Produce report: November 11

Buy the freshest produce this week with our tips from the New World fresh experts.

FRESH IN: Purple asparagus is available in some New World stores, joining the very affordable green spears. Finely chop or shave those pretty spears and make a salad; it is best raw. Avocados continue to be bargain buying. Eggplants, tomatoes, courgettes and capsicums are affordable too.

Dr Libby's healthy avocado dressing

Strawberry supplies have been a bit hit and miss but they are sweet and good quality and prices are lowering. “Mainly grown in the greater Auckland area our local strawberries are beautifully sweet and are available for a deliciously good price! Over the coming weeks, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries will also become more plentiful,” says New World Fresh Expert Brigit Corson.

LOOK FOR: Broad beans, globe artichokes and, in the next few weeks, fresh peas too at your local farmers’ market. You know it’s getting close to Christmas when piles of these verdant pods appear. “Peas are beginning to pop up and with the warm weather continuing the local season will be in full swing in no time! A staple for your festive feast, locally grown peas will be available through till January,” says Brigit.

MOVING ON: Well, we hope it’s not exactly moving on but cavolo nero is still a bit of a stranger thanks to the weather. Buy springy bunches of kale instead. Locally grown red onions are in short supply right now but the new season crop arrives in-store towards the end of November,” says Brigit. Both green and gold kiwifruit are more expensive now as availability lessens. The very low prices won’t be seen until the new season begins in April or May.