Australia is one of the few countries lucky enough to be able to grow the vast majority of its fruit and veg at home.
That means we’re fairly sustainable when it comes to air miles and the carbon emissions associated with food transportation. Plus, we get to eat all the best stuff when it’s at its most ripe and delicious.
Of course, doing so means buying things when they’re in season. Doing so is not only the best practice for your health, but it also has a serious impact on your wallet too. If saving a few bucks is at the top of your priority list right now — and who isn’t — then here’s a round-up of what you should be buying over the coming months.
What’s in Season Now
The environmental not-for-profit Sustainable Table aims to help people strengthen their connection between their diet and the health of the planet. In doing so, they’ve created this handy guide that lays out all the fruit and veg that you should be dining on during search season.
In spring, September to November, there’s a whole heap of fruit coming to supermarkets soon.
These include apples, bananas, cherries, grapefruits, lemons, limes, lychees, mandarins, mangos, oranges, papayas, pineapples, strawberries, and watermelons.
The consumer group Australian Mangoes have said that a strong pre-season has meant there’s going to be tonnes of the juicy fruits available towards the end of the month.
“National distribution levels are due to reach 230,000 trays in late September – with Aussies expected to indulge in close to 180 million mangoes over the coming months,” they said in a statement.
On the veg side of things, you’ve got a tonne to choose from, including artichokes, Asian greens, avocados, beans, beetroot, brussel sprouts, cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn, eggplants, leeks, lettuces, onions, spring onions, parsnips, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, shallots, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, tomatoes, watercress, and zucchini.
And to wrap it up with a little spice, the herbs that are coming in strong right now are basil, chillies, chives, corriander, dill, garlic, ginger, lime leaves, lemongrass, mint, organo, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme.
The above gives you a pretty decent range for your next shopping list and these items should be the cheapest compared to other produce.
However, recent flooding in NSW and southern QLD has affected this year’s harvest and farmers have previously warned that fruit and vegetable prices will be higher this season.
This adds to the ongoing cost of living crisis which is driving up the price of everything at the moment, so don’t expect to find the above produce at rock bottom prices.
Related: Here’s How Growing Your Own Veggies Could Lower Your Food Bill — and How It Can’t
Related: Boomerang Generation: Millions Are Moving Back in With Mum and Dad Due to Cost of Living
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