Spring has officially arrived at Melbourne Market with Queensland strawberries at their peak, local Victorian vegetables hitting prime quality and early whispers of spring favorites such as local asparagus making their debut floor presence. Traders at Victoria’s wholesale fruit, vegetable, and cut flower trading centre are reporting a strong transition of seasonal lines to keep independent greengrocers stocked with top-tier produce.
Queensland strawberries from the Sunshine Coast are taking center stage in the fruit section, boasting fantastic quality and vibrant color. Citrus also continues its robust run, with solid supply expected across the board for at least another two months.
Ian Shrubsole of Mumford Wholesalers highlights the strength of current berry and citrus offerings, while teasing the upcoming warmer months. “We’re in peak strawberry season from the Queensland Sunshine Coast area so keep an eye out for fruit with a lovely red blush at your local greengrocer,” he says.
“Citrus is still great, and we’re expecting another two strong months of supply across Queensland, Mildura, the South Australian Riverland and the Riverina in New South Wales. Plus, the countdown for stonefruit season is officially on, with our growers pointing to about another five to six weeks before we start seeing supply.”
Meanwhile, banana crops have enjoyed an ideal winter, resulting in excellent overall quality. Mickey Pignataro of Arcella Bananas notes that consistent conditions have kept regular lines running smoothly, even as specialty varieties see slight seasonal fluctuations.
“Our bananas this year have been very good with no winter chill,” he says. “It’s been very bright and we’ve been very lucky that crops haven’t been affected. Lady finger bananas are a bit short this time of year, though—when it’s cooler, it takes more time for the fruit to come, so growth times are longer and prices are slightly higher.”
Over in the vegetable aisles, local winter specialties are offering spectacular flavour before the warmer weather arrives, with sugarloaf cabbages and artichokes from Werribee leading the charge.
Lou Ponte of Melba Fresh Wholesalers urges shoppers to catch key winter greens while they are eating at their absolute best. “Sugarloaf cabbage is a winter seasonal vegetable. As the weather warms up, they become more pointy before going to seed, so get one from your local greengrocer now while you can! Many chefs call them Hispi cabbage, and they’re incredibly sweet, tender and delicious whether cooked or raw.”
Lou also emphasises that cold-weather crops are currently in their prime. “Artichokes are eating really well right now while it’s still cold as the cold keeps them tender. I particularly love the Red Italian variety we’re getting in fresh from Werribee.”
As spring soil continues to warm up, growers are also preparing for a surge in green staples. Early asparagus from Mildura is beginning to trickle in, with local Koo Wee Rup crops just waiting on sunshine to burst into full production.
Michael Taranto of Gazzola Farms reports that the stage is set for a massive local supply. “We’re hearing there is some initial supply of asparagus from growers around Mildura coming through, but by the end of the month, we’ll be starting to get local asparagus from our growers in Koo Wee Rup,” he says.
“Our Koo Wee Rup growers are reporting plenty of moisture in the ground. We just need a few nice, sunny days to warm the soil, and then asparagus will be in abundance.”
For the freshest picks, expert advice, and the widest range of seasonal produce, visit your local independent greengrocer.
SEASONAL SNAPSHOT
FIRST OF: Asparagus (Mildura & early Koo Wee Rup), baby cos lettuce, mini cos lettuce.
LOTS OF: Strawberries (QLD Sunshine Coast), citrus (VIC/SA/NSW/QLD), baby broccoli, celery (Mornington Peninsula & Werribee), parsnips (Devon Meadows).
EATING WELL: Sugarloaf cabbage (Hispi), Werribee artichokes (including Red Italian), broccoli, cauliflowers, bananas.
NOT MUCH OF: Ladyfinger bananas
To find a local greengrocer, visit abetterchoice.com.au.
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