In season in February
Pineapple farmers are asking consumers to help with the surplus of prematurely ripened pineapples. The rain has caused mass flowering resulting in a glut rather than the regular staggered availability. Farmers will lose significant quantities as...
The fresh produce situation is finally looking up, with flooded areas drying out and warmer weather helping with growth and supply. Make sure you take advantage of nature’s surplus. Consider pickling, fermenting, drying, freezing and preserving.
Fruit
New season apples are here with galas the first to arrive. Our own local Glenbernie Orchard is offering 'pick your own' tours – head to their Facebook page for more information. You can also find excellent produce from Glenbernie at Flame Tree Co-op in Thirroul.
Pears will start soon too, with Clapp and Williams around now, and the red varieties a bit later this month. Nashis are also available. We are seeing plenty of green-skinned Meyer lemons, limes, Valencia oranges and grapefruits. Blueberries from Victoria are in good supply and, as a result, cheap, so buy up and freeze for leaner times.
Pineapple farmers are asking consumers to help with the surplus of prematurely ripened pineapples. The rain has caused mass flowering, resulting in a glut rather than the regular staggered availability. Farmers will lose significant quantities as normal demand cannot keep up with supply. So do your bit for our pineapple industry and buy big. Read more about Australian pineapples here and ways of using them here.
As I mentioned in January, stone fruit, particularly nectarines and peaches, have not been at their best this season. Plums have fared better with several varieties to chose from throughout this month. Melons are still good, but we can just about say goodbye to the much-loved mango season. Figs are starting to appear, which makes my heart sing. Enjoy them while they last.
Vegetables
There are loads of veggies on offer including beetroot, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, lettuce and the list goes on. Take advantage of the bumper crops and low prices on corn, beans and tomatoes. Eggplants are becoming more available and cheaper. New season potatoes are coming, including the smaller Kipflers, which are good for salads and roasting.
Here is a favourite recipe from the Women’s Weekly kitchen for a warm potato salad using Kipflers.
