Victorian asparagus season has begun, with an abundance of the sought-after spring vegetable arriving into Melbourne Market. Spring is bringing a vibrant mix of fruit and vegetables into peak supply. Strawberries and blueberries from Queensland, Victorian asparagus and sweet melons from northern Australia are among the highlights this month, alongside the last of the winter citrus.

According to Frank Maiuto from Mumford Wholesalers, the warmer weather is driving berry growth. “The weather is warming up and the plants are reaching maturity, which means the fruit is ripening faster and more consistently. So there are a lot more strawberries and blueberries from Queensland in the market, and they are eating great.”

Melons are another seasonal highlight. “Rockmelons from Kununurra in the NT are finishing off, with supply starting to come through from Bowen, Queensland. Honeydews from northern Queensland are in good supply at the moment as well,” says Gabriele Cutri from AMV Fresh. “The quality of both melons is very good.” 

He also notes that while passionfruit is typically between seasons now, some specialist growers in Bundaberg, Queensland, are ensuring steady supply year-round.

Citrus continues to add colour to market stands, but the season is winding down. 

 “There’s a lot of colour in citrus at the moment with navel oranges, lemons, grapefruit and mandarins. In a month or so, we’ll be a bit more monotone as citrus season starts to finish,” says wholesaler Roy Thierry from Geelong Citrus. “Lemons are good value now, but watch out for December when the price goes up because everyone is having BBQs!”

Navel oranges are finishing, with Valencias from Victoria and South Australia starting to appear. Afourer mandarins are still in supply but winding down. 

Cumquats are another seasonal specialty, with Ian Halliwell from C&S Ponte highlighting the Nagami variety: “Right now we have the Nagami variety, grown in Red Cliffs near Mildura. They are more oval in shape than the traditional cumquat and sweeter – you can eat the skin and all! Round ones will come later in the season – definitely don’t eat those skins!”

Retailers are also celebrating the return of Victorian asparagus. Cassie Greaves from A better choice! retailer Greavesys in Terang says plenty of local asparagus is coming through the Melbourne Market, with both conventional and organic varieties available. 

“Asparagus is beautiful on the barbecue. Simply toss the spears in olive oil and salt - we use black garlic salt for extra flavour - and grill for a couple of minutes. You want the asparagus to char but to still be crisp,” she says.

 Another favourite use is to cut the spear lengthways and use to top a quiche. “It looks great and gets some extra veg in there for the kids!”

 Other spring arrivals include Victorian artichokes, salad onions, Caulini (a delicate cauliflower variety), and the first of this season’s Australian garlic from Emerald, Queensland – a rare and premium find.

FIRST OF: Victorian asparagus, Valencia oranges (VIC/SA), Australian garlic (Emerald QLD)

LAST OF: Rockmelons (NT), navels (SA/VIC), Afourer mandarins (SA/VIC), cumquats (Nagami, ~6 weeks left)

LOTS OF: Strawberries (QLD), blueberries (QLD), honeydew melons (QLD), citrus (oranges, mandarins, lemons, grapefruit), Victorian artichokes, salad onions, Caulini

EATING WELL: Strawberries (QLD), blueberries (QLD), Nagami cumquats (VIC), honeydew melon (QLD), Victorian asparagus

To find your local independent greengrocer, visit abetterchoice.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2025