Fresh this week: The fruit department has our full attention with Golden Bell Peaches and locally-grown watermelon, mainly from the Far North and Waikato. Plums are plentiful and there is a huge variety to choose from at your local New World so head in for a browse and try them all while they're in season. Stone fruit remains good buying and look out for great prices on baby potatoes at New World.
What to look for: New season apples are trickling in now and Gala apples are good buying this week. There's nothing quite like a fresh crunchy apple, says Brigit from New World, so look for those that are firm with minimal green colour. Or try the "Yummy SweeTango" range in New World stores this week — they're very crunchy (no floury flesh here!) with a rich sweet flavour.
Try it in: Make like Petaia at Coco's Cantina and blend some watermelon into martinis or a Bloody Mary, margarita, mimosa or a straight-up slushy with lots of ice. Watermelon makes a colourful addition to ceviche and other raw fish dishes and cucumber, which is also good buying is useful here too.
Sangria-infused watermelon cocktail
Watermelon salad with snowpeas, feta and almonds
Moving on: We're nearing the end of berry season so make sure you get your fix before they're gone.