Produce report: November 25

Fresh and seasonal tips to make meal planning even easier.

FRESH IN: A range of berry newbies has joined the now-pleasingly cheap strawberries in stores. Boysenberries, blackberries and raspberries are there alongside the blueberries which are lowering in price bit by bit as their season progresses. While not yet bargain buying, these new arrivals are worth the splurge for a special dessert or breakfast. "You know summer is on its way when local berries pop up in-store. Strawberry season is in full swing and raspberry prices are beginning to lower as crops become more plentiful. Most of our raspberries are now coming from covered crops like Driscolls™ in the Hawkes Bay. We also source from growers in Mangatapere in Whangarei and from the Waikato," says New World Fresh Expert Brigit Corson.

Blueberry turmeric whip

Keep the jewel-toned theme going with whole pomegranates from the USA. You’ll also find jersey bennes and early season agrias with other new potatoes in the spud aisle now. Don’t clean the silty soil off after purchase. It helps keep them longer. Store jersey bennes in the box they come in and wash just before use. Courgettes, asparagus, avocados and broccoli are great buying this week.

LOOK OUT FOR: Hold your breath … cherries! "The first season cherries from Hawkes Bay and Blenheim are in-store now. Most of New World's cherries are grown in Central Otago and the local season will improve as the festive season fast approaches. Cauli, cabbage and iceberg prices are easing after weather conditions affected supply, but the latest sprinkling of rain and warm weather will make for plush crops," says Brigit.

MOVING ON: Tangelos are in shorter supply as their season ends. That fickle herb coriander has been laying low too but should be back in full force soon.