Summer Stonefruit
FRESH FACT: When most Australians think of stonefruit we think of peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and cherries. There is however more to the story, these stonefruit (or drupes) belong to the Rose family (Rosaceae) and boast family ties with almonds, loquats,pomes (apples/pears), raspberries (multiple drupes that make up a single fruit) and even strawberries. While not related to the Rose family, Coconuts, Coffee, Olives and Mangoes are also botanically classified as ‘Drupes’. The fleshy fruit of a drupe has a dual purpose, it protects the seed as it develops and encourages birds/animals to spread the seed by eating the fruit and moving to a new location.
I can’t help but get excited when I see the full range of stonefruit at the markets, the bright colours and signature aromas herald the coming of Christmas, Summer and all the sweet, luscious treats that go with it. While the entire range is currently represented at the markets, fruit is still on the smaller side and eating quality varies between a 6.5/10 to 8.5/10. The peak stonefruit season in terms of both quality and price is still 2-3 weeks away, a consistent supply of good quality fruit- with the full flavour, bright skin and sweet fragrance we expect- is expected by the end of November.
APRICOTS:
Seasonality: Nov - Jan
Buyer Update: early fruit is available but despite appearances (great colour) is not at its best. Hold off until the end of the month for quality, flavorful fruit
Flavour: sweet, firm flesh
Selection: look for plump, well-coloured fruit with a pleasant apricot aroma
Nutrition: good source of Vitamin C and Dietary Fibre. The more orange the fruit, the more nutritious it will be due to higher levels of beta-carotene
CHERRIES (AUSTRALIAN):
For more information on cherry varieties, please refer to our previous bulletin- Cherries on Top
Seasonality: Nov- Feb
Buyer Update: fruit is sweet, good in both size and colour but still quite expensive
Flavour: it is the balance of acid (tart) and sweet that makes cherries so delicious. While different varieties boast different balances, sweet cherries are just that- moist, sweet and juicy.
Selection: 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.
Nutrition: good source of fibre and Vitamin C. Boast a very high antioxidant concentration, as well as melatonin (which aids sleep and brain function)
NECTARINES:
For more information on nectarines, please refer to our previous bulletin- The Pits
Seasonality: Nov- Mar
Buyer Update: season is underway, fruit looks an 8/10 but is eating closer to a 6 or 7 – yet to reach their more-ish best
Flavour: sweet, aromatic and juicy with a smooth, thin skin
Selection: select relatively firm, unblemished, fragrant nectarines with bright, glossy skin
Nutrition: nectarinesoffer double the amount of Vitamin A found in peaches and are a rich source of Vitamin C and potassium
PEACHES:
For more information on peaches, please refer to our previous bulletin- The Pits
Seasonality: Sept- Mar(Peak: Dec- Mar)
Buyer Update: on our best buys this week, peaches are well into their season, don’t yet have their distinctive fragrance but otherwise are eating and pricing well
Flavour: sweet, aromatic and juicy with a characteristically fuzzy skin
Selection: select relatively firm, unblemished, fragrant peaches that look fresh and yield to gentle pressure
Nutrition: very good source of Vitamins A and C and a good source of Dietary Fibre, Niacin and potassium
PLUMS:
Seasonality: Oct - May (Peak: Feb-Mar)
Buyer Update: still early in the season, fruit is small but in good supply and eats well. Please note: blood plums are not yet available- expected January
Flavour: juicy with a thin skin- range from sweet to tart depending on variety. Blood plums and red flesh varieties are sweeter due to their high sugar content
Selection: choose wisely because plums don’t ripen well. Look for plump fruit with consistent colour, that yields under gentle pressure
Nutrition: good source of potassium and dietary fibre. Some Vitamin A and C, calcium, phosphorous, riboflavin and niacin.
LYCHEES:
Seasonality: Nov – Mar (Peak: Dec- Jan)
Buyer Update: fantastic eating but expensive due to being early in the season and only limited fruit available
Flavour: delicate, sweet taste with a firm, gelatinous texture
Selection: stem should be attached, skin firm
Nutrition: great source of Vitamin C, calcium and potassium
INSPIRED PRODUCE:
Oysters in crispy tempura batter with apricot purée via Great British Chefs – see full recipe here
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 6th - 12th Nov
ASIAN VEGETABLES:
Not Available: Luffas * Sin Que * Tamarind
Short Supply: Kachay * Water Spinach
EXOTIC FRUITS:
Short Supply: Figs * Pomelos * Starfruit
Not Available: Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Cumquats * Custard Apple * Fuji Fruit * Gold Kiwifruit * Guava * Loquats * Persimmon * Rambutan * Tamarillo (gold) * Tangellos * Winter Melon
BUYER'S GUIDE: 6th - 12th Nov
MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit
The Buy list: Apricots, Granny Smith & Delicious Apples, Blueberries, Ruby Grapefruit, USA Grapes, Honeydews, Kiwifruit, Mandarins, Mangoes, Mangosteen, Nashi Pears, Peaches, Nectarines, Navel Oranges, Paw Paw & Red Papaya, Pineapples, Plums, Rockmelons, Strawberries and Long & Seedless Watermelons.
The Watch List: Figs (Price) Passionfruit (Quality & Price) Gold Kiwifruit (Local Season Over)
Market Insights: With good supplies of New Season Stonefruit on market, “Apricots, Cherries, Mangoes, Nectarines, Peaches & Plums” and New Season Exotics: “Red Dragonfruit, Pomegranates, Lychees and Mangosteen” it is easy to get the variety and the colour need to dress up the menu. At this time the market is fully supplied with quality fruit and priced to suit. Enjoy!
MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables
The Buy list: Globe & Baby Artichokes, Aussie Green and Purple Asparagus and Imported White, Green Beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Red, Green & Yellow Capsicums, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Celery, Chicory, Chinese Leaf Veg, Lebanese Cucumbers, Local Herbs, Jerusalem Artichokes, Red & Green Kale, Kohlrabi, All Lettuce, Lobok, Pumpkin, All Mushrooms, Fresh Green Peas, Mesclun, Baby Gourmet Spinach, Silverbeet, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, All Tomatoes and Zucchini
The Watch List: Yellow Zucchini (Quality & Supply) Large Heirlooms Tomatoes (Supply & Price) Brussels Sprouts (On the bigger size & Price)
Market Insights: Vegetables much the same as fruit, market is in good supply. We may see (at the end of the week and possible early next week) a shortening of some VIC produce due to the Melbourne Cup for a day or two before returning to normal. And with clear weather north and south this looks like being the status quo for the next few weeks.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Blueberries (NSW) * Paw Paw (QLD) * Peach (NSW) * Seedless Grapes - black (imp) * Strawberries - medium(VIC)
Vegetable: Baby English Spinach (VIC) * Cherry Tomatoes- red (NSW) * Mushroom- no 2 (NSW) * Sweetcorn (QLD) * Zucchini- green (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Australian Cherries (SA) * Dragonfruit (NT) * Lychee (QLD) * Pineapple Plants (QLD) * Starfruit aka carambola (NT)
Vegetable: Baby Globe Artichokes (NSW)* Butter bean - yellow (QLD) * Purple Asparagus (VIC) * Red Witlof (VIC) * Yellow teardrop Tomatoes (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
End of Season: Black Salsify (NA) * Champagne Melon (this week) * Gold Kiwifruit (NA) *
Short Supply: Yellow Zucchini
Expensive: Passionfruit
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 30th Oct- 5th Nov
ASIAN VEGETABLES:
Not Available: Luffas * Sin Que * Tamarind
Short Supply: Kachay * Water Spinach
EXOTIC FRUITS:
Short Supply: Figs
Not Available: Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Cumquats * Custard Apple * Fuji Fruit * Guava (cooking) * Juju Fruit * Kaffir Limes * Persimmon * Rambutan * Tamarillo (gold) * Tangellos * Winter Melon
BUYER'S GUIDE: 30th Oct - 5th Nov
MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit
The Buy list: Granny Smith & Delicious Apples, Blueberries, Ruby Grapefruit, USA Grapes, NZ Kiwifruit, Honey Murcott Mandarins, Mangos, Navel Oranges, Paw paw, Red Papaya, Pineapples, Rockmelons, Strawberries, Seedless & Champagne Watermelons
The Watch List: Figs (Price) Limes (Price) Passionfruit (Price)
Market Insights: It is a good week for fruit. New season Stone fruit has commenced and with rather solid supplies. Apricots, Cherries, Plums from SA. Peaches, Nectarines from NSW. Also commencing week are the Exotics: NT Dragonfruit, NT Carambola, NT Mangosteens, QLD Lychees and Imported Red Pomelo. There are no real shorts, just the 3 on the watch list due to price.
MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables
The Buy list: Globe Artichokes, Asparagus, Beans, Broad Beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, All Capsicums, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Celery, Chicory, Lebanese Cucumbers, Edible Flowers & Zucchini Flowers, Eggplant, Aussie Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, All Lettuce, Mushrooms, Green Peas, Salad Mixes, Silverbeet, Spring Onions, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Zucchini and Pumpkin.
The Watch List: All Clear!
Market Insights: Due to the recent good weather all vegetables are in the clear. For something different this week- Baby Globe Artichokes, Purple Asparagus, Micro Herbs, Baby Gold Beetroot, Baby Vine Sweet Capsicums and Butter Beans
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Blueberries (NSW) * Mangoes (NT) * Papaya (QLD) * Pineapple (QLD) * Seedless Watermelon (QLD)
Vegetable: Asparagus - medium (VIC) * Broccoli (NSW) * Cauliflower (NSW) * Green Beans (QLD) * Mesclun Lettuce (VIC)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: New Season Apricots (SA) * Champagne Melons (NT) * Australian Cherries (SA) * Dragonfruit (NT) * Lychee (QLD) * Mangosteen (IMP) * New Season Plums (SA) * Pomellos (IMP) * Starfruit aka carambola (NT)
Vegetable: Purple Asparagus (VIC)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Not Available: Guava- cooking
End of Season: Black Salsify * Horseradish
Short Supply: Yellow Zucchini
Expensive: Passionfruit
Exotic Mushrooms
FRESH FACT: The oyster mushroom is used widely in Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Indian cooking and is often considered to be an ‘Asian mushroom’, in actual fact however the fungus was first cultivated in Germany (circa 1917) as a subsistence measure after WW1. Since this time, oyster mushrooms have gone on to become one of the world’s most important mushroom crops.
Mushrooms have been a prized food for thousands of years. Today we wanted to showcase the mushroom varieties- used widely in Asian cuisine- that are now enjoying broader culinary use and a growing popularity in Australia. Thanks to modern farming techniques, many of these varieties are now cultivated on our shores and with their unique flavour, texture and appearance they are an ideal complement to the lighter, delicate flavours of the Spring/Summer months.
AVAILABILITY: exotic mushroom varieties are available in varying quantities year round in Australia- with domestic produce farmed in controlled conditions and imported produce on hand we experience few significant breaks in supply. Please note: due to the highly perishable nature of these items SG&S buy fresh from the markets based on demand, therefore notice (minimum 24-48 hours) is required for the exotic mushroom range- in particular Namenko and Chestnut Mushrooms.
ENOKI MUSHROOMS: aka Enok, Enokitake, Enokidake, Golden Needle, Golden, Snow Puff, Vel
Appearance: beige to off white, spaghetti like stems with a small cap on top (wild varieties are light brown and bigger)
Flavour: mild flavour and crisp texture
Preparation: enoki can be eaten raw or cooked (think Shabu Shabu- hot pot), trim base and prepare as desired, if cooking add just prior to serving
OYSTER MUSHROOMS: aka Abalone mushroom, Pleurote, Hiratake, Tree Oyster
Appearance: fan/shell shaped with prominent gills on the underside (reminiscent of an oyster)- range in colour from white, to yellow to pink
Flavour: delicate, subtly sweet and very versatile- velvety texture they absorbs surrounding flavours
Preparation: best after a flash in the pan– team with fish, white meats & noodles- avoid washing, wipe with a damp cloth & trim ends. Order as required, highly perishable
KING OYSTER: aka King Brown, King Trumpet, Trumpet Royale
Appearance: stout mushroom with a small flat cap (creamy-tan in colour)- giving it a trumpet like shape
Flavour: hearty mushroom flavour
Preparation: trim end of stem before use- cooked it reaches its true ‘almond’ flavour potential- retains its firm, meaty texture under heat
NAMENKO MUSHROOMS: aka Nameko mushrooms, butterscotch mushroom
Appearance: sticky looking mushroom with slender white stem and amber- yellow rounded cap
Flavour: slightly nutty flavour, silky texture
Preparation: essential in Japanese cuisine, often cooked in stir-fries and miso soup- alternatively sauté, grill or roast
SHIMEJI MUSHROOMS:
Appearance: cluster of bunched mushrooms with off-white stems and small brown-grey cap that get whiter as they mature
Flavour: when cooked they boast a mild, slightly nutty flavour with a firm yet tender texture
Preparation: cut stems off base before cooking- great in soups, stir-fries, sauces, casseroles, tempura
SHITAKI MUSHROOMS: aka Shiitake, Black Forest Mushroom, Brown Oak, Oriental Black
Appearance: broad umbrella cap ranging in colour from brown to black with light brown gills
Flavour: with a meaty texture and an aromatic, woody flavour this is a firm favourite
Preparation: remove stalk before cooking- pair with white meats, fish, pastas anything that wont overpower its distinctive, rich flavour. While too tough to eat, the stalks of shitake mushrooms lend a rich flavour to stocks/broths/soups.
WOOD EAR: aka Black Fungus, Ear Cloud
Appearance: grey-brown, shaped like an ear
Flavour: used mainly for their distinctive texture and ability to soak up neighbouring flavours
Preparation: available fresh, this is a favourite in Asian cuisine – think small pieces in soups, stir-fries and risottos
Market Insight- Pine Mushrooms, Ghost Mushrooms, Chestnuts and Pig Ear Mushrooms should be starting/becoming more consistent soon, we will keep you informed as to when they are available. For further information on mushroom varieties please visit our previous bulletins – Packed to the Gills and Into the Wild.
INSPIRED PRODUCE:
Dandelion, Melbourne- Tofu and mushroom pho with lily buds via Gourmet Traveller- see full recipe here
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 23rd- 29th October
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Luffas * Sin Que * Sugar Cane * Tamarind
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Gai Choy * Kachay * Water Spinach
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Figs * Juju Fruit * Mangosteen * Pomelos
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Cumquats * Custard Apple * Dragonfruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava (cooking) * Kaffir Limes * Loquats * Lychee * Persimmon * Pomelos- red * Rambutan * Starfruit (Carambola) * Tamarillo (gold) * Tangellos * Winter Melon
BUYER'S GUIDE: 23rd - 29th October
MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit
The Buy list: Granny Smith & Delicious Apples, NZ Hass Avocados, Bananas, Blueberries, Ruby Grapefruit, USA Grapes, Honeydew Melons, NZ Kiwifruit, Honey Murcott Mandarins, NT Mangoes, Nashi Pears, Navel Oranges, Paw Paw, Rockmelons, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Seedless, Long & Champagne Melons.
The Watch List: Limes (Price), “PASSIONFRUIT (PRICE)”
Market Insights: WA Hass Avocados starting to roll in, expecting good supplies from now until Xmas of both NZ and WA fruit. Look to Blueberries, USA Grapes, NZ Kiwifruit, Mandarins, NT Mangoes, Paw Paw, Honeydews, Rockmelons, Pineapples, Strawberries and all Watermelons for best buy this week. Good quality Peaches and Nectarines now in solid supply. Passionfruit hitting the outer limits pricewise, use sparingly, same applies to Limes. Looking for something different- Plantain Bananas, Beurre Bosc Pears, Pomegranates & Champagne Melons!
MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables
The Buy list: Globe Artichokes, Aussie Asparagus, Beetroot, Broccoli, Red & Green Capsicums, Cauliflowers, Celery, Chicory, Chinese Melons, Choi sum, Kai Lan & Pak Choy, Lebanese Cucumbers, Edible Flowers & Zucchini Flowers, Eggplant, Endive, Aussie Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, All Lettuce, Button, Field & Portobello Mushrooms, Fresh Green Peas, Mesclun Salad, Baby Gourmet Spinach, Silverbeet, Gold Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Cherry Truss Tomatoes, Butternut & Halloween Pumpkin.
The Watch List: Brussels Sprouts (Size and Price), Celeriac (Season ending), Sugar Snap Peas (Supply and Price)
Market Insights: Good supplies all round on the Vegie front this week. The picks- Asparagus, Broccoli, Red Capsicums, Cauliflowers, Chinese Green Leaf Veg, Lebanese Cucumbers, Edible Flowers & Zucchini Flowers, Eggplant, Fennel, Leeks, Cos Lettuce, Button Mushrooms, Mesclun Mix, Gourmet Baby Spinach, Gold Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Cherry Truss Tomatoes & Butternut Pumpkins. Something Different- Baby Globe Artichokes, Baby Gold Beetroot, Chicory, Micro Herbs, Kohlrabi & Fresh Soy Bean (Edamame).
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Mangoes (NT) * Red Grapes (IMP) * Rockmelon (QLD) * Seedless Watermelon (QLD) * Strawberries- large (WA)
Vegetable: Button Mushrooms (NSW) * Cauliflower (NSW) * Cherry Truss tomatoes (NSW) * Lebanese Cucumber (NSW) * Red Capsicum (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Champagne Melon (NT) * Mangosteen (IMP) * Nectarine (NSW) * Peaches (NSW)
Vegetable: Edible Flowers (VIC) * Finger Fennel (NSW) * Halloween Pumpkin (NSW) * Micro-herbs (VIC) * Portabello Mushroom (NSW) * Purple Carrot (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Not Available: Guava- cooking
End of Season: Black Salsify
Short Supply: Starfruit (Carambola) * Sugarsnap Peas ($$$) * Yellow Zucchini
Expensive: Passionfruit
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