Produce report

FRESH IN:

Carrots (including leafytopped bunches of babies) are so plentiful you’d be hard pressed to find a cheaper vegetable right now. Perhaps dependable cabbage could give carrots a run for their money because it's good buying too. Courgettes, capsicums and telegraph cucumbers are all getting cheaper and the asparagus season is in full swing, its prices reflecting this. Same story for those smaller avocados that can be eaten in one go. Broccolini and good-looking beetroot are plentiful from November, so look out for them. Flavourful strawberries remain a little pricey but it’s still early in the season.

Fruit-wise, pick up a little late citrus — tangelos and even cheaper navel oranges. The season for both finishes in December.

LOOK FOR:

Kamo kamo squash season is in full swing and available in stores now. Mainly grown in Northland, this versatile veg thrives in the warmth and enjoys a good sprinkling of rain, says New World Fresh Expert Brigit Corson. Traditionally cooked by Māori in a hangi or, when young, in a boil-up, the ridged oblong or round squash tastes like a cross between a courgette and pumpkin and is used in similar ways to both. As the season progresses the dark-green skin toughens, like pumpkin, and eventually turns orange. Then kamo kamo is good in soups and as a roasted veg. Store in a cool, dark place, but refrigerate when cut. The flowers can also be eaten. Keep your eye out too for pick and mix cherry tomatoes, bought loose in various colours for vibrant, summery salads. “The local tomato season is ripening up as we welcome the warmer weather," says Brigit. "Over the coming weeks you can expect to see beautifully plump tomatoes available at New World for a great price."

MOVING ON:

Imported sugar snap peas are on their way out. “It’s been a slow start to the season for our locally grown sugar snap peas due to cooler weather, but supply will start picking up over the next few weeks,” adds Brigit.