The Victorian asparagus season has begun, with an abundance of the sought-after spring vegetable arriving in Melbourne Market, according to traders at Victoria's wholesale fruit, vegetable, and cut flower trading centre.
Spring is bringing a vibrant mix of fruit and vegetables into peak supply. Strawberries and blueberries from Queensland, Victorian asparagus, and sweet melons from northern Australia are among the highlights this month, alongside the last of the winter citrus.
© Melbourne Market
According to Frank Maiuto from Mumford Wholesalers, the warmer weather is driving berry growth. "The weather is warming up, and the plants are reaching maturity, which means the fruit is ripening faster and more consistently. So there are a lot more strawberries and blueberries from Queensland in the market, and they are eating great."
Melons are another seasonal highlight. "Rockmelons from Kununurra in the NT are finishing off, with supply starting to come through from Bowen, Queensland. Honeydews from northern Queensland are in good supply at the moment as well," says Gabriele Cutri from AMV Fresh. "The quality of both melons is very good."
He also notes that while passionfruit is typically between seasons now, some specialist growers in Bundaberg, Queensland, are ensuring a steady supply year-round.
Citrus continues to add colour to market stands, but the season is winding down.
© Melbourne Market
"There's a lot of colour in citrus at the moment with navel oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and mandarins. In a month or so, we'll be a bit more monotone as citrus season starts to finish," says wholesaler Roy Thierry from Geelong Citrus. "Lemons are good value now, but watch out for December when the price goes up because everyone is having BBQs!"
Navel oranges are finishing, with Valencias from Victoria and South Australia starting to appear. Afourer mandarins are still in supply but winding down.
© Melbourne Market
Cumquats are another seasonal specialty, with Ian Halliwell from C&S Ponte highlighting the Nagami variety: "Right now we have the Nagami variety, grown in Red Cliffs near Mildura. They are more oval in shape than the traditional cumquat and sweeter – you can eat the skin and all! Round ones will come later in the season – definitely don't eat those skins!"
Retailers are also celebrating the return of Victorian asparagus. Cassie Greaves from A Better Choice! retailer Greavesys in Terang says plenty of local asparagus is coming through the Melbourne Market, with both conventional and organic varieties available.
Other spring arrivals include Victorian artichokes, salad onions, Caulini (a delicate cauliflower variety), and the first of this season's Australian garlic from Emerald, Queensland – a rare and premium find.
For more information:
Dan Stock
Tel: +61 403 953 351
[email protected]