I cannot remember such excellent quality stone fruit in the first half of November in my forty something years in this business. I imagine the record heat all over the country in October has something to do with this. Flavour and quality are both terrific, hope it is an indication of the season to come. Apricots, peaches and nectarines are all good, particularly the white varieties. The best mangoes of the year from Katherine are now arriving in Sydney and there are really delicious papaya and sweet topless pineapples in strong supply and hence very attractively priced. The cherries are still the softer varieties so I would not really rush in for these. Lemons are becoming very expensive and as happens at this time limes are increasing in supply. They are not cheaper per kg than lemons yet but will be very soon. Most tomatoes are easing in price.
IN VEGETABLE
This is a fantastic time of the year for top quality vegetables. Nearly everything is available and some of the more delicate lines are at their absolute best right now before the really hot weather gets underway. Two very good examples of this are baby aniseed and mini Lebanese cucumbers which are my pick of the week this week. These are small young Lebanese cucumbers, ideal in the school lunch boxes or as a snack anytime. Very healthy, they are always dearer than cucumbers themselves. If they are less than three times the price of cucumbers then this is very good value. This week this is the case but in my experience, this reduced price differential wont last long so enjoy them this week. At this time of the year regular aniseed or fennel goes to seed and becomes unsaleable. This baby product allows the aficionados of this product to enjoy the multiple ways it is eaten right through the summer. Also well priced this week are kale, Dutch carrots, cabbage, beans and corn. Plenty of options for all.
