Let’s start by saying that 2022 is colder and wetter than the average year. Note, also that farmers are struggling with staff shortages, transport complications and fertiliser shortages. With that in mind, fruit and veg will start to arrive late and to be rain-affected in some way.
Fruit
Winter fruits are all about the basics, Apples, Pears and Citrus. Apples are in full swing with multiple regions producing pretty much every variety – it would be pretty difficult to buy a bad apple right now. In season apples are coming from Stanthorpe, South Australia and Tasmania. Galas, Fuji and Pink Lady are the main red varieties, while Granny Smiths are still a little bit short but will get more plentiful as the month of May progresses.
Pears are plentiful with Packham, Williams, Red Sensation, Ya, Red Corella and Nashi varieties all available.
Citrus, no citrus likes to get wet, and we are getting plenty of rain, which also means fruit fly and a whole host of blights and diseases. Growers are expecting a down season. Low volume, low quality and high prices.
Oranges, currently they are transitioning from Valencias to Navels. With the current weather conditions, oranges may get short towards the end of the month.
Mandarins from Qld have started slowly, expect them to be bountiful mid-month once other regions are on. Blood or Cara Cara Oranges may make an appearance in the last week of May, as well as Tangelos. There are plenty of Meyer Lemons from North Qld, Eurekas will come on towards the end of the month. Yellow and Ruby Grapefruit are around but in lesser quantities than previous years.
Notable mentions are the Queensland grown Red Papaya (pair these with fresh lime juice, its heavenly!) Papaya usually comes on hard in May, but it is a cooler wetter month than usual, so supply may slow. Strawberries are off to a slower start for the same reasons, but should be on in good numbers towards the end of the month. Blueberries coming out of the Adelaide Hills, but later this year. Pineapple, Persimmons and Dragon Fruit are in reasonable supply.
Hass Avocadoes have started early this year, early season varieties are available like Shepards, Fuerte’s and Sharwells; but these will be finishing up soon. Kiwi Fruit from the Central Coast of NSW has already started so keep an eye out for it.
Vegetables
Winter is when we are really spoilt for choice with our veggies! The most exciting thing to happen this month is Brussel Sprouts. If you have bad memories of these as a child, you have to give them another go. Just don’t boil them. They have really made a comeback and are finally getting the love they deserve. Note that they have a very short season, so get in quick and enjoy while you can.
Carrots, Turnips, Swedes and Parsnips are all coming on strong this month, as well as lots of potatoes, lots of varieties from multiple regions to enjoy.
Pretty much every other vegetable is in abundance, lots of brassicas, Kale and Cauliflower.
Broccoli has struggled a little this year with lower volumes and higher prices.
Sweet Potato is well supplied as are Onions and Green Beans. Eggplant, Zucchini and Cucumbers all on in good numbers and good quality.
Salad Mixes and Lettuces are on as well from multiple regions, there are lots of good quality varieties around and at good prices.
Enjoy the cooler weather and remember to eat all of your colours.
The Team at United Organics
Image: Shutterstock
