David Stewart: Bad weather leads to shortages on the shelves

Last week I warned of upcoming shortages on some green vegetable lines, well it started last Thursday morning when I walked onto the market floor.

Cauliflower and celery prices had doubled overnight and baby spinach was nonexistent.

When we get adverse weather conditions with lots of rain as we have had lately, growers are restricted at what they can do out in the paddocks.

Planting patterns and growing cycles are delayed, therefore causing shortages.

On the positive side the asparagus, broccoli and courgette crops are flourishing and prices are attractive, they will be your best buys this week.

Interesting fact, for over 30 years now I have been buying and selling courgettes grown by B E Ming and family from Waimauku West Auckland.

It is quite amazing in today's world that some things don't change.

The fresh new season Pukekohe carrots and potatoes are proving very popular in the shop and with an increased supply of carrots this week you will find better prices available.

Your choice of the new season potatoes is either Ilam hardy or agria.

The Ilam hardy potatoes are best boiled and the agria roasted, chipped or mashed.

Northland kumara prices are on the rise which unfortunately happens at this time of year.

Wastage in the stored product forces the growers to demand higher prices if we want kumara for Christmas.

We have a reasonable supply of Hawke's Bay crown pumpkins, a good supply of New Caledonia buttercup and a fresh shipment of Tongan butternut to satisfy you roast dinner fans.

All salad vegetables have been extremely good buying over the last few weeks.

Avocado, capsicum, cucumber, lettuce and tomato prices are perfect for this time of year so please indulge.

The only hiccup with supply of the hothouse grown capsicums, cucumbers and tomatoes is when we don't get enough sunshine hours which slows the growth patterns.

Strawberries are the most popular fruit item this week, a combination of good prices and lovely looking fresh berries. All of this early fruit is coming from the Waikato or Auckland regions and we will hopefully see some local berries towards the end of this week or next week at the latest.

Apple supplies are adequate with prices firming, Gisborne navel oranges continue in good supply and we have been paying more for top quality kiwifruit over the last few days, it is that time of year again.

Your selection of other citrus will be both New Zealand or Australian tangelos and mandarins, local grapefruit, ugly fruit and lemons.

The Hawke's Bay pear season is coming to a close with the beurre bosc and packham varieties being your best buys. Imported US pears will fill the gap over summer.

A nice surprise arrived last Saturday with the first tray of new season Gisborne grown nectarines.

They were not big nectarines but they were nice and just a taste of what's to come for summer.

Remember to buy what is in season and on special.

- David Stewart is the owner of The Fresh Market Gate Pa and home delivery service mygreengrocer.co.nz