Australian Autumn Produce Guide
A comprehensive look at what's in season, pricing, and supply trends across the country this autumn.
Vegetables in Season
Root Vegetables
Pumpkin — Many pumpkins harvested in April are expected to be good value into July.
Carrots & Parsnips — Sweeter in May due to cool nights, according to Adelaide Central Market general manager Fabienne Reilly.
Sweet Potatoes — Gold or orange varieties are currently affordable, notes Footscray Market Fruit and Veg worker Rohith Dsouza.
Turnips and Celeriac — Becoming more available and affordable through April.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cauliflower is abundant in autumn. Brussels sprouts are in season, though supply is limited.
Leafy Greens
- Silverbeet and spinach thrive in autumn.
- Cavelo nero and kale are expected to become more tender and higher quality as winter progresses.
- Endive and rape are in season.
- Cabbages — Varieties including savoy, green, purple, and wombok are available.
Other Vegetables
Leeks are at their best in May, according to Reilly. Increasingly available, they can serve as an onion substitute.
Fennel can be eaten fresh (sliced thinly) or roasted.
Zucchini — Smaller, paler Lebanese zucchini are at peak affordability and quality.
Sweetcorn from South Australia and Victoria is becoming abundant. Graham Gee, senior buyer at The Happy Apple in Melbourne, reports selling it for approximately $1 per cob. Supermarket prices range from $1.70 to $2 per cob.
Green Beans, Sugar Snap Peas, and Snow Peas — Noted for quality. Hand-picked green beans sell for $8 to $10 per kilogram, compared to $6.50 to $7.50 per kilogram in supermarkets. Sugar snap pea prices are anticipated to decrease to approximately $10 per kilogram.
Tomatoes are plentiful, priced between $4 and $6 per kilogram at La Frutteria in Sydney. Described as a seasonal priority.
Lettuce — Baby cos lettuce is priced from $2 to $4 per head, iceberg lettuce is $2 to $3 per head in supermarkets.
Chestnuts are typically available from mid-March to July.
Fruits in Season
Citrus Fruits
Oranges, Mandarins, and Lemons are excellent in May, with more varieties appearing as winter begins. Mandarins have commenced for the winter season, and oranges and mandarins are beginning to show color.
Lemons — Supply expected to increase soon.
Apples and Pears
Apples are described by Reilly as the "star" of autumn and winter fruit.
New season varieties include Royal Galas, Ginger Golds, Fuji, Red Delicious, Golden, and Missile apples.
Pears (Packham, Beurre Bosc, Corella, Nashi) are versatile for crumbles, stewing, or eating fresh.
Stone Fruits
Apricots — Available, with Victorian varieties being consumed and Tasmanian varieties anticipated by the end of the month. Prices range from $5 to $8 per kilogram.
Nectarines — Approximately $5 per kilogram.
Peaches — Yellow and white peaches around $4 per kilogram in supermarkets. Flat peaches priced at approximately $10 per kilogram. Clingstone peaches expected through the end of March.
Flat Nectarines — Priced at about $1 each with limited availability.
Plums — Quality fruit expected through the end of March. The Queen Garnett plum is noted.
Other Fruits
Grapes — Currently offering good quality and value. New varieties such as sweet globe, ruby rush, crispy dream, and sweet sapphire are performing well. Sweet sapphire grapes are approximately $5 per punnet, candy snap varieties are around $8.50 per punnet in supermarkets. Prices have decreased from $20 to $5 per kilo since early summer.
Figs — Prices have decreased since February, with a current abundance.
Melons — Honeydew, rockmelon, and watermelon are readily available. Watermelon is priced at approximately $2 per kilogram. Prices for melons are increasing.
Pomegranates are available, and persimmons are in season during autumn.
Kiwifruit, Dragon Fruit, and Custard Apples are all available.
Lychees — Selling for $18 to $20 per kilogram in supermarkets. Erdon Lee lychees noted for size and flavor.
Cherries — Expected to be available for another six to eight weeks. Victorian varieties like Regina and Sylvia continue to arrive. Tasmanian cherries noted for quality, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 per kilogram for larger varieties. The season is nearing its end.
Strawberries are experiencing a later season following cold spring months in Victoria, selling for approximately $2 per punnet.
Mangoes — Remain of good quality. The season is concluding, with varieties shifting from Calypso to Keitts. Prices are between $3 and $5 each. The Northern Territory season has concluded, and the North Queensland season is near its end.
Limes are abundant.
Avocados — Hass avocados will be available for a few more weeks before the Shepard variety becomes dominant.
Supply Overview
Currently Available:
Apricots, Australian grapes, avocado, blackberries, cherries, green beans, lettuce, limes, lychees, mangoes (season ending), nectarines, peaches, plums, tomatoes, watermelon, zucchini.
Limited Supply:
Bananas, Brussels sprouts, red capsicum.
Anticipated Changes:
- Lemons: Supply expected to increase soon.
- Sugar snap peas: Prices likely to decrease soon.