Produce report

FRESH IN:

New-season Perla potatoes have arrived. Small, waxy and with very fine skins, Perlas are available from September for their summer run, the perfect choice for potato salads. They will be gone again in autumn. The first of the asparagus is in supermarkets now too, making it look like spring has finally sprung ... albeit with a good amount of rain. “It’s very early in the season but as long as the weather warms up as expected to help those spears grow tall, you’ll see plentiful asparagus by the end of September,” New World Fresh Expert Brigit Corson says. “Choose asparagus with firm, bright green spears and tightly closed tips. When gently rubbed, the spears should squeak — a sign of freshness,” says Brigit. The best way to store asparagus is in the vege bin in your fridge, but the critical part is to wrap the ends in a damp paper towel to keep the spears fresh and firm. Alternatively, trim a little off the ends and stand the spears in a jar of water in the fridge, changing the water when it becomes cloudy. Asparagus will last for up to a week when stored correctly. Rich in B vitamins, vitamins A, C, E, K and folate, it also includes iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, selenium and potassium.

LOOK OUT FOR:

Strawberries! New season strawberries are starting to trickle in. Favourites among kids and adults alike the current local strawberry supply is limited, but these sweet and juicy morsels of flavour will get more and more prevalent as the weather warms and should be at peak sweetness (and affordability) in mid-December. “Cauliflower is tightening up due to weather but look out for it again in 2-4 weeks’ time and leafy greens will look better as the weather warms too,” says Brigit.

MOVING ON:

“Turnips are nearing the end of their season so they won’t be as available or as good value as during winter months,” says Brigit. Crown pumpkins are always in supermarkets too but won’t be as plentiful soon when the weather warms. Leeks are also coming to an end.