Traders at Melbourne Market, Victoria's wholesale hub for fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers, have highlighted key produce currently in peak condition as winter begins. Early winter standouts include radicchio from New South Wales, kiwifruit from the Yarra Valley, and mandarins from the Mildura region.
Citrus fruits remain a strong feature of the season, with both oranges and mandarins showing high quality and consistent supply. Continental cucumbers and eggplants from South Australia are reported to be performing well in both quality and value. However, tomatoes are in short supply, a typical pattern during colder months.
Joe Pignataro of Pignataro FruitX notes that kiwifruit from Avonsleigh in Victoria's Yarra Valley is currently in peak condition. Radicchio from New South Wales is also performing well, with Elliot Cucimotta of HC Produce describing this period as optimal for the bitter leaf vegetable. Artichokes from the Adelaide area are expected to reach their best in about three weeks.
Despite limited tomato availability, Thien Nguyen from Prime Aus Produce says South Australian continental cucumbers and eggplants are currently good value options.
Citrus remains a staple winter fruit, with multiple varieties entering the market. Roy Thierry of Geelong Citrus points to the seasonal transition from Navelina to Washington oranges in the Mildura/Lockston region. Washington oranges are typically deeper in colour, larger, and sweeter than their predecessors. This year's Navelinas were generally smaller in size, and shoppers can expect to see larger oranges in stores as the season progresses.
In vegetables, Victorian-grown apples and brussels sprouts are currently in season. All local apple varieties are reported to be of good quality, and brussels sprouts from Victoria have recently come into season. The Victorian truffle season is also underway, entering its second week.
Other produce now reaching markets includes South Australian artichokes, Mildura mandarins, Washington oranges, Victorian truffles, and brussels sprouts. Silverbeet from Werribee and radicchio from New South Wales are in good supply. Meanwhile, the season is ending for Queensland limes, Navelina oranges, and Mildura pomegranates. Tomatoes and blueberries are currently in limited supply.
For more information:
Melbourne Market
Tel: +61 03 9258 6100
Email: [email protected]
www.melbournemarket.com.au