Fresh produce market update

Here's the latest report from the Brisbane Produce Market.

• Rockmelons are the best they have been all season, their price is down and they are a great alternative for anyone looking for affordable fruit now that bananas, papaw and exotics have risen in price since Cyclone Yasi.
• There is still plenty of stonefruit on the shelves with peaches, nectarines and plums to choose from. Australian apricots look ugly but are excellent eating.  
• Lychees and seedless watermelons are firm in price but quality grape varieties, such as Menindee seedless, crimson and muscat, are great value.
• Watch out for new season Australian apples with royal gala the pick this week. Australian Valencia oranges have sweetened in their taste although US navels are still the best eating.
• Tomatoes have started to drop in price however you must search for quality and consistency after recent rains have left many marked and watery.
• In the salad lines, it is still hard to find quality lettuce and salad mix. Look for Western Australian hass avocados.
• Potato prices are firm but their quality has improved, at the same time as onions have reduced in price as more become available.
• Quality broccoli, cauliflower, beans and cabbage remain expensive but corn and carrots are of excellent value, although they won’t store for long periods of time.