As August unfolds, the spotlight in Australia’s produce aisles shines brightly on vegetables beginning with the letter “c”: cauliflower, celeriac, and celery lead the charge as top picks of the month.
Cauliflower, priced at $3.50 per head, stands out as one of the most economical choices. Whether utilized whole in dishes like merguez-spiced roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce or incorporated into Meera Sodha’s baked orzo with dijon mustard, its versatility and affordability make it a popular pick.
Celeriac, priced around $4.50, and celery, approximately $3 per bunch, are also in abundance. Celeriac, known for its unconventional appearance but delightful taste, finds its way into dishes such as Ottolenghi’s celeriac rosti or Persian khoresh karafs stewed with saffron. Meanwhile, celery offers a fresh take in various culinary creations, including vegan adaptations of traditional recipes.
While potatoes continue to hold steady, boasting new season varieties like Dutch creams and sebagos sourced from South Australia and Tasmania, some vegetables are experiencing fluctuating availability and pricing. Brussels sprouts, for instance, remain priced between $8 to $9 per kilo, whereas green beans and broccoli face challenges due to recent adverse weather conditions affecting their supply and cost.
Looking forward, anticipation builds for the imminent arrival of asparagus with the onset of spring weather by late August, according to insights from local experts like Cassie Greaves of Greavesy’s Fruit N Veg in Terang, Victoria.
Additionally, Tony Polistina from Forestway Fresh in Sydney highlights the continued availability of quality produce such as pumpkin, beetroot, rhubarb, zucchinis, tomatoes, and capsicums, which have recently seen a drop in price. Notably, the introduction of the “passionfruit burst” variety, larger and juicier than its counterparts, adds a flavorful option to the fruit selection.
For those with a sweet tooth, berry prices are beginning to ease after a pricey season, making blueberries and strawberries more accessible for consumers interested in indulging in treats like halva loaf or spiced blueberry yoghurt cake.
With a diverse array of fresh offerings and shifting market dynamics, August promises a fruitful season for Australian shoppers keen on enjoying quality produce at affordable prices.