Produce report

FRESH IN: Sweet and seedless navel oranges and afourer mandarins are plentiful now as the season gears up. Navels will be in store for many months to come, helping round out our fruit intake until the spring and summer produce shares the load. “The current supply of juicy New World navel oranges come to us mainly from sunny Keri Keri and as the season continues we follow the sun to Gisborne” says New World Fresh Expert Brigit Corson. Gold kiwifruit are very good buying now too. Vege-wise, the brassicas rule again. Cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbages are all affordable and in good supply.

LOOK FOR: Mushrooms to bring variety to same-same winter menus. For a meat free-burger Monday, swap the patty for an oiled and grilled portobello or dice your Swiss browns and add to a well-flavoured smashed bean or lentil patty (recipes on bite. co.nz). “While most New Zealanders love classic white button mushrooms or the more mature, large portobellos, you can also find some more exotic varieties at your local New World to change up your favours - like shiitake and wood ear mushrooms” says Brigit. Store mushrooms in their original packaging which is designed to keep them fresh, not in airtight containers which will encourage them to rot. A paper bag or partially opened plastic bag is better. And remember, do not wash them before storing. Just before use, wipe mushrooms with a damp paper towel or try a light scrub with a mushroom brush if you have one in your kitchen drawer.

MOVING ON: Limes are near the end of the season and imports will be arriving any day now to take their place. Specialty tomatoes are scarce as well but this won’t surprise too many people, given that it is late winter. “The persimmon season has now ended and as the weather cools, capsicums are not as plentiful, presenting a great opportunity to change it up and try preserved!” says Brigit.