Reviewed: Five of the best produce boxes in Adelaide right now
We review five of the best produce box deliveries in South Australia right now. What you’ll pay, what you’ll get, when you need to order and when you’ll get it.
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TO keep their family’s business afloat while providing a service to locals, Megan Sherry and sister-in-law Allis had to think inside the box.
The pair, whose family runs Harvest the Fleurieu strawberry-picking farm and market cafe at Mt Compass, decided to create produce boxes with the fresh fruit and vegetables they would normally be selling on-site, if it weren’t for COVID-19. They publicised the boxes on Facebook – and couldn’t believe the response.
“Allis and I looked at each other going, ‘Oh my gosh’,” said Ms Sherry. “The generosity we saw; people buying produce boxes for other people … it has been so heartwarming.”
While produce boxes aren’t a new concept, HTF was one of the first food businesses to adopt the idea in response to COVID-19. Their point of difference, Ms Sherry said, was affordability. A box of “essentials”, including bread, milk, eggs and more costs $20 while a changing assortment of local fruit and veg costs $35.
They now join a number of fruit and veg wholesalers, retailers and producers, who are now supplying consumers direct with pre-made produce boxes, and select-your-own experiences. Here are five of the best that deliver to Adelaide metro, and some regions.
HARVEST THE FLEURIEU
More than just a strawberry-picking farm, the store is full of local produce as well as premade meals such as quiches and various dry goods – all of which you can add to your order. Check them out on Facebook and order from the website above.
■ Essentials Box $20
Choice of freshly baked bread
(GF available)
2L Fleurieu Milk Company milk
1x dozen Cleland Gully Eggs
500g Fleurieu Milk Company
yoghurt (flavour of choice)
110ml jar Harvest the Fleurieu jam (flavour of choice)
■ Produce box $35
Weekly changing assortment of produce, mostly sourced from the Fleurieu Peninsula region. That means no bananas, but you’ll get strawberries in season, of course, – picked straight from the property and into your box. Other inclusions this time around were Tuscan kale, cherry tomatoes, broccolini and mushrooms.
■ The verdict: A lovely selection of local produce that’ll put a smile on your face. The Essentials Box especially is great value.
■ Tip: You probably haven’t tasted strawberries like these for years.
■ Good for: Smaller households who want to eat local.
■ Delivery: $5
■ Order by: Sunday for delivery that week (Wed-Fri)
■ Serviced areas: Metro suburbs and parts of the Fleurieu
(map online)
AMJ FRESH TO YOU
Rather than a set box, select your desired produce by the kilo or number of items. Because AMJ has relationships with the growers themselves, they have access to some specialty items you might not find elsewhere – from king oyster mushrooms to black garlic. They’ve also teamed up with other local businesses including Woodside Cheese, Rustico Bakery, Tweedvale Milk, Pangkarra, Lucia’s and Skara Smallgoods, so you can get just about anything your kitchen needs. Sign up on the site, and you will be redirected to ordering platform, Fresho (mobile friendly).
■ Verdict: There’s a reason why restaurants use these guys – the quality and selection of produce is second to none. The hard part? Trying not to get carried away with your virtual shopping cart.
■ Tip: Low prices, fantastic range.
■ Good for: Large families,
keen cooks
■ Delivery: $5 (no minimum order)
Order by: Noon for next day
delivery
■ Serviced areas: Adelaide metro, Hills, Barossa
MR GREEN GROCER
A small, family-run business that gets its produce from the Pooraka Markets. They’re offering varying produce box sizes, or, you can select the fruit and veg you want by the kilo or singular item. This particular $45 box (serves two) included basics from onions and carrots to apples and corn. They also stock Fleurieu Milk Company, MilkLAB, Harris Smokehouse, bread, honey and eggs.
■ Verdict: Ticks the boxes.
■ Tip: Keep in mind for a last-minute shop.
■ Good for: All sized families who want the basics covered.
■ Delivery: Free (min spend $45)
■ Order by: 8pm for next day
delivery
■ Serviced areas: Metro suburbs, plus Adelaide Hills on Tues afternoon
K&R PRODUCE
Farmers Kasim and Reyhan have been growing together for more than 20 years, supplying some of SA’s best restaurant kitchens. With no restaurants to cater for just now, they’re delivering their impressive produce direct to the consumer, at the Barossa Farmers Market as well as via Chefs on Wheels – a platform that delivers food from some of SA’s best chefs and artisans.
■ Large box $45
A changing assortment, but there’s enough here to feed a family of 4-5. On this occasion, there’s everything from celery and beetroot to kohlrabi and radish.
■ A smaller box costs $35
■ Verdict: Wow. A true abundance of beautiful-looking fruit and veg.
■ Tip: Have your cookbooks ready for inspiration.
■ Good for: Large families and those who love a Mystery Box.
■ Delivery: $15, free for orders over $150 (if ordering other chef meals/artisan foods from the site). Deliveries made Wed-Fri.
■ Order by: As soon as possible. Orders open Sunday for the following week’s deliveries.
■ Serviced areas: Most of Adelaide metro – suburbs on website
WILLS & DANIEL
Many traders in the Adelaide Central Market are offering delivery within 5-10km. Wills & Daniel caters for all the metro area. Choose what produce you want and when you want it delivered. They also stock other goods, from soft drinks to health and beauty items. You’ll want to use your desktop for this one, and best be home for delivery as the items arrive in paper bags.
■ Verdict: More of a “minimart” experience.
■ Tip: You can search by region or by organic.
■ Good for: Those who also need some household goods.
■ Delivery: Free (min order $50)
■ Order by: 5pm for next day
delivery
■ Serviced areas: Adelaide metro – check postcode on website