What’s in season in October

In winter and spring we rely on produce from the warmer climates but the wet weather continues to disrupt supply of some of our favourites from Queensland and NSW. This has been the case particularly for warm climate produce such as tomatoes, potatoes and strawberries.

As the weather warms up and it becomes too hot in the north, our produce comes from further south, particularly Victoria. Beans, asparagus and broccoli are in good supply. Carrots and onions are increasing in quality as it warms up. Corn and zucchini are plentiful. Supplies of cabbage, cauliflower and celery will decrease as the weather warms.

The tropical fruits are coming into their own – this includes mangoes, papayas, melons and pineapples. Bananas are getting cheaper as supplies increase. Avocados are still cheap as chips, so keep going on the smashed avo and guacamole. Citrus availability reduces at this time of year, with navel oranges, lemons and limes disappearing and Valencia oranges coming on. Blueberries will become scarcer towards the end of October, so if you need your blueberries after this, buy frozen (make sure they’re Australian). Apples and pears are still available but of lesser quality until the new season starts.

Keep these weather-related issues in mind when you purchase your fresh produce. Buy local where you can. Buy what’s in season and cook and eat accordingly.

Throughout September I profiled our local fresh produce suppliers – Green Connect, Dapto Community Farm, Calderwood Organics and Popes Produce. The Flame also recently featured our local sixth-generation family farm, Darkes Glenbernie Orchard, which has battled record rainfall.

You can buy direct from some of these growers and also buy their produce at Flame Tree Co-op and Wollongong Online Farmers Market.