Tasty winter produce will creep up in price this weekend and into next week – but don’t worry, there will still be some great buying. And for those cold winter evenings, paying a little extra for some tasty seasonal vegies is more than worth it!
The good news is that berry supply is on its way back and as a result prices are on their way down – perfect for sprinkling on your hot oats in the morning.
See below for a full run down of what to look out for this week.
Strawberries
Horrendous weather conditions saw a dramatic increase in strawberry price over a month ago with the fruit continuing to be costly over the past few weeks. A change is on the way and Queensland farmers are slowly starting to ramp up supply! Strawberries will be back in price by around 15% and, if Queensland continues to go the way its heading, we can expect further price drops in the next fortnight.
Blueberries and Raspberries
It’s all about supply and demand for these gorgeous berries – the supply has increased and due to recent sky-high prices, demand has been slow. As a result prices will continue to ease by 15% this weekend and into next week! Blueberries are packed with antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin A, copper, selenium, zinc, iron B and vitamin E – they are truly a superfood!
Imperial mandarins
They’re everywhere so take full advantage. The juicy lunchbox sized fruits are well in season and are the perfect snack. Your local grocer will most likely have these on special so fill your basket – yum.
Apple
The season is in full swing and there is no shortage in supply. See your local grocer for a good deal.
Cauliflower
A very under-rated vegetable. It’s been up there in price in recent weeks but it should fall by a further 10% over the next week.Take advantage now and make yourself some delicious hot creamy cauliflower soup to keep you warm during the chilly winter afternoons. There's a great recipe below!
Beans
As we head into winter, the cold snap has affected the supply of beans. As a result of this shortage expect to pay around 40% more for your beans this weekend and into next week.
Tomatoes
You can also expect tomatoes to increase in price by as much as 30% due to the cold weather in Queensland. Roma tomatoes are through the roof so choose carefully when shopping. Ask your local grocer for advice if you’re not sure.
Broccoli
It’s price to buy but you can expect this to begin tocreep up in price by around 10% this weekend and next week due to shorter supply. That being said, it’s still fantastic buying! Broccoli is exceptionally high in key antioxidants as well as a number of vitamins and minerals. Add to as many vegetable dishes and stir fries as you can this winter. It’s another superfood!
Sweet potato
The will increase this weekend and into next week, by around 20%, but it is still good value. This potato contains beta-carotene which helps support a healthy immune system – which we all need during flu season! It also contains high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s another superfood.
Corn
Finally, corn is in shorter supply so you can expect it to increase over the weekend by around 20%.
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And here's a recipe for Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Herbed Olive Oil (pictured) courtesy of Beyond the Peel.
Creamy cauliflower soup with herbed olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 head of cauliflower, trimmed and chopped
1 litre chicken stock (vegans substitute vegetable broth)
2 pinches of nutmeg (about ¼ teaspoon)
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
1. Heat a large pot over high heat, add the olive oil, onions and cauliflower.
2. Cook until onions are tender, about three minutes.
3. Add the stock and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.
4. Transfer the soup to a food processor and blend until smooth, or use an emulsion blender to process until smooth. Stir in nutmeg to taste and season with salt and pepper.
Herbed olive oil (optional but delicious)
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ chopped cilantro
½ cup oil
1. Place the ingredients in a blender and blend until ingredients are incorporated but not pureed.
2. Drizzle over the cauliflower soup before serving.
3. Left over olive oil can be used as a salad dressing by adding a few tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice.
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