Marketwatch: In season now

TASMANIA'S bumper crop of cherries is in. There are several varieties and fruit is a good size.

peach in season taste jan 14

TASMANIA'S bumper crop of cherries is in. There are several varieties and fruit is a good size.

Prices are $8-$16/kg.

The warm January weather has concentrated the flavour of peaches and nectarines, each about $3-$7/kg, so fruit is extra sweet and juicy. Halve peaches and nectarines, sprinkle with icing sugar and caramelise under a hot grill, then serve with vanilla ice cream.

For value, you can't go past Australian-grown valencia oranges. While the rind of this summer orange may be tinged with green, the pulp is sweet and juicy and loaded with vitamin C. Add segments to salads or use the juice in salad dressings. Buy oranges in a 3kg net bag for $3.50-$4.

Available for a short time, red-fleshed blood plums are now in season. Plum prices range from $5-$10/kg. 

-- VEGETABLES

LARGE round-shaped South Australian-grown Reed avocadoes are $3.50-$4 each.

Golden cobs of sweetcorn are loaded with natural sugars. For maximum sweetness corn is best eaten soon after buying. Expect to pay 80c-$1 per cob.

If you are firing up the barbie and looking for a low-fat option then be sure to add mushrooms to the hot plate. Buttons are perfect for kebabs and the jumbo flats are the ideal meat substitute. Mushrooms are $8-$10/kg.

Vibrant green snow peas are fast to cook and add a nice crunch to salads and stir-fries. Snow peas are $8-$12/kg.

-- Sue Dodd, Sydney Markets