It's really looking summery out there … eggplants, tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers, asparagus, capsicums (including King Sweeties) and lettuces are all good buying this week.
Pick up a couple of heads of super affordable broccoli from the supermarket too. Broccoli is in peak condition. Sweetcorn is plentiful but still not cheap and Jersey Benne potatoes are lowering slightly in price. We're keeping our fingers crossed that supplies of these Oamaru spuds and other new potatoes will hold up for Christmas despite the rain that affected planting. The poor growing season means that prices are still sky-high for pumpkin and kumara, so both could be off the Christmas menu in many households.
Fruitwise, cherries are lowering in price slightly, with better buys to come. We're already using them in summery desserts like Viva's cherry and chocolate tart (below) and Geoff Scott's festive panettone and prosecco trifles.
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries (getting cheaper) and blackberries are readily available for summer pavs. Stonefruit supplies are increasing. Look for Australian watermelons and pomegranates and well-priced Packham pears from the USA.