It’s officially winter, so let’s find out what’s in season this month!
Fruits
This July you will see lots of Apples available across all varieties, and still plenty of Pears around too, however most of the red skinned pears are now finished. In stores you will see lots of Nashi, Packham and Buerre Bosc (Brown Skin) Pears. Red Papaya is flushing (still), so help our North Queensland growers by putting these on your shopping list.
Good stocks of Bananas and Melons are also coming in from North Queensland. You’ll continue to see plenty of citrus – you will find Eureka and Meyer Lemons, Tangelos, Mandarins, Grapefruit and Navel Oranges in stores. Limes are starting to climb in price, however availability is still good.
Avocadoes are great value for money at the moment, with good supply at low prices – many growers have had good crops this year.
Strawberries are in full swing, coming out of the Sunshine Coast region. Supply is up, and prices are starting to come down – but don’t be surprised if the wet weather leads to shorter supply. There is also a reasonable supply of Pineapples from the same area.
Vegetables
July is a real cross-over month – produce is still coming in from Southern suppliers, whilst the Queensland growers have started their season. For the consumer, this means great supply, great quality and good prices.
Broccoli is selling for half of what it was last month, expect it to stay at those lower prices for at least the next 4 weeks. All the Brassicas are at full supply and available from at least 3 regions. Cavolo Nero Kale is the only exception, it has been in short supply for the last couple of weeks but supply is improving.
Good Cauliflower varieties are coming from the Mornington Peninsula, but the green and yellow Cauliflowers present well on a plate too. Celery has climbed a little in price, but supply is strong. Family farmers Busch Organics in Gippsland are producing excellent Beetroot and Leeks.
Leafy greens like Cos and Iceberg Lettuce, Silverbeet, Eschallots and all the Choy family (Pak, Bok and Sum) are bountiful and available from multiple regions. Eggplants from North Queensland have started too, as have Sweetcorn from around the Childers area.
Potatoes have started in the Brisbane and Lockyer Valley areas and are also coming out of Tasmania and Victoria. Dutch Creams, Sebago, Kipfler, Pontiac, Nicola and King Edward potato varieties are all available. The Carrot season has also kicked off in Queensland’s salad bowl.
July is boom time for pretty much all vegetables, with perhaps the following exceptions:
Tomatoes are in short supply and look like they will be staying that way for at least the next month; the upside is a reasonable supply of Cherry Tomatoes. Zucchinis are also in short supply but should improve as we progress further into the month.
Southern farmers are done and dusted with Onions, but Queensland growers may start around the third week of July. In the meantime, expect prices to climb and quality to drop until the Queensland crop begins.
Keep warm this month and remember to eat all of your colours.
The Team at United Organics
