Marketfresh Report - Week Ending March 20th April

Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy custard apples—a tropical treat with creamy white flesh and a sweet, fragrant flavour that’s often compared to a mix of banana, pineapple, and vanilla. For ready to eat fruit, look for fruit that gives slightly to gentle pressure, similar to an avocado and the skin is losing its lustre. Eat them chilled with a spoon, top a healthy Bircher muesli bowl, or add smoothies and muffins.

Sweet Aussie grapes. Don’t miss the last of the season’s Aussie table grapes! Whether you prefer green, pink, or black-skinned varieties, they’re all bursting with natural sweetness and juiciness. At the cheap end you have Thompson and Crimson seedless varieties and newer varieties like Autumn Crisp and Sweet Globe at the higher end.

Australian Gold kiwifruit – naturally sweet and golden. If you haven’t tried Australian Gold kiwifruit yet, now’s the time! With its vibrant golden flesh and smooth, tropical sweetness, it’s a refreshing snack that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Enjoy it on its own or slice it into salads and smoothies for a burst of sunshine in every bite.

Last chance for late-season plums. Enjoy the final taste of plum season while it lasts! Varieties like October Sun, Flavour Fall, September Candy, Angelino and Fall Fiesta are still available at your local greengrocer—but not for much longer

From creamy mash to golden bakes, potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re boiling, roasting, or microwaving them, they’re a blank canvas for flavour. And remember—it’s not the potato, but what you add to it that counts

Fresh herbs like coriander, basil, parsley, mint, thyme, and chives not only elevate the flavour to meals but do it without adding extra kilojoules.

Everyone loves bananas! Smooth, creamy and full of flavour, they’re also a great source of vitamins—especially B6 and C. In fact, just one banana provides nearly 30% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Pomegranates are prized for their jewel-like seeds and sweet-tart flavour. They’re a delicious addition to Middle Eastern rice and couscous dishes or the spiced ground meat dishes of India and Pakistan. In season now and at their best, pomegranates add a vibrant pop of flavour to everything from salads to char-grilled broccolini with tahini chicken

Fuyu persimmons, are a variety of sweet persimmons, they are sweet, crisp and a mild flavoured autumn treat. Unlike other persimmon varieties, Fuyus can be enjoyed firm—no need to wait for them to soften. Snack on them fresh or slice into salads for a seasonal twist.

Mid-autumn brings a plentiful supply of beautiful eggplants in a variety of sizes and striking colours—from deep purple and soft mauve to eye-catching striped varieties. Look for ones that feel heavy for their size, a sign of freshness and quality.

Broccolini – tender and tasty. With its delicate stems and sweet flavour, broccolini is a healthy side that shines steamed, sautéed, roasted—or chargrilled for a smoky finish. It’s quick to cook and makes a colourful, crunchy addition to salads or mains. Just

It’s a good time to pick up cauliflower. This versatile veggie is perfect for light and healthy meals. Grate and sauté or steam it as a low-cal (kilojoule) alternative to rice, or try roasting florets for a flavour-packed dish. For something a bit different, slice cauliflower into thick “steaks,” char-grill them for a smoky, delicious flavour, and top with hummus and pomegranate arils for a unique, vibrant meal.

Feijoas – Here for a delicious time, not long time. Feijoa season is fleeting, so now’s your chance to enjoy this truly unique fruit. With a smooth green skin and an oval shape, feijoas have a distinctive flavour—a tropical fusion of pineapple, guava, and mint with hints of strawberry and kiwi.

New-season Imperial mandarins. Sweet, fragrant, and easy to peel, Imperial mandarins are the ultimate grab-and-go snack. They're packed with natural vitamin C to help support your immune system and are at their juicy best right now. Peak season runs from May to September, so get in early!

Add a touch of creamy goodness to your autumn meals with Shepard avocados! These smooth-skinned beauties are perfect diced in salads and tacos, or mashed with sweet chilli sauce for a burrito filling that pairs beautifully with barbecued chicken.

Don’t forget the chestnuts. Celebrate the season with the warm, nutty flavour of roasted chestnuts. Simply split and roast them, then peel while warm for an irresistible snack—or chop and add to rice, lentils, San Choy Bau, or autumn salads.

Fast, fresh Asian greens. Quick to cook and rich in nutrients, bok choy, choy sum, and gai lum are must-haves for speedy weeknight meals. Packed with vitamin C, A, folate, and antioxidants—yet low in kilojoules—they’re perfect steamed or stir-fried with garlic and soy.

Fennel’s subtle aniseed flavour makes it a standout ingredient in both raw and cooked dishes. Enjoy it raw and thinly sliced in salads with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil—especially tasty when paired with citrus or crisp apple. For heartier meals, slice or dice the bulbs and braise, roast, or add to soups and casseroles for a gentle, aromatic lift.