Dave's Market Update 06.02.2014

IN FRUIT

We have just finished another week of heatwave type conditions in some of our main growing areas and this of course affects out products to varying degrees. What really loves the heat and seems to thrive in it are the extra large rockmelons from the irrigation area. This is the month of the year when they are at their absolute best. You’ll find really big, really flavoursome and really good value rockmelons at all Harris Farm this week. Another delicious piece of fruit, again on special is the Palmer mango. It looks a bit weird on the skin, not at all like our traditional mangoes but is a delightful piece of fruit and together with the Brooks are traditionally our last mangoes of the season.The Williams pears are now ripening nicely and I can recommend them as a very good value piece of fruit. Together with Gala apples these are the two main new season fruits that will get underway this week. Those beautiful Tasmanian cherries have eased in price a little this week, it is probably the best season ever for this fantastic product. Tassie blueberries are now in full swing - they are fresh and crisp and the best blueberries of the year in my opinion. All peaches and limes continue to be good value as are the Menindee seedless white grapes. As always at this time of the year the best eating plum varieties come and go weekly. This week one of my favourites, the Amber Jewel is probably the best eating plum. As always in February strawberries are difficult to secure, quite pricey and will not keep.

IN VEGETABLE

Again the more delicate of our local vegies are suffering from the heat. Dill, coriander, English spinach and all radish are not fantastic . However there are still bargains to be had in lettuce, corn and Telegraph cues. In addition heavier arrivals of tomatoes are seeing prices ease in most varieties. Zucchini, eggplant and squash are all well supplied also. There is some very good Australian asparagus this week, mostly in the bigger bunches.