Value-packed winter crops beat the weather blues

Fresh vegetables and fruit from growers throughout the country are in great supply this month as the cooler weather, frosty nights and increasing dry spells bring out the best in winter produce.

farming in the Canterbury area so we’ve seen tough conditions before, this year we’ve come through well and there’ll be good supply in the market,” he says.

Oakley’s brassica crops have had a mixed season.

“The prolonged wet weather in May has caused some water staining and head rot in the broccoli crops. This is hard to detect at harvest time and always shows up a few days after harvested which is a challenge.

“Broccoli planting has been a bit interrupted with the wet weather, so we expect to have a few supply fluctuations early in the spring,” says Oakley.

“We have a good supply of quality beetroot on its way to stores, but the wetter than normal autumn in Canterbury this year will likely impact on the keeping quality of our pumpkin crop.”

A great range of winter fruit this month injects a real burst of colour to in-store displays.

Tamarillos are at their peak in July and August. Fruit picked early in the season doesn’t have the same deep red colour as that picked later once the cold temperatures stimulate the fruit to produce anthocyanin which darkens the colour of the skin. Despite this, even the lighter-coloured fruit is ripe, sweet and full of flavour.

The crop is down a little on last year. With the majority of growers based in Northland, poor weather conditions will see an anticipated drop of about 30 tonnes supplied into the domestic wholesale market.

By mid-July, Navel oranges will be brightening up shelves. Like tamarillos, the crop will be slightly smaller than last year, but quality is looking outstanding, and these sweet, juicy winter favourites should be kept in good supply – especially before the weekend sports!

Retailers this month will be busy managing the constant turnover of winter crops, ensuring the very best of season’s bounty makes its way onto tables and into tummies. Even in the darkest days this month, the rainbow of colour in the produce aisle is a moodbooster.

Adverse weather conditions, particularly unprecedented rainfall in the North Island, have provided a challenge for growers this year, but most of the winter crops we’re used to seeing in stores this month have recovered from a tough start.

Founder and Managing Director of Oakley’s Premium Vegetables, Robin Oakley, says that overall, their 2023 crop yield is average or better than previous years.

“Quality is looking particularly good on the potato crops. We’re the fifth-generation

July’s cooler weather always drives shoppers to seek comfort food options and fresh produce with immunity-boosting nutritional benefits. Attractive, well-stocked displays in stores at this time of year are a welcome sight for those looking for healthy options, slow cooking favourites and fresh bursts of flavour.

Natural immunity support is increasingly popular amongst consumers. The country’s unique combination of a temperate climate and quality soils means Kiwi shoppers can access high value fresh produce rich in vitamins and minerals. Retailers have a key role to play in ensuring the crops that provide this essential nutrition get to where they’re most needed and that all our winter days are a little brighter with tasty, colourful fruit and vegetables. n