Little change in the marketplace since last week. The most significant change is definitely the drop in lime prices. A great substitute for lemons, these are all Australian whereas the majority of the lemons are imported - though this will also soon change as Aussie crops get underway. This week however, limes are about half the price of lemons (comparing kilo to kilo). This will be the case for the next few weeks. Our white grapes get sweeter and better with each consignment. Lychees are an absolute bargain this week. Peaches are (I think) at their best over the next fortnight. I love the large, juicy, sweet yellow ones from the Forbes area that we currently have in store. The better eating figs are now underway and we have some fantastic fruit at a bargain price by the tray. These figs are a little smaller but they are fantastic to eat. I love them on my cereal, cut up in salads, or just to snack on. I continue to promote our all Australian summer orange the Valencia over the far more costly imported navel option. The Valencia at this time of the year goes green on the skin but this in no way affects the taste. They are such a fresher option than imported navels that spend weeks being shipped on a boat that for me the choice is a no brainer: give me the Aussie Valencia over the navel any day and save money as well.
IN VEGETABLE
As with fruit, little has changed since last week in the vegetable category. All pumpkin seems to be easing. We are starting to get this product from local areas and so the freight is significantly less than it has been of late. Eggplant, corn and mushrooms are all well supplied and a little cheaper and Chinese cabbage that has been very dear until last week is now far more attractively priced. Finally, I would like to mention a very good new product in our stores. The product is not new but it is the first we have had from this particular grower. It is a twin pack baby cos lettuce we are now stocking and it is superb. Just the product to serve your dips and hors d'oeuvres with at your Australia day barbeque.
