Fresh food club - What's in season?

Late season Victorian strawberries are eating nicely, with their sweet, juicy flavour at its peak—perfect for adding a burst of freshness to your desserts or enjoying as a healthy snack. Grab a punnet or two this week to enjoy fresh or add to your baking or desserts.

New season Imperial mandarins have started their long-awaited season. Mandarins (Imperial) – A fuss-free, vitamin C boost for busy days! Keep a few in your bag for an easy snack or add the segments to salads for a burst of citrusy sweetness.

Crisp and juicy, apples are perfect for quick lunchbox snacks or baked into a warm apple crumble for cosy autumn evenings. Choose from Fuji, Pink Lady, Royal Gala, Mi, Bravo, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious, or try the unique Jazz and Kazz apples -a delicious blend of Gala and Braeburn. With their firm texture and sweet-tangy flavour, there's an apple to suit every taste.

As the grape season winds down, your local greengrocer will still have a fabulous selection of varieties, including Crimson Seedless, Autumn Royal, Scarlotta Seedless, Autumn Crisp, Sultana, Thompson seedless, Autumn Royal, Red Globe, Crimson Gold and Adora Seedless. Each offers a unique flavour profile and texture. Locally harvested grapes are at their sweetest and juiciest, making them perfect for snacking, adding to fruit salads, or incorporating into various dishes

As the grape season winds down, your local greengrocer will still have a fabulous selection of varieties, including Crimson Seedless, Autumn Royal, Scarlotta Seedless, Autumn Crisp, Sultana, Thompson seedless, Autumn Royal, Red Globe, Crimson Gold and Adora Seedless. Each offers a unique flavour profile and texture. Locally harvested grapes are at their sweetest and juiciest, making them perfect for snacking, adding to fruit salads, or incorporating into various dishes

Pears are a sweet, juicy snack with a nutritional punch Pears are naturally sweet and hydrating, making them a great snack to curb cravings. Packed with fibre, they promote digestive health and help keep you feeling full longer - a great choice for busy days when you need a quick and satisfying bite. The four main varieties in currently in season are Williams, Packham, Beurru Bosc and Corella

Ruby red rhubarb’s bold, tangy flavour adds a delicious contrast to sweet dishes. It pairs beautifully with strawberries, apples, or oranges in crumbles, compotes, jams and baked goods

Silky, sweet once ripe traditional (acorn- shaped) persimmons are like natures golden pudding. Astringent when not ripe they must be fully ripe (soft like jelly) before eating — but once they are, the flavour is next-level. Think rich, honeyed apricot with a smooth, custard-like texture. Spoon it straight from the skin or use them as a natural sweetener in baking or fold through a vanilla yoghurt

Shepard avocados are one of the biggest advantages of Shepard avocados is that they don’t brown as quickly as other varieties, meaning they stay fresher for longer after cutting—perfect for meal prep! Shepard avocados are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that make them a fantastic addition to a healthy diet.

Late season kiwiberries are a tasty choice - These small, bite-sized fruits resemble kiwifruit but have a sweeter and more delicate flavour. Sold in 125g punnets. They are surprisingly sweet and provide a healthy dose of vitamin C.

Quality autumn broccoli is packed with nutrients, it’s a great way to add greens to quick midweek meals. Try it steamed, roasted, or stir-fried! Plus, broccoli is a great source of vitamin K and calcium, both essential for strong bones.

Chestnuts are naturally sweet, surprisingly versatile and unlike most nuts, chestnuts are low in fat and have a soft, starchy texture with a subtle sweetness. Roast them for a cosy snack, mash them into soups, fold into stuffing, or even use in desserts. They add richness without heaviness making them perfect for autumn cooking! In season from March to mid-July chestnut are delicious roasted, cooked in the air-fryer or boiled.

Fresh horseradish has a fiery kick that clears the sinuses and livens up everything from roast beef to salad dressings. A little goes a long way – it’s a fantastic way to add zing without relying on salt or artificial sauces.

Pumpkin is the ultimate autumn staple! Blend into creamy soups, roast for salads, pasta or add to risotto for a rich, comforting meal. Pick up a Jap, Jarrahdale or butternut pumpkin this week and create some delicious and easy meals with fresh pumpkins for a health and natural dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will support eye, immune, heart and skin health.

Mushrooms are a busy cook’s best friend! Sauté with garlic and herbs, add to pasta or use as a meaty alternative in burgers. Along with being versatile and delicious mushrooms boost immune function, heart health, and digestion while being rich in antioxidants, fibre, and vitamin D. They're low in calories, making them great for weight management and overall well-being.

Okra has a unique texture — slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside — makes it ideal for grilling, frying, or stewing. It’s a key ingredient in dishes like gumbo, curries, stir-fries, and even pickles. Try it roasted with a little olive oil and seasoning for a quick and tasty side dish! Okra is highly popular in Southern American, African, and Indian cuisines and pairs deliciously with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, curry powder, and paprika