BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 5th June - 12th June
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Asian Celery * Gai Choy * Thai Basil * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Kachay * Tamarind
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Asian Plum * Cumquats * Green Mangoes * Lychee * Rambutan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 5th June - 12th June
The overall quality on market has improved this week, with most items in good supply and very few shorts or items not available. Tomatoes and Strawberries still have some way to go before they are in their winter mode, however weather permitting this should be in the next week or two. Front runners 'fruit wise' is still the Apples, Pears and Citrus while 'veggie wise' it's Beans, Cauliflowers, Mushrooms & Spuds.
USA Cherries are now in full swing and price is easing weekly. We are stocking the larger Darker Cherry which is slightly more expensive but are the best eating and have the best visual appeal! Smaller fruit is available on request and the price is less.
Truffles: We are waiting for confirmation of our first arrival. The season is looking to be the best since the inception of Truffles Down-under.
Something New: “Samples Available on Request”
- Purple Jester Potatoes- deep purple inside and out
- Russet Burbank Potatoes- great for chipping
- Zebero’s Tomatoes- similar to Black Tigers, available by the punnet
- Heirloom Tomatoes- in good supply
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Orange- No 2 juicing (NSW) * Packham Pears - green (VIC) * Red Papaya (QLD) * Rockmelon (QLD)
Vegetable: Brussel Sprouts (VIC) * Button Mushrooms (NSW) * Leek - large (TAS) * Potato -washed, large (SA) * Rhubarb (NSW) * Silverbeet (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Cherries (Imp- US) * Drinking Coconuts (IMP) * Golden Delicious Apples (VIC) * Honey Pears (VIC) * Red Pommello (QLD) * Strawberries - XL (QLD- New Season)
Vegetable: Asparagus - white (IMP) * Heirloom Tomatoes (NSW) * Mandarins - VIP (QLD) * Royal Blue Potato (TAS)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Chestnut Mushroom * Yellow Butter Bean * Yellow Zucchini
Not Available: Blood Oranges * Purple Asparagus
PUMPKIN PATCH
Q: How did pumpkins become associated with Halloween?
While they may have started out as cattle-fodder, nowadays the pumpkin features widely in kitchens due to their versatility, shelf-life and cost-efficiency. To meet year-round demand pumpkins are grown in every state of Australia, however nigh on three quarters of the pumpkins consumed domestically are produced in NSW or QLD. In 2010 the Food Service industry accounted for around 17% of fresh pumpkin sales, that equates to a healthy 16,743 tonnes.
The fruit (or culinary vegetable) that Australian’s refer to as ‘pumpkins’ are actually a mix of pumpkins and winter squash from three different species of the Cucurbita genus: Cucurbita Maxima (Jarrahdale, Queensland Blue, Golden Nugget), Cucurbita Moschata (Butternut Pumpkin, Jap) and Cucurbita Pepo (Sweet Dumpling, Orange Minikin)
Selection: It is the skin of the pumpkin that protects the wonderful orange flesh from deterioration, so avoid any that are scarred, bruised or cracked. Look for a bright, plump pumpkin that is heavy for its size and boasts a thick, hard rind.
CUCURBITA MAXIMA:
QUEENSLAND BLUE:
Availability: all year
Appearance: big, heavy, ribbed, deep blue-grey skin and orange flesh
Characteristics: drier that other varieties, full flavoured
Best for: scones, boiling or baking
JARRAHDALE:
Availability: all year
Appearance: large round variety with light blue/grey skin and a lovely deep yellow-orange flesh
Characteristics: cuts easily, sweet, firm flesh
Best for: baking – very moist therefore doesn’t lend well to boiling
GOLDEN NUGGET:
Availability: all year
Appearance: small, round pumpkin with orange - red, lightly ribbed skin and bright orange flesh
Characteristics: up to 1.5kg/15cm diameter, easily cut – appearance is its main selling point though it has sweet, creamy flesh
Best for: soup or stuffed as a single serve vessel – high seed ratio if you need roasted pumpkin seeds
CUCURBITA MOSCHATA:
BUTTERNUT PUMPKIN: aka Butternut Squash
Availability: available all year but at best in April, Jul-Aug, Dec-Jan
Appearance: elongated pear shape with smooth, golden-brown skin and orange flesh
Characteristics: dense, dry flesh with a lovely smooth texture and nutty flavour – flavour improves with storage – no need to peel
Best for: everything- especially roasting. Butternut is one of the most popular varieties due to its versatility
JAP: aka Ken Special, Kent, Delica
Availability: all year
Appearance: small mottled green/grey pumpkin (1-3kg), yellow to orange flesh
Characteristics: softer and drier than most, cuts easily and boasts a mild, sweet flavour
Best for: stuff, bake, steam, mash
CUCURBITA PEPO:
SWEET DUMPLING:
Availability: all year
Appearance: small pumpkin with white and green stripes and creamy, firm flesh
Characteristics: mildly sweet, honey nut flavour
Best for: perfect for roasting and stuffing
ORANGE MINIKIN: aka baby pumpkin
Availability: all year
Appearance: small, squat pumpkin, with ribbed, orange skin and yellow-light orange flesh
Characteristics: high seed content, ideal for hollowing and using as a single serve vessel
Best for: baking whole and stuffing with a savoury meat or rice filling – soups or roast the seeds
A: Samhain (All Hallows Eve) was believed to be the day that the souls of the departed (good and bad) were free to roam amongst us. It was Celtish tradition on this day to carve ‘Jack-o-Lanterns’ to both welcome the souls of loved ones and ward off unwelcome spirits. Traditionally Jack-o-lanterns were carved from beets, turnips or potato, however when almost ¾ million people fled to America during the Irish potato famine they brought the tradition but not the beets or gourds to carve. Therefore the pumpkin (native to central and south America) became a larger, easily accessible substitute.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 29th May - 5th June
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Asian Celery * Gai Choy * Tamarind * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Kachay
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Cumquats * Longans * Tamarillo (gold)*
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Green Mangoes * Lychee * Red Pomelos * Rambutan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 29th May - 4th June
The market is in good shape this week with only some slight issues. Mainly Strawberries and Tomatoes but the rest is good to go. The problems with Strawberries & Tomatoes is the VIC & SA fruit is more backward with greener bums and the QLD fruit is rain affected- but the good news is... both are back in price!
FRUIT:
Much the same as last week but with increased supply on some lines bringing prices back into play. These lines are all Berries, Watermelons and Honeydews with the staples still going strong. Apples, Pears, Bananas, Grapes, Mandarins, Kiwifruit, Pineapples, Papaw and New Season Navel Oranges are good buying and great quality.
VEGIES:
With the rain and cooler weather in the QLD growing areas, some items will be affected but no shortage is expected. Beans, Corn, Capsicums, Gold Squash and Iceberg Lettuce are the main products affected- and as said Tomatoes are back in price but still nothing over the top quality wise. Everything else good to go.
New season USA Cherries in stock now (and for the next 7 weeks) and we should have the first of the Australian Truffles by end of next week.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Apple- delicious (VIC) * Banana- cavendish (QLD) * Mandarin (QLD) * Paw Paw- yellow (QLD) * Watermelon - seedless (QLD)
Vegetable: Beetroot (QLD) * Celery (VIC) * Cocktail Chats Potato (SA) * Heirloom Tomatoes (NSW) * Mushroom - button (NSW)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Blood Limes (NSW) * Cherries (Imp- US) * Mango (IMP) * Tangello (QLD)
Vegetable: Asparagus - white (IMP) * Black Radish (NSW) * Habanero Chilli (NSW) * King Brown Mushrooms (IMP) * Roquette Lettuce (NSW) * Roman Beans (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Chestnut Mushroom * Yellow Butter Bean * Yellow Zucchini
Not Available: Blood Oranges * Longan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 22nd - 28th May
The market overall is settling in for what looks to be a good winter season across both fruit and veggies. Citrus is in abundance, vegetable are in good supply and supply and demand is matching across the range... except for Tomatoes, which we will see back in play within the next 2 weeks.
FRUIT:
No real shorts at all, Rockmelons, Strawberries and Raspberries still holding up in price, but no problems with supply. Plenty to choose from including the imports- USA Cherries, Mexican Mangoes and NZ Gold Kiwi. Also, we will see the first of the USA grapes by middle of next month and with the change in import requirements, they will be cheaper and better quality than in the past! Aussie Blood Oranges will be available beginning of June.
VEGIES:
Just a couple on the upper end of price, but no problems with supply: Broccoli, Red Capsicums (quality), Cucumbers, and Tomatoes (quality and price)!! All the colours are there, the quality is sound and priced to suit.
The cooler weather is affecting the edible flowers supply and limiting the range. On an exciting note, we should see the first of the Aussie Truffles by the second week of June if not earlier and the word is we could be in for our best season (quality wise) to date!!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Avocado (QLD) * Beurre Bosc Pears (VIC) * Cherries (imported) * Grape - red seedless (VIC) * Watermelon - seedless (QLD)
Vegetable: Button Mushrooms (NSW) * Carrot - med/lge (TAS) * Cocktail Chat Potatoes (SA) * Green Beans (QLD) * Heirloom Tomatoes
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Gold Kiwifruit (Imp- NZ) * Tangello (QLD)
Vegetable: Baby Turnip (NSW) * Borlotti Bean (QLD) * French Radish (NSW) * Hawaiian Sweet Potato (QLD) * Morel Mushroom- fresh (Imp) * Porcini Mushroom- fresh (Imp) * Purple Dutch Carrot (NSW) * Red Witlof (VIC)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Chestnut Mushroom * Raspberries (expensive ) * Yellow Oyster Mushrooms
Not Available: Blood Oranges * Purple Asparagus
ZEST FOR LIFE
Q: Other then fighting scurvy what are citrus fruits good for?
The citrus industry is one of the most important horticultural industries in Australia producing approximately 600,000 tonnes of fruit each year. In fact the citrus fruit industry is our largest fresh fruit exporter, generating over $200 million annually for our economy. If you’re a little closer to home and looking to add vibrant colour and flavour to your winter menu- you’re in luck- as our citrus farmers have a wonderful array of fruits that will get the juices flowing. Beyond the delicious and much-loved Navel Oranges and Mandarins, the winter chill also brings out the bitter-sweet goodness in blood oranges, pomelos, grapefruit, lemons, tangelos or for those adventurous few – Buddha hands.
NAVEL ORANGES:
Main Growing Areas: Murray Valley, Riverina and Riverland
Availability: Apr – Nov, best May - Sept
Appearance: round, seedless fruit with a thick orange rind and belly-button formation at the blossom end
Flesh: orange, segmented flesh with distinct section at the blossom end - full of flavour
Flavour: juicy, sweet- excellent eating
Selection: look for bright, plump fruit that is heavy for size
Inspiration: Orange and salt cod salad – Vogue Entertaining + Travel
BLOOD ORANGES:
Availability: Jun - Aug
Appearance: medium sized fruit with orange skin and red blush
Flesh: orange- red flesh (contains anthocyanins- which produce the rich colour)
Flavour: sweet, juicy and less acidic that regular oranges
Selection: look for bright, plump fruit that is heavy for size
Inspiration: Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Blood Orange Confit Panna Cotta – LA Mag
MANDARINS:
Main Growing Areas: QLD (65% of total Aussie production), Griffith, Sunraysia
Availability: Apr – Aug
Selection: look for plump, bright fruit, heavy for size
Main varieties: Imperial, Murcott, Ellendale, Hickson & Taylor-Lee
Imperial: Apr - Jun
Appearance: yellow-orange slightly bumpy skin, medium size (easy peel & low seed)
Flavour: very sweet, balanced flavour and lovely perfume
Murcot (Honey Murcott): July to late Aug/Sept
Appearance: medium-large fruit with smooth, orange, thin skin
Flavour: sweet and juicy- good eating
Ellendale: Jun - Jul
Appearance: rich orange, medium-large, smooth skin
Flavour: very tangy- (high sugar and acid levels)
Hickson: late May – late Jul
Appearance: medium-large with a slight neck, wrinkled, orange skin with a reddish tinge (easy peel)
Flavour: sweet and very juicy – good eating
Taylor-Lee: Jun – Jul/Aug
Appearance: medium-large with a slight neck, tight orange skin with a reddish tinge (easy peel)
Flavour: rich, sweet – top quality eating
Inspiration: Spanner crab kinilaw recipe – Peter Kuruvita via SBSFood
LEMONS:
Availability: all year, at best Mar – Oct
Appearance: oval, light green to yellow fruit (some have distinct point)
Flesh: pale yellow
Flavour: acidic, tangy fruit
Varieties: Lisbon (most common variety) is smooth skinned and tangy, while the Eureka variety has bumpy skin, an obvious neck and is tart in flavour
Selection: look for plump, bright fruit, heavy for size
Inspiration: Lemon parfait, fennel pollen ice cream, fennel granita, and olive oil jelly - Adam Simmonds via Great British Chefs
TANGELO:
Availability: Jul- Nov
Appearance: large fruit with thin, orange skin and a distinct neck (easy peel and segment)
Flesh: very juicy, segmented flesh that is virtually seedless
Flavour: a cross between a grapefruit and a mandarin the tangelo is tangy and very juicy (still sweet but slightly more tart than a mandarin)
Selection: look for bright, undamaged skin, plump fruit that is heavy for size
Inspiration: Grilled tangelos with pistachio brittle – Sydney Morning Herald
POMELO: aka pummelo
Availability: White variety: Mar – Nov, Pink variety: Jun - Nov
Appearance: large fruit with a very thick skin that is light green-yellow (thick skin means a good shelf life)
Flesh: segmented like a mandarin, flesh is juicy and varies in colour from yellow to pink
Flavour: sweet and tangy- lacks the bitterness of grapefruit and is great for juicing, salads, desserts or even preserving
Selection: look for bright, undamaged skin, plump fruit that is heavy for size
Inspiration: Pomelo, banana blossom and roast pork salad – Geoff Lindsay via Gourmet Traveller
GRAPEFRUIT:
Availability: available all year, at best Apr – Nov
Selection: look for plump, bright fruit, heavy for size
Marsh Seedless:
Appearance: yellow skin
Flesh: pale yellow flesh, no seeds
Flavour: mildly tangy and sweet- great for marinades
Pink Marsh: aka Thompson
Appearance: yellow skin
Flesh: light pink flesh with no seeds
Flavour: sweet when ripe
Ruby: aka Red Blush, Ruby Red
Appearance: smooth skin with a strong red blush
Flesh: juicy, dark orange–red segmented flesh
Flavour: sweeter than yellow brethren- wonderful fresh, juiced or in salads
Inspiration: Swordfish carpaccio with pink grapefruit and pink peppercorns – Gourmet Traveller
BUDDHA HANDS: aka Fingered Citron
Availability: Jun - Oct
Appearance: has a thick yellow skin (rind) and finger like tendrils coming from the stem end
Flesh: none to speak of
Flavour: fragrant, lemon- skin is bitter but pith underneath is quite sweet
Selection: look for bright, undamaged fruit with a good aroma
Inspiration: Grilled coral trout with pickled Buddha’s hands – Gourmet Traveller
MARUMI CUMQUATS: aka Kumquat, Kinkan
Availability: autumn/winter
Appearance: small orange fruits with a thin peel that are round-oval in shape
Flesh: segmented yellow-orange flesh
Flavour: intense, sweet-sour flavour,- most often candied, glazed or preserved though can be eaten fresh or even in liquer
Selection: start to deteriorate once picked so look for robust, bright fruit with no obvious damage on skin
Inspiration: Grilled chicken with late-picked wine and cumquats – Stephanie Alexander via Sydney Morning Herald
A: While you’d be hard pressed to develop scurvy these days, strokes are our second single greatest killer and on the rise due to an aging population. Which is why a recent study by Norwich Medical School (UK) finding women who consumed higher levels of citrus fruit (especially grapefruit and oranges) had a 19% less chance of suffering a ischemic (blood-clot related) stroke is so exciting. It is believed the high levels of vitamin C/flavonoids (antioxidant) present in citrus fruits and juices, help prevent stroke by improving blood vessel function and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent on the body.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 15th - 21st May
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Asian Celery * Gai Choy * Shiso Leaf * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Kachay * Tamarind
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Buddha Hands * Cumquats * Figs * Loquats * Tamarillo (gold)*
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Green Mangoes * Longan * Lychee * Red Pomelos * Rambutan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 15th - 21st May
Tomato Agent's dream as prices go through the roof!!
Supply is short but the abnormally high figure is driven by the Market Agents not the farmer. Ever since we grew accustomed to crazy prices for fresh produce after the first QLD cyclone, the market agents are quick to jump- especially Tomato Agents!! In short, tomatoes are available this week but are over the top in price!
As for the rest of the market, very little change. Some slight increases matched by an equal amount of decreases.
FRUIT:
One to watch again this week is Strawberries- which are still holding ground but will come back over the next few weeks.
Rockmelons are still up in price but quality is good- plenty to cover for them this week. Both Watermelons are down in price, as are Honeydews.
Apples, Pears, Kiwifruit & Gold Kiwi, imported Dates, Mandarins, imported Mangoes, New Season Navel Oranges, Pineapples, Dragonfruit & Pomegranates! Go the Fruit!
VEGIES:
Red Light on Tomatoes where possible!
Other ones to watch: Rocket will be available, supply is down, price is up- same with good Lebanese Cucumbers! Sub Gold Squash for Yellow Zucchinis. Baby Caps (Red and Vine Sweet) are NA, the rest is clear.
Artichokes, Cauliflowers, Beetroot, Brussels Sprouts, Chinese Cabbage, Celery, Celeriac, Chillies, Eggplant, Leeks, Mushrooms, Peas, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini- all good to go.
News: USA Cherries by the end of the week!!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Avocado (QLD) * Gold Kiwifruit (imported) * Mangoes (imported) * Navel Oranges - lge (SA) * Watermelon - seedless (QLD)
Vegetable: Celery (VIC) * Fresh Green Peas (VIC) * Leek - lge (VIC) * Portabello Mushrooms (NSW) * Red Spanish Onion (SA)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Golden Delicious Apples (VIC) * Cumquats (QLD) * Feijoas (NSW) * Guava (QLD) * Pomegranate (VIC) * Quince (QLD)
Vegetable: Honeycomb - full frame (QLD) * Jap Pumpkins (QLD) * Red Witlof (VIC) * Slippery Jack Mushrooms (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Raspberries (expensive ) * Wild Rocket
Not Available: Baby Red Capsicum * Blood Oranges * Yellow Zucchini
WINTER HARVEST
Q: Can you really buy Artichoke brandy?
Recently a fellow food lover lamented that Winter was a “boring time of year for fruit and veg, there just isn’t much to get excited about”. I can understand the sentiment, at this time of year the markets are brimming with root vegetables, cabbages, apples, pears- all wonderfully delicious and versatile but somehow less exotic and alluring than Summer’s bounty. So, in a bulletin designed to kickstart your love affair with winter produce- we are profiling ‘5 Winter lines’ that the team at SG&S are excited about this year and sharing delicious recipes that showcase the delightful potential of these fantastic Winter finds. In the words of Pietro Aretino, “Let us love the winter, for it is the Spring of genius”.
WINTER FLAVOURS:
CITRUS:
The winter citrus season is upon us. Mandarins are at the markets and fantastic eating, as are navel oranges. All signs point to a bumper crop this year.
Supply: Mainly QLD and NSW
Mandarins: while available from March – November, these are at their best May – October
Navel Oranges: the winter orange these are available Jun, July and Aug
Blood Oranges: available Jun – late August
ARTICHOKES:
While we are still early in the season; globes, baby globes and Jerusalem artichokes are currently available at the markets. They wont be at their nutty best for a few more weeks, but are still a wonderful addition to the menu.
Supply: Mainly NSW and VIC
Baby globe artichokes: good local stock arriving at the markets- at their best Jun- Aug
Globe Artichokes: still early but available. Peak product will be at the markets from June - Sept
Jerusalem Artichokes: already available, at their best from June – Sept
USA CHERRIES:
The USA cherry season is always welcome, as it helps us survive the long wait until the Australian season starts up again in November. Expect more lush Bing fruit and creamy Rainiers again this year
Supply: California, Washington and Oregon
Early fruit will be available from next week, with the season traditionally spanning Jun – Aug
TURNIPS/SWEDES:
While many believe them to be old-fashioned and dull, in our minds the delicious Tassie Swedes and local Turnips currently at the markets are vintage gourmet. Their peppery flavour and creamy texture, in addition to their nutritional value and affordability makes turnips and swedes a winter favourite at SG&S.
Supply: Turnips – NSW/VIC, Swedes - TAS
Despite being available all year, the cold weather works wonders for these root veges, meaning turnips, baby turnips and swedes are at their best May – Oct
TRUFFLES:
While the Australian Truffle industry is relatively young, producers are unearthing spectacular, premium grade truffles from sites across WA and TAS (with small numbers harvested in NSW/ACT and VIC). In fact, last year around 3 tonnes of this noble, perfumed fungus was grown and sold in Australian markets. We can only hope that 2012 sees another bountiful harvest.
Supply: WA and TAS
Following a wonderful season in 2011, 2012 is looking to be just as promising for Australian Truffles with fresh, aromatic truffles expected to be in good supply from early June to August
Other items of note for Winter: Star Apple (Jun- Nov), brassicas (in particular cauliflower) are predicted to be top performers this season due to the cold weather. Beans (broad and borlotti) are also expected to have a great winter with main supply now starting.
A: Yes. Known as Rossler it is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented and distilled Jerusalem Artichokes. This nutty-sweet brew has been produced in Baden, Germany since the 1800s and to this day 90% of all Jerusalem Artichokes harvested in the area are dedicated to producing this brandy like spirit.