Demand for vegetables lifts

Press, 9 February 1989, Page 11

Demand for vegetables lifts

The cooler weather this week created a renewed interest in vegetables, with most lines firming slightly. Parsnips, not yet in full supply, attracted an eager market at $l6 a 10kg bag. Auctioneers predict this line will remain in limited supply throughout the run as weather conditions were not favourable for growing. Demand for carrots had lifted slightly to $6 to $9 a 20kg bag. Spinach and asparagus were two other lines selling well, but in slightly short supply. Spinach was $lO to $l2 for 10 bunches, and asparagus averaged $42 a half-case. Potatoes remained firm in price and looked to stay that way throughout the rest of the year, said one of the market managers. Potatoes fielded prices from $lO to $l2 a 20kg bag, $4 to $5 a 10kg bag, and Red King $6 a skg

bag- x Sweet corn became available in greater

volumes, bringing prices back to $6 to $7 a case, short cucumbers were 30c to 50c each and telegraph cucumbers 30c to $1 each. Cauliflower were still the most expensive line at up to $l.BO each, but cabbage sold $5 to $7 a bag, and red was $4 a bag. Salad lines generated an average demand. Lettuce was 50c to 80c each, parsley up to $2.50 a bunch, and green capsicums up to $2 a kilogram. Red capsicums were much dearer at up to $6 a kilogram. Celery was plentiful at up to $lO a carton of nine and $lO to $l2 a carton of 12. Spring onions were up to $5 for 12 bunches, and radish $2 to $l2 for 12 bunches.

Kumara eased in price to $4O a case, as did

pumpkin to $lO an Bkg bag for buttercup, and $2B a ■ 30kg bag for crown. Table onions were $l4 a 20kg bag, and jumbo $lB a 20kg bag.

There was an increasingly poor demand for tomatoes and auctioneers blamed this on home gardeners enjoying a bumper crop of tomatoes this year. All 4.5 kg cartons sold for $2 to $5 for local tomatoes, $2 to $4 for Nelson, and $2 to $4.50 for Blenheim and outdoor crops. Quality was not the best this week as most of the fruit was past the best, but new season outdoor crops promised an excellent quality, the auctioneer said. . Most berry fruit was in demand, but the main season is ended. The last of the fruit attracted buyer attention at $9 to $l2 a tray of blackberries, and $8 to $l6 a tray of strawberries.

The price variations reflect the quality.

Nashi was available in large quantities — almost nine times the amount available at the same time last year.

Market managers said this was the result of more Nashi growers eagerly seeking a place in the market this year. The fruit sold for up to $7 a tray yesterday. Although the quality of stonefruit varied, there was still some excellent fruit available.

Apricots are just about finished, with prices firming to $1.50 to $2.80 a kilogram. Nectarines were 40c to 60c a kilogram, peaches 50c to 80c a kilogram, and plums $1 to $2.50 a kilogram.

There was a good supply of most imported fruits at the market this week, with Californian oranges and lemons, Australian oranges and red and white grapes, Ecuador bananas and limes. Some pineapple was also selling sell. Albany Beauty apples were still meeting a constant demand at $13.95 for 15kg, and Bon Chretian pears were $16.80 for 18kg. Method:Wash and trim aubergine, but do not peel. Cut into thick slices, and layer these, sprinkling with salt, in a colander. Cover with a plate and weight on top, and leave

to drain for at least an hour, or several hours. Cut aubergine into Icm dice. Heat oil in a medium-sized saucepan and saute aubergine, garlic and capsicum for about 5 minutes.

Stir in remaining ingredients, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook gently for about 30 minutes, stirring now and then. Taste, and season with pepper if needed, and serve hot over freshly cooked pasta. Sprinkle with a little freshly-grated parmesan cheese at the table. Serves four to five. Today’s Recipe AUBERGINE SAUCE FOR SPAGHETTI 1 aubergine, about 375 g. 1 tsp salt. 3 tbsp olive oil. 2 cloves garlic, crushed. 1 large capsicum, chopped. 500 g tomatoes, peeled and chopped. 12 to 14 pitted, black olives. 2 tbsp capers. li/ 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano (or x /z tsp dried). li/ 2 tsp chopped fresh basil (or »/ 2 tsp dried). 150 ml dry white wine.