Ready to save some serious cash while eating like royalty? November is bringing a bounty of delicious and affordable fruits and vegetables to your table! Let's dive into the best deals and seasonal delights, as shared by the experts.
First up: Mangoes! The Northern Territory's hot weather has been a boon for these tropical treats. Josh Flamminio from Galluzzo Fruiterers in Sydney is practically shouting from the rooftops, "Everyone should be eating mangoes right now!" You can find smaller mangoes for as little as $1.50 to $2 each, while larger, premium ones go for $2.50 to $3. Supermarkets are pricing them at around $2.90. Flamminio recommends varieties from Katherine in the Northern Territory, including Kensington Pride, Calypso, and Honey Gold. These juicy gems are perfect for cocktails or simple mango pots.
Next on the list are cherries, with their season just kicking off. While prices are currently around $20 per kilo, they're expected to drop quickly. By the end of November and into December, you might snag a 2kg box for about $29. Keep an eye out for stone fruits like peaches and nectarines, too. Peaches, however, are still a bit pricey at about $12.90 a kilo in supermarkets, but the price will decrease soon as the supply increases.
And now for the savory side: It's tomato time! After some weather-related price hikes, tomato prices are finally coming back down. Truss tomatoes are a great value at around $6 a kilo, down from $12 in September. You can find individual tomatoes at supermarkets for around 51c or $3.90 per kilo. Want to get fancy? Try oven-drying your tomatoes for a delicious pan bagnat.
Cucumber is still a great value at $3 to $4 a kilo. Whether you prefer the shorter Lebanese variety or the longer continental ones, there are plenty to go around. Maximize their crunch by frying them up in a sesame cucumber dish.
This is the perfect time for leafy greens like kale, spinach, leek, and fennel to thrive. Fennel is particularly cheap, going for just $1.50 to $2. Use it in a fresh salad or try a Roman-style dish with fennel, pistachio, and anchovy.
Corn is also expected to have an abundant yield. One farmer plans to sell extra-large cobs for just $2 each.
And let's not forget the ever-popular avocado. You can find large avocados at Flamminio's shop for four for $10, with singles ranging from $1.50 to $2.50. Try using their creaminess in an avocado pastry quiche.
A word of caution: Potatoes are currently experiencing patchy supplies, so it might be best to avoid them for now.
In summary, here's what to buy and what to watch out for:
Buy: Apricots, Avocados, Celery, Cucumber, Corn, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Mangoes, Spinach, Tomatoes.
Watch: Blueberries, Cherries, Nectarines, Peaches, Plums.
Avoid: Apples (end of season), Blood oranges (end of season), Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Figs, Green grapes (too early), Naval oranges (end of season), Passionfruit, Pears, Potatoes (low yield).
What are your favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
