Some ‘What’s in Season’ tips from Brisbane’s United Organics.
Dorotha MacKellar really got it right when she penned:
” I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of drought and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror “
The wide brown land for me!”
We have had drought and know that parts of the country are still in drought, other parts are flooding, whilst some bits are still smouldering from the fires. All through this turmoil our primary producers continue to supply; thanks guys.
So for Produce in March 2020, we can expect the following:
Fruit
New season Apples are in full swing with multiple regions supplying. Expect a good supply of the early season varieties like Royal Gala and Fuji’s. Green varieties should also start appearing but they maybe a little tart for the first couple of weeks.
Clapps and William Pears started late January. It is normal for Packhams, Buerre Bosc and some red pears to start this month. Pears should remain in good supply till late October.
March is a good month for the “G’s” – Grapes, Grapefruit and Guavas should all be plentiful. Plums will continue through to late April, both red and yellow flesh variants to choose from. As for the rest of the stone fruit, expect Peaches to finish and Nectarines to shorten up.
For tropical’s like Bananas and Papaya, the transitional months are always a little tough, the cooling weather and this year the wet, will slow both of these down. Supply may tighten and prices will most probably rise.
Other fruits that will shorten this month are Valencia Oranges, Strawberries, Lemons, Kiwifruit and Berries.
Mangoes and Melons will be non-existent.
Vegetables
Asparagus, Green Beans, Peas and early season root vegetables like Parsnips, Turnips and Swedes will be coming into season.
Expect good quantity and good quality Brassicas, Beets and Carrots coming out of Tasmania and the southern states. It is the time of year to make friends with Cauliflower, Kale, Broccoli and Cabbage. Also wake your Nan up and tell her that there will be a few Choko’s and some Shelling Peas available in store.
Silverbeet supply will firm up (it has been patchy so far this year), as will Radish and Chinese veg.
Eggplant is coming on and the choices of potato will get much wider. We highly recommend the Kipflers.
Our go-to barbecue meal is Eggplant and Sweet Corn (husk on, soaked in water first) with a nice organic steak or tofu, served with smashed Kipflers.
For all other vege’s, you will be spoilt for choice.
Remember to thank your farmers and to eat all of your colours.
The Team from United Organics
