Prices heat up at Rocklea markets

The heat is taking its toll on some fresh produce raising the price on good quality product but in g…

The heat is taking its toll on some fresh produce raising the price on good quality product but in general, there is plenty on your local fruit shop's shelves of great value-for-money.

Cabbage is the best vegetable buy of the week with good quality, bargain heads on offer.

Beans have improved in quality and price to be of reasonable value, as are good quality Asian vegetables, asparagus, beetroot, broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, celery, eggplant, fennel, snow peas, silverbeet, zucchini, onions, potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Brussels sprouts are expensive. Quality capsicum, squash, sweet corn, mushrooms and pumpkin are firmly priced. Once the pumpkin is cut, remove the seeds, wrap in plastic and store it in the refrigerator for a crisper result.

Coriander is heat affected and with less stock, is creeping up in price. However, most other herbs, tomatoes, lettuce, mixed leaf salad, cucumber and shallots are well priced.

Avocados are firmly priced but come with a range of health benefits, particularly for active, growing children or people watching their cholesterol intake, since it contains none.

Larger sized plums, apricots, peaches and nectarines are firmly priced but smaller fruit is cheaper.

The best buys are reasonably priced rockmelon, watermelon, honey dew and cherries.

Heat has affected the quality and price of strawberries and pawpaw, with other firmly priced fruit including good quality apples, bananas, blueberries, limes, navel and valencia oranges, European kiwifruit, mangoes and passionfruit. Pears, grapes, figs and lemons are expensive.