Carrots characteristics and availability, please refer to our past bulletin on baby veg – Life’s Little Treasures
Source: NSW
Supply: lovely sweet carrots arriving at the markets- steady supply and good pricing
LOCAL PRODUCT: Silverbeet
The original Australian Spinach, not only is it great buying at the moment but full of nutrition and flavour
Source: NSW
Supply: One of our best buys this week Silverbeet is fantastic quality, great supply and priced accordingly
LOCAL PRODUCT: Cime de Rapa aka Rapini, Broccoli Rapa
A common cooking vegetable in Italy, the slightly bitter florets and leaves of Rapa make it worth adding to the shopping list as it goes beautifully
Source: NSW
Supply: featured on our ‘Something Different’ items this week Rapa is arriving in good quality and is reasonably supplied and priced at the moment
LOCAL PRODUCT: Field Mushrooms
Despite falling outside the usual peak period for mushrooms, most varieties are fantastic eating at the moment. For more information on mushroom characteristics, please refer to our past bulletin – Packed to the Gills
Source: NSW
Supply: Cup mushrooms in particular are fantastic buying and eating right now, however it is always hard to go past a magnificently meaty Portabello!
A: Our local farmers are doing us proud, currently supplying fantastic quality BERRIES- mulberries, blueberries, APPLES, ZUCCHINI FLOWERS- fruit attached, KALE, TUSCAN CABBAGE the list goes on. When it comes to serving up a stunning side you might want to consider our Asian greens which are almost entirely sourced from local farmers – chinese broccoli, bok choi, gai choy, choi sum to name a few. In terms of performance, the market is currently seeing good quality and price for Asian Greens, with the exception of Gai Choy which is in short supply?
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 11th - 17th Sept
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Gai Choy * Tamarind * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Asian Celery * Kachay
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Dragonfruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Longans * Loquats * Lychee * Persimmon * Pomegranate (poor quality) * Pomelos- red * Rambutan * Tamarillo (gold)
BUYER'S GUIDE: 11th Sept - 17th Sept
MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit
The Buy list: Royal Gala, Golden Delicious & Delicious apples, Bananas, Blueberries, Ruby Grapefruit, Honeydews & Rockmelons AT LAST!!, Kiwifruit, Mandarins, Beurre Bosc Pears, Blood Oranges, Pineapples, Rhubarb and QLD Strawberries
The Watch List: Imported Grapes (Quality), Figs (PRICE) Lime (Price), Seedless Watermelons (Price & Quality), Passionfruit (Price)
Market Insights: Early Season Australian Grapes are available, quality is sound and eating 8/10. NT Mangoes in good supply, quality is good and eating 7/10. Early season “Peaches & Nectarines” are on market, quality has increased 6/10 but still not in the eating zone and up there in price! The main lines to watch this weeks are; Limes (just price), quality of Seedless and regular Watermelons. Pawpaw, Red Papaya & Passionfruit, supply slowing and price on the move up.
MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables
The Buy list: New Season Aussie Asparagus & Jumbo, Beetroot, Broccoli, Carrots, Celeriac, Chicory, Chinese Cabbage, Fennel, Leeks, Cos & Iceberg Lettuce, Gourmet Salad Lines, Silverbeet, Gold Squash, Rapi, Swedes, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Green Zucchini, Butternut Pumpkin, Spuds and Onions
The Watch List: Capsicums: (Price), Brussels Sprouts (Supply & Price), Leb Cucumbers (Price), Parsnip (Price), Green Peas (Quality & Price), All Tomatoes (PRICE), Jarrahdale Pumpkin (Price)
Market Insights: Capsicums- supply problems though quality is sound, this will change by the weekend. Brussels Sprouts- limited supply and price is up. Leb Cucumbers- asking high prices for quality gear. Tomatoes are in short supply and look like staying this way for the next 3 weeks. Getting supply of quality and correct size is the main issue. Jarrahdale Pumpkin is in short supply, plenty of Butternut and Jap to cover. New Season Aussie Asparagus is in full swing, good buying and great quality. Zucchini & Edible flowers are in season, full range available however notice is needed to fill larger orders.
Bye Bye Australian Truffle season!!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Beurre Bosc Pears (VIC) * Blood Oranges (QLD) * Honeydew Melon (NT) * Rhubarb (NSW) * Rockmelon (QLD/NT)
Vegetable: Chat Potatoes- sml (SA) * Cos Lettuce- large (NSW) * Mesclun Lettuce (QLD) * Silverbeet (NSW) * Sweetcorn (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Lemon- seedless (QLD) * New Season Mangoes- VIP (NT) * Mulberries (NSW) * Pineapple- rough skin (QLD) * Strawberries - Plate VIP (QLD)
Vegetable: Cime de Rapa (NSW) * Idaho Potato - foil wrapped (SA) * Sorrel- red vein * Vine sweet baby caps (QLD) * Zucchini Flower (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Poor Quality: Pomegranate
Short Supply & Expensive: Butter Beans- yellow
Not Available: Dragon Fruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Beef Oxheart tomatoes * Heirloom tomatoes
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 4th Sept - 10th Sept
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Asian Celery * Gai Choy * Kachay
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Fuji Fruit * Persimmon
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Dragonfruit * Guava * Longans * Loquats * Lychee * Pomegranate (poor quality) * Pomelos- red * Rambutan * Tamarillo (gold)
BUYER'S GUIDE: 4th Sept - 10th Sept
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Blood Oranges (QLD) *Mandarin (QLD) * Orange - juicing (NSW) * Pineapple (QLD) * Rockmelon (QLD/NT) * Strawberries- medium (QLD)
Vegetable: Baby Dutch Carrots (NSW) * Beetroot- large (QLD) * Celeriac (VIC) * Fennel Bulb- large (VIC) * Sweetcorn (QLD) * Zucchini (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: New Season Asparagus- medium (VIC) * Honey Pear (VIC) * New Season Mangoes- VIP (NT) * Mulberries (NSW) * Pineapple- rough skin (QLD)
Vegetable: Cime De Rapa (NSW) * Jalapeno Chilli- green (QLD) * Sorrel- red vein (VIC) * Witlof- white (VIC) * Zucchini Flower- with fruit (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Expensive: Limes
Poor Quality: Pomegranate
Short Supply & Expensive: Butter Beans- yellow
Not Available: USA Cherries (season over) * Dragon Fruit * Chestnut Mushrooms
MARKET 5: SPECIALTY PRODUCE
Q: Are Warrigal Greens an all-Australian speciality?
Having worked on premium food magazines for much of the last decade, I am fully able to appreciate the overwhelming momentum of the ‘foodie culture’ here in Australia. Whether you put it down to the rise of the ‘Celebrity Chef’, industry efforts to make great food more accessible or the influence of stunning food publications (think Gourmet Traveller, Vogue E&T, delicious) there is no doubt that Australian cuisine now boasts a definite gourmet leaning. The average Australian is much more adventurous in the kitchen, preparing dishes at home that demand complicated prep and obscure produce previously only braved by the professionals. So to put you on the front foot with these increasingly discerning foodies, this week we are profiling ‘specialty produce’ items, which being a little off beat, present a fantastic opportunity to create something truly different and special this Spring.
SALTBUSH: aka Old Man Saltbush
A native plant previously used by indigenous Australians for its seeds (which were ground and roasted for making damper), this hardy shrub has taken on a new dimension in modern cuisine. Through careful selection and production in hothouses the bitter, wild plant used for rejuvenating land and grazing has been replaced by a much more user-friend large leaf variety.
Availability: all year
Use: blanch or use fresh as a salad leaf, stir-fry vegetable or similarly to a banana leaf
Supply: hits markets on Thursdays- production/supply steady and good quality
Health factor: good source of protein, mineral salts, antioxidants and calcium
JACKFRUIT:
Originally from South Western India, the Jackfruit is the national fruit of both Bangladesh and Indonesia. The largest of all cultivated fruits it is renowned for its distinctively sweet aroma and flesh. While also enjoyed as an immature fruit, the jackfruit is at its best when its prickly skin softens and its characteristic sweet aroma comes through.
Availability: Jun - Apr
Use: lovely fresh, but can also be cooked (often used in SE Asian curries). The seeds are edible and when baked taste a little like chestnuts. Immature fruit is a healthy, meat substitute for vegetarians due to its texture.
Supply: quality & supply is currently good, however it’s worth noting that Jackfruit are generally a more expensive item
Health factor: free of cholesterol and saturated fats, jackfruit is a good source of energy, dietary fibre, minerals and vitamins
BETEL LEAVES: aka Wild Betel Leaf, Pepper Leaf, Cha Plu
Heralding from the same family as pepper and kava, betel leaves are used widely in South East Asian cuisine. With its bold, peppery aroma and delicate flavour it is a wonderful herb that is both visually appealing and delicious.
Availability: all year, best in warmer months
Use: South East Asian cuisine- raw in salads, cooked in stir-fries, soups, meat dishes (used as a wrap)
Supply: Australian crops are grown in QLD the rest is imported- currently looking good across quality, supply and price
Health factor: good source of protein, potassium, nitrogen and minerals
WARRIGAL GREENS: aka Australian Spinach, tetragon
Another native plant worth a look, the warrigal green is grown along the East Coast of Australia and is a fantastic substitute for your more common greens such as silverbeet or spinach. While it tastes very similar to spinach when blanched, it has a slight salty, bitter edge that gives dishes a new dimension.
Availability: all year round, but as with all leaf lines poor weather may potentially slow supply
Use: blanch (2-3mins) before use due to high oxalate content, thenuse in dishes/sides where you would usually feature spinach, silverbeet or Asian greens
Supply: hits markets on Thursdays- production/supply steady and good quality
Health factor: a nutritional value similar to other leafy greens it also has anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent stomach ulcers
CHESTNUTS:
While they may not be mysterious or unknown, their reputation for being difficult to prepare has meant chestnuts haven’t garnered the attention they deserve from home-cooks. The quality of the fresh chestnuts being produced in Australia at the moment is fantastic and with the season predicted to last another 6-8 weeks, why not take full advantage this Spring.
Availability: traditional season Mar - June
Use: soups, stir-fries, cakes, salads, stuffing
Supply: quality & price holding steady with the season ending in 6-8 weeks
Health factor: no cholesterol, low in sodium and fat. Good source of mineral salts, vitamins C, B1, B2 and folate.
A: Unfortunately not, Warrigal Greens are also native to New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Japan and some parts of South America. While native to Australia and NZ, it is believed that the Aboriginals and Maori didn’t use Warrigal Greens as a leaf vegetable like we do today, rather this trend was started by Captain Cook and the first settlers who popularised it use due to its ready availability and ability to prevent scurvy.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 28th Aug-3rd Sept
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Asian Celery * Gai Choy * Kachay * Sugar Cane * Tamarind
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Dragonfruit * Guava * Longans * Loquats * Lychee * Pomelos- red * Rambutan * Tamarillo (gold)