Australia's September harvest is a cornucopia of flavors, textures, and colors, offering a delightful array of produce for the discerning food enthusiast. From the humble artichoke to the tangy blood orange, this month's offerings are a testament to the country's agricultural prowess and the culinary possibilities they present.
One of the stars of the show is the artichoke, with its "humongous" size and peak season availability. Josh Flamminio, owner of Sydney's Galluzzo Fruiterers, raves about their "humongous" size, comparing them to "my whole palm." These giant artichokes are available at Galluzzo Fruiterers for $3.99 each, and at Happy Apple stores in Melbourne for $2 to $3 a piece. The season is fleeting, so act fast! Yotam Ottolenghi's baked sea bass recipe, featuring four large artichokes, is a must-try, though be prepared for the labor-intensive task of trimming the chokes.
Asparagus, another springtime favorite, is also in abundance. Michael Hsu, operational manager at Sydney's Panetta Mercato, attributes this year's particularly good growing season to the warmer winter. Graham Gee, senior buyer at Happy Apple, notes that prices are currently around $4 to $5 a bunch, but will drop significantly as supply increases. Hetty Lui McKinnon's cheesy asparagus loaf and Sami Tamimi's goat's cheese and za'atar tart are perfect ways to showcase this versatile vegetable.
Rhubarb, a classic autumnal staple, is also in high supply and quality. Flamminio describes it as "very thick and vibrant red." Rhubarb is available at Galluzzo Fruiterers for $3.99 a bunch, The Happy Apple for $4 to $5, and Panetta Mercato for $2 to $3. Helen Goh's rhubarb crumble with pear and hazelnuts, and Thomasina Miers' blood orange clafoutis, are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Blood oranges, a "real peak item" this month, are a steal at $2 per kilo at Panetta Mercato and $2.75 per kilo at supermarkets. Cara cara oranges, the cheapest citrus option, offer a tangier flavor compared to regular navel oranges and are also a great bargain at $2 per kilo at Panetta Mercato and $2.75 per kilo at supermarkets.
Pumpkins, in good supply and high yield, are a versatile ingredient. Graham Gee recommends buying a whole pumpkin and getting a meal out of it. When selecting a pumpkin, check the stalk area for dryness and the flesh for vibrancy. Butternuts are $2 to $3 per kilo at Happy Apple, and kents are $3 to $4 per kilo. Kishwar Chowdhury's mishti kumra bhaja, a Bengali dish that fries pumpkin with nigella seeds, is a cozy treat. And for soup lovers, Alice Zaslavsky's one-tray soup, featuring both kent and butternuts, is a perfect way to embrace the season.
Lettuces, cabbages, and other leafy greens are also plentiful and affordable. Iceberg lettuce and whole cabbages are available at Galluzzo Fruiterers for $2.99 each and $5.99 each, respectively. Major supermarkets offer similar prices. This is the perfect time to stock up on these versatile vegetables.
However, there are a few items to avoid. Cucumbers, currently "quite pricey" due to slow growth, are best left on the shelf. Limes, always expensive due to low supply, can be substituted with lemons for a similar acidic kick. Mangoes and grapes are still early in their season, so it's best to wait a bit longer for them to ripen.
In conclusion, Australia's September harvest is a foodie's dream, offering a wide range of fresh, seasonal produce. From the hearty artichokes to the tangy blood oranges, and the versatile pumpkins to the crisp lettuces, this month's offerings are a testament to the country's agricultural bounty. So, embrace the flavors of spring and autumn, and indulge in the culinary delights that Australia has to offer.
