Winter has officially arrived at Melbourne Market, bringing a distinct shift in supply as production moves north and comforting winter staples take centre stage. Traders at Victoria’s wholesale fruit, vegetable, and cut flower trading centre are reporting a vibrant influx of new-season citrus and hearty root vegetables, alongside some highly anticipated exotic arrivals to brighten the cooler months.
The citrus season is hitting its peak, filling the market floor with colour. Navel oranges from Griffith and the South Australian Riverland region are eating exceptionally well, alongside a steady supply of Victorian lemons. Queensland is also delivering variety with the arrival of Fremont seedless mandarins and cumquats.
Charlie Ponte from C & S Ponte notes that citrus is the ultimate winter essential. “Navels are eating really well at the moment, perfect to get your vitamin C fix,” he says.
For those looking for comforting winter meals, Charlie adds, “Our Tassie onion supplier is always great. Onions are a must-have for soups, stews, and roasts, all the good winter stuff!”
Exotic fruit lovers are spoiled for choice this month with several unique arrivals, including green mangoes and cooking jackfruit from the Northern Territory, South Australian Buddha’s hands, and local Victorian yuzu.
Meanwhile, the abundance of Victorian quinces offers the perfect opportunity for home cooks to embrace winter baking. Nick Dellios from Dellios Apples says quinces are a standout.
“Our quinces now are in abundance. Make your jellies, jams, and paste now to keep you stocked year-round,” he says. “My tip is to roast a quince. Cut it in half and sprinkle it with a little sugar and cinnamon. The fruit will turn a terrific pink colour, and it’s delicious with yoghurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.”
Classic Victorian-grown apple varieties including Royal Gala, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Sundowner also continue to eat beautifully.
In the vegetable aisles, a major seasonal transition is underway as local Victorian supplies wrap up and production shifts to the warmer climates of Queensland. While green and red capsicums from South Australia are finishing, new-season capsicums and beans from Queensland are starting to land.
Carlo Interlandi from Rosengal Wholesale explains the shift in green greens. “We’re currently getting peas in from Victoria, but that will change in the next couple of weeks when our Bundaberg farm will be in full swing,” he says. “We’re expecting great eating this season across all our lines, from borlotti beans, hand-picked green beans, machine-picked green beans, butter beans, sugar snaps, and snow peas.”
As the exclusive seller of Hussey & Co salad leaves—who have been growing for more than 50 years—Carlo also notes that winter salads are well catered for. “Their baby spinach is great at the moment, and goes perfectly sautéed with beans!”
Banana supplies from Far North Queensland remain steady for now, though buyers should prepare for regular seasonal shifts. Varinder Sandhu from Total Fresh Produce reports that while banana supply is currently as strong as normal, coming into the depth of winter, supply is expected to tighten up a bit.
As autumn favorites like figs, prickly pears, and persimmons make their final curtain call, the market is fully equipped with reliable winter warmers, from pumpkins to pomegranates.
For the freshest picks, expert advice, and the widest range, visit your local greengrocer.
SEASONAL SNAPSHOT
FIRST OF: Green mangoes, jackfruit (NT), Fremont seedless mandarins (QLD), yuzu (VIC), capsicum (QLD), beans (QLD), cumquats (QLD), Buddha’s hands (SA), beans (QLD / Bundaberg), snow peas, and sugar snaps.
LAST OF: Green and red capsicums (SA), prickly pears (VIC), persimmons (SA/VIC), figs, Victorian peas.
LOTS OF: Pomegranates, kiwifruit, pumpkins, onions, lemons (VIC), citrus (Griffith and SA Riverland region), quinces.
EATING WELL: Fennel, citrus, navel oranges (Griffith), grapes, baby spinach, mixed leaves, Victorian-grown apples (Royal Gala, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Fuji, Sundowner).
To find a local greengrocer, visit abetterchoice.com.au
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