Fresh food club - What's in season?

Crunchy, sweet, and refreshingly tart — apples are in peak season and perfect for snacking, baking or slicing into salads. Store apples in the fridge to maintain their crisp texture. Look for varieties like Kanzi, Jazz, Royal Gala, Bravo, Envy, Granny Smith, Fuji or Pink Lady and enjoy them in lunchboxes, baked desserts or paired with cheese. Did you know: Eating whole apples can help control your appetite and assist with weight loss.

Juicy and aromatic, pears are at their best through autumn. Popular varieties like Packham, Beurré Bosc, Piqa Boo and Corella are perfect for poaching, slicing into salads, baking in crumbles, or simply enjoyed fresh. Ripen at room temperature until they yield gently to pressure near the stem, then refrigerate.

Sweet, seedless and easy to peel — navel oranges are a winter favourite and packed with vitamin C. Enjoy them fresh, juiced, or segmented into salads. For maximum juiciness, choose oranges that feel heavy for their size. Store at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Lemons bring a fresh citrus zing to savoury and sweet dishes. Use the juice and zest to flavour dressings, seafood, puddings or cakes. Store in the fridge to keep juicy for longer or freeze zest and juice for later use

Crisp and sweet Fuyu persimmons can be eaten just like an apple — no need to peel or wait for softness. Slice into salads, fruit platters, or enjoy as a simple snack. Store at room temperature until ripe and glossy, then refrigerate for longer storage.

Easy to peel and naturally sweet, Imperial mandarins are perfect for lunchboxes, juicing or tossing into green salads. Look for firm fruit with bright, glossy skin. Store at room temperature or refrigerate to keep them fresher for longer. Imperials are a seasonal bargain

Strawberries are vibrant and fragrant, perfect for snacking, topping porridge, roasting or blending into smoothies. Rinse just before eating and store in a single layer in the fridge to prevent bruising. For extra sweetness, roast them with a splash of balsamic.

Whether enjoyed as a healthy, fuss-free snack or baked into a comforting dessert, apples are a versatile autumn favourite and a great choice all round. With numerous varieties to choose from now the time is ripe for enjoying apples.

Fibre rich, nutty and creamy flavoured Hass avocados are in season and fantastic quality. Their skin darkens as they ripen. Gently press near the top to check softness. Great for guacamole, spreading on toast or blending into dressings. Once ripe, store in the fridge to maintain freshness. Avocados are plentiful and only $1.50-$4 each. Keep an eye out at your local greengrocer for the super-sized Avozilla – each avocado weighs about five times the size of a typical avocado

New-season ruby grapefruits are full of flavour and goodness, offering a refreshing tang and a boost of vitamin C. Their juicy flesh ranges from pale pink to deep salmon-red and is sweeter than yellow grapefruit

Often mistaken for spinach, silverbeet is easy to spot with its dark green leaves and fleshy white stems. Try wilting it gently, then toss with feta, toasted pine nuts, and a splash of olive oil for a simple, tasty side

Broccoli is vibrant and full of nutrients. Steam, stir-fry, roast or add to pastas and soups. To keep fresh, store in the crisper drawer in an open or perforated bag. Blanch and freeze if you buy in bulk.

Versatile and full of flavour, brown onions are the base of countless savoury dishes. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot away from potatoes. Slice and caramelise for French onion soup, burgers or stews, dice raw into salsas, or roast whole for a mellow sweetness.

Fragrant and crisp with a subtle aniseed flavour, fennel adds elegance to cool-weather dishes. Slice raw for a refreshing salad with citrus or pear, or roast wedges until caramelised and tender. Store bulbs in the crisper and they will keep well for up to a week. Fennel is a delicious and versatile buy

Large, white heads of cauliflower are in good supply and great value. Break into florets for roasting, steaming or blitzing for a tasty cauliflower soup. Store in a paper bag in the fridge for up to a week to prevent sweating and browning.

Jap pumpkin is sweet, nutty, and ideal for roasting, soups, or mash. Its dense flesh holds up well in baking and slow-cooked dishes. Store whole in a cool, dark spot or wrap cut pieces tightly and refrigerate

Naturally sweet and packed with nutrients, carrots are a kitchen essential. Roast with herbs, mash with butter, or grate raw into salads and slaws. Store in the fridge in a produce bag remove green tops first to prevent them from drawing out moisture

Sweet and mild, leeks are perfect for soups, frittatas, pies, or roasting. Use the white and pale green parts, and save the tops for homemade stock. To clean, slice lengthways and rinse thoroughly to remove hidden grit

Nutritious and fast to cook, Asian leafy greens like bok choy, choy sum and gai lan are ideal for stir-fries, soups, or steamed with garlic and sesame oil. Store in the fridge wrapped in damp paper towel to keep fresh and crisp.

Packed with vitamin C, Brussels sprouts are delicious roasted until golden or shredded into stir-fries. Choose small, tight heads for sweetness and tender texture. Keep unwashed in the fridge in a produce bag for up to a week

New-season Victorian globe artichokes are now in store! These nutrient-packed vegetables are a great source of fibre, antioxidants, and essential minerals. Delicious steamed, grilled, or stuffed, they’re a flavoursome addition to your autumn cooking. Pick up fresh Victorian-grown artichokes this week