Autumn is in full swing at Melbourne Market, with new-season apples, Imperial mandarins and hearty vegetables including pumpkin and parsnips leading the seasonal shift, as late-summer favourites make their final appearance.
Traders at Victoria’s wholesale fruit, vegetable and cut flower trading centre are reporting strong quality across sweet corn, grapes and plums, with eggplant, melons and tropical produce continuing to deliver variety as the weather cools.
New-season fruit is building momentum, with early apple varieties such as Royal Gala now arriving, alongside Victorian pears. Citrus is also starting to take centre stage, with the first Imperial mandarins landing just in time for Easter.
Antionette Villella from Louis Melbourne says the new season has arrived at the perfect time. “New season Imperial mandarins from Queensland are fresh in this week for Easter,” she says.
Vegetables are also transitioning, with new-season Jap pumpkin and parsnips now coming into the market. Nic Moro from Kelly Brothers Market Gardeners says cooler weather produce is hitting its stride.
“We have just started new season Jap pumpkin grown on our Yarrawonga property. It’s tasting sweet and at its best. Now is prime pumpkin-eating time,” he says. “We’ve also got new season parsnips. Sweet pumpkin and perfect parsnips, ready for an autumn roast.”
While new lines arrive, some summer favourites are nearing their end. Peaches and nectarines are almost finished, although late-season yellow clingstones are still eating well, and figs are in their final weeks.
Grant Nichol from Flavorite says there’s still time to enjoy some late-season highlights.
“Our figs are in their last two to three weeks. They’re a lovely deep red colour and very sweet. They are usually around to mid-April, so enjoy them while you can,” he says.
Nichol also notes the arrival of some unique fruit lines, including a limited release of Ruby Red kiwifruit.
“While Ruby Red kiwifruit is new to many, it’s a variety Zespri have been developing for many years. It’s coming in now for a very limited season of about seven weeks,” he says. “We are also expecting Gold kiwi to come into the Market after Easter, both grown on the North Island of New Zealand.”
Tropical fruit continues with Carnival pineapples from Queensland offering exceptional sweetness, while passionfruit, particularly the large Panama variety, is also eating well.
Sweet corn remains in strong supply and excellent quality, alongside eggplant, yellow button squash and tomatoes. Glasshouse-grown cherry truss and cherry Roma tomatoes from Adelaide are particularly flavoursome, along with heirloom varieties from Victoria.
Joe Nardella from L.A. Produce says tomato quality is a standout this month. “We are getting a few really tasty glasshouse-grown, hydroponic cherry truss and cherry Roma tomatoes from Adelaide. They are so sweet,” he says. “I’m loving them with thinly sliced salad onions, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and some salt and pepper.”
Capsicums, however, are currently limited.
“Capsicums from Adelaide are a little bit light on at the moment, which can push up the price a bit,” Nardella says.
With a strong mix of new-season arrivals, late-summer favourites and reliable autumn staples, April is a busy month at Melbourne Market. For the freshest picks, expert advice and the widest range, visit your local greengrocer.
SEASONAL SNAPSHOT
FIRST OF: Apples (early varieties including Royal Gala), Victorian pears, Imperial mandarins (QLD), Jap pumpkin (Yarrawonga VIC), parsnips (VIC), Ruby Red kiwifruit (NZ), snow peas (Leongatha VIC)
LAST OF: Peaches, nectarines (late yellow clingstones), figs (QLD/NSW border)
LOTS OF: Sweet corn, pomegranates, grapes, melons, eggplant, yellow button squash, plums
EATING WELL: Sweet corn, Australian grapes, passionfruit (Panama variety), plums, figs, Carnival pineapple (QLD), cherry tomatoes (Adelaide & VIC), Feijoas, Custard apples
NOT MUCH OF: Capsicums
To find a local greengrocer, visit abetterchoice.com.au
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