Australian grapes, Queensland pineapple, and golden sweet potatoes are the best of April's autumn produce, according to traders at Melbourne Market, Victoria's wholesale fruit, vegetable, and cut flower trading centre.
Grapes are at their peak with many varieties keenly priced and eating beautifully, as are Victorian apple varieties, while Australian persimmon is coming into the market for the first time this season.
Queensland Pineapple and passion fruit from the QLD / NSW border are in their prime right now, while further north, Shepard avocados from FNQ are filling the gap between Hass avocado seasons throughout the month until around Anzac Day.
"Shepard avocados ripen faster than Hass and have a creamy texture, with a mild, sweet flavour. The thin skin peels easily, while the flesh holds its shape when sliced or diced. Shepards are also less prone to browning than Hass, making them perfect for visually appealing dishes and garnishes.
Australian garlic is coming to the end of its season, with the final supply currently coming out of Merbein near Mildura.
"It tends to peak between Christmas Day and Australia Day and runs through until March when the weather starts to cool," says Melbourne Market trader Jack Wilson from All Aussie Farmers.
Melbourne Market wholesaler Robert Padula from M & N Fresh Produce says a wet and warm summer has resulted in a bumper sweet potato crop - "nature's superfood" - which is now great value.
While they are larger than usual due to the growing conditions, "they still taste great".
According to Melbourne Market buyer Dean Lamb from Watts Fresh, Australian persimmon is the fruit of autumn.
"The new sweet variety of persimmons can be eaten while crunchy and not to be confused with old style varieties that eat better when ripe," he says.
"Australian persimmons are a fantastic autumn fruit that more people need to get around. As stone fruit season is finishing up, persimmons are a great option and are often similar in price to premium stone fruit varieties."
For more information:
Dan Stock
Tel: +61 403 953 351
dan@littlebigmarketing.com