July Fresh Produce Report

Winter at Melbourne Market brings a distinct shift in supply as northern growing regions take the lead robust winter vegetables take centre stage. Traders at Victoria’s wholesale fruit, vegetable, and cut flower trading centre are reporting an abundance of cold-weather favourites and an influx of citrus, alongside some exotic arrivals to brighten the mid-winter months.

The citrus season is hitting its peak, filling the market floor with colour. Citrus from South Australia and the Mildura area is eating exceptionally well, offering the ultimate winter vitamin C fix. Meanwhile, exotic citrus lovers are spoiled for choice with unique arrivals landing in the market, including bergamot from the Yarra Valley, alongside local blood limes.

Blood limes are a fascinating addition to the market floor, presenting like a hybrid between a finger lime and a mandarin. Boasting a flavour profile that is a little bit tart and a little bit sweet, they have a highly limited season, available only for the next six weeks or so until mid-August.

For those looking for comforting winter meals, onions remain a must-have for soups, stews, and roasts, while new-season in-shell walnuts from New South Wales have also arrived. Kiwifruit from New Zealand and the Goulburn Valley in Victoria are also eating beautifully, providing another great option for a winter nutrient boost. 

In the berry aisles, a major seasonal transition has just successfully wrapped up. Jonathan Karantgis, wholesaler at Perfection Fresh, notes that berry lovers can now rejoice.

“Strawberries were a bit short over the last few weeks as we transitioned between Victoria finishing and Queensland starting,” he says. “Now the Queensland season is well underway with lots of vibrant, tasty berries.”

Meanwhile, classic Victorian-grown apple varieties continue to be in abundance and eat beautifully.

In the vegetable aisles, winter favourites like cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and parsnip are filling the stalls, alongside the first Jerusalem artichokes. Unusually dry conditions earlier in the year have also created a surprising shift for certain seasonal delicacies.

Matt Russo from Prestige Produce explains that weather patterns have uniquely extended the availability of wild pine mushrooms.

“The New South Wales and Victorian wild pine mushroom season has usually finished up by now, but this year it's only really hitting its peak,” he says. “That's because there hadn't been enough rain to really soak into the soil for the mushrooms to grow. And the foragers follow the rain. It's hard times for growers when they don't get enough rain.”

Further north, Queensland production is stepping up to keep winter baskets full of green greens and versatile staples. Raf Bulzomi from L.A. Produce highlights the top picks from the northern growing regions.

“Look out for peas and snow peas from around Bundaberg. They are great for stir-fries, soups and stews,” he says. “You might want to choose these over sugar snaps, which are a bit short locally, and so supply is imported. Best to check with your local greengrocer.”

Raf also notes that other warm-climate lines are keeping shelves stocked. “We've also got a good supply of zucchini from Childers in Queensland and South Australian glasshouse-grown tomatoes.”

For the freshest picks, expert advice, and the widest range, visit the local greengrocer. To find a local greengrocer, visit abetterchoice.com.au

SEASONAL SNAPSHOT

• FIRST OF: Blood limes, bergamot (Yarra Valley), Jerusalem artichokes, new-season in-shell walnuts (NSW).

• LAST OF: Australian sugar snap peas (transitioning to imported supply).

• LOTS OF: Pumpkins, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, parsnip, Victorian apples, wild pine mushrooms, zucchini (Childers QLD), glasshouse tomatoes (SA).

• EATING WELL: Citrus (SA and Mildura area), strawberries (QLD), snow peas and regular peas (Bundaberg QLD), onions, kiwifruit (NZ and Goulburn Valley VIC).