Produce report: January 20

Produce news from the fresh experts at New World.

GROWING STRONG: Central Otago cherries may have gotten off to a slow start this season, but you should be finding more of them in supermarkets now. It has been a similar story for apricots, thanks to the cool weather, but there's a bonanza of other stone fruit to choose from: sweet white and yellow peaches, and sweet and juicy yellow-fleshed nectarines. “New Zealand summer fruit from the sunny Hawke's Bay and Central Otago are in full supply and will be available till mid February," says New World Fresh expert Brigit Corson. "Here’s a top tip – when choosing the perfect nectarine look for brightly coloured blemish-free ones that are almost soft to the touch."

Fresh nectarine cake

Blueberries will be available until April at least and the nutritional fruits are good buying this week. "Although locally grown outdoor crops of strawberries have come to an end, you’ll still be able to find a good supply of covered crop strawberries instore," says Brigit. "This new generation farming technique ensures that we get beautifully plump strawberries for longer, all the way through till April." Avocados and sweetcorn continue to be good buys. The local melon harvest is now underway and rock melons are filling up produce bins alongside watermelons “Juicy locally grown melons from Houhora, Kaitaia and Hawke's Bay will be available in-store until mid-April,” says Brigit. Lettuces, beans, courgettes, capsicums and kale are plentiful.

LOOK FOR: New-season pumpkins and squash from Pukekohe and the Far North are in-store now, and keep your eyes peeled for new season apples and pears.

MOVING ON: Locally grown peas have left the blinding and delicious Oamarugrown Jersey Benne potatoes are officially out of season, but there’s still plenty of other baby waxy spuds available in-store that are perfect for summer salads.