August Fresh Produce Report

Late winter has arrived at Melbourne Market with new-season Seville oranges, Werribee artichokes, and early Darwin mangoes leading the charge. Traders at Victoria’s wholesale fruit, vegetable, and cut flower trading centre are reporting a vibrant mix of staple lines and specialty arrivals, such as NT mini watermelons, to keep shelves stocked through to spring.

Citrus remains a true hero of the season, with Washington navels in abundance and Late Lane navels set to follow shortly. Local lemon supplies are ramping up as Queensland finishes a late season, while specialty citrus varieties, including Seville oranges and blood oranges, are also making a limited appearance.

Roy Thierry of Geelong Citrus Packers reports strong quality across the core citrus categories. “We’ve got plenty of Washington navels on hand, with Late Lane navels set to follow soon,” he says. “Both varieties are grown across Australia’s premier citrus regions, spanning the NSW Riverina, the Murray Valley, and the SA Riverland.” 

Meanwhile, lemon supply is beginning to ramp up. “Queensland wrapped up a late season, so our local southern supply is just coming into its own now,” he says.

 Adding their unique citrus notes to the mix this month are tangelos and Kaffir lime fruit. Chris Louey of M & N Fresh Produce highlights these versatile offerings for home cooks looking for distinctive flavours.

 “We source Kaffir lime leaves year-round from our Northern Territory grower, who occasionally sends down a few boxes of the fruit as well,” he says. “The zest is exceptionally flavoursome. Use it just as you would the leaves, whether grated into a curry or as a cocktail garnish.”

Chris says tangelos are a real underrated gem. 

 “They’re exceptionally juicy and refreshing, though they can be hard to source. If your local greengrocer doesn't stock them, ask them to order a box in. I love peeling them like a mandarin for a quick snack, or tossing the segments through a fresh salad.”

For those seeking an early taste of warmer weather, the very first Australian mangoes have landed on the market floor, alongside mini watermelons arriving from the Northern Territory.

 Con Alikakos from M & S Marketing shares the excitement around the first tropical fruit. “The very first mangoes of the season are arriving from Darwin,” he says. “Supply isn't fully steady just yet, but we’ve received a nice initial flush of Kensington Prides along with small numbers of R2E2s to kick things off. We’re always excited to see mangoes back on market shelves.”

In orchard fruits, Red Angel pears from Shepparton are making their debut, while traditional Packham pears are navigating a trickier season.

 Ross Harding of Harding’s Orchard explains the current dynamics facing pear crops this year. “Unfavourable weather conditions dating all the way back to flowering mean this year's Packham pear crop is down right across the board,” he says. “As a result, smaller fruit is in particularly high demand and it's eating exceptionally well.”

Over in the vegetable aisle, local Victorian winter crops are taking center stage alongside greenhouse produce from South Australia. Werribee artichokes, including  Italian purple varieties, are kicking off their season.

Ricky Mazaris from Mazcorp 5 is welcoming the return of local artichokes. “Werribee artichokes are back in season, with the vibrant Italian purple varieties just starting to roll in and we’ll see these available for the next two to three months,” he says. 

 “In the kitchen, they’re brilliant stuffed, or simply pickled overnight in a quick brine of salt, oil, and vinegar. Alternatively, throw them straight on the BBQ with garlic and extra virgin olive oil.”

Ross Ferrinda from Ferrinda Fresh says peppers align seamlessly with the new-season artichokes. 

“Red bullhorn and red pimentos are looking great right now,” he says. 

 “We still have a small amount of South Australian greenhouse-grown peppers coming through for another month or so, before shifting smoothly over to Queensland supply across both the south and north. Since artichoke season is kicking off, peppers are a natural pairing given their shared Mediterranean heritage. If you're stuffing and baking artichokes, try throwing some stuffed red bullhorns into the dish as well.”

For the freshest picks, expert advice, and the widest range of seasonal produce, visit your local independent greengrocer.

SEASONAL SNAPSHOT
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FIRST OF: Seville oranges (very limited season), blood oranges, Red Angel Pears from Shepparton, Kaffir limes from NT, Kensington Pride and R2E2 mangoes from Darwin, purple artichokes, green artichokes, Late Lane navel oranges, local lemons.

LOTS OF: Mini watermelons from NT, kiwifruit, Washington navel oranges, QLD lemons.

EATING WELL: Tangelos from Mildura region, Red Bull Horn and red pimento peppers, SA basil.

NOT MUCH OF: Packham pears.

To find a local greengrocer, visit abetterchoice.com.au.