Marketwatch: in season now

VICTORIA'S strawberry season is in full swing and the quality is superb.

in season taste nov 19

VICTORIA'S strawberry season is in full swing and the quality is superb.

Dip whole strawberries in melted chocolate or team with mangoes for a healthy treat. They are $2.50-$4 a punnet.

Tangy, sweet, golden apricots are rich in vitamins A and C and make a scrumptious and nutritious snack. Apricots will range from $5-$10/kg.

Mouth-watering Northern Territory mangoes are hard to resist. They are $2-$4 each, depending on variety and size. 

Bananas have edged up this week to $2-$3/kg. When bananas start to develop a brown, freckled appearance

on the skin, this indicates they are at prime ripeness and at their sweetest. 

The aromatic perfume of yellow and white fleshed nectarines is heavenly. New-season fruit from Queensland and the North Coast and Windsor in NSW are juicy and sweet-eating at $4-$10/kg.

The first plums of the season are available. Look for the clingstone earliqueen variety which has a purplish-red skin, yellow flesh and are $7-$10/kg.

Bite-sized cherry tomatoes are loaded with flavour and are a top buy this week at $1.50-$2.50 a punnet.

VEGETABLES

BROCCOLI is a year-round favourite and good supplies from Victoria mean you can enjoy this versatile vegie for $2-$4/kg.

Natural sweetness and their bright colour make capsicums a popular choice. Field-grown red and green capsicums are a nice buy this week at $3-$6/kg.

Snap up asparagus spears with compact tips. Smart cooks choose even-sized spears that require the same cooking time. Asparagus prices are firming up at $2-$2.50 a bunch.

Most garlic sold in Australia is imported from China, Argentina, Mexico, America and New Zealand. About 5 per cent is Australian grown and the good news is Aussie garlic is now in season. Fresh and juicy, with a sweet yet pungent flavour, Aussie garlic sells for $14-$20/kg while imports are $3-$12/kg. 

Zucchini are a choice buy at $4-$6/kg. Try slicing them in half lengthwise, score, then brush with a little olive oil and place on the barbecue or grill plate, turning once until tender.