What’s in season in August: Australian mango season has arrived (yes, it’s very early!), bringing some good quality Kensington Prides; while Queensland strawberries and Coffs Harbour blueberries are plentiful in supply. Here’s our picks for the best seasonal winter fruits to enjoy this August.

Kensington Pride Mangoes

Australian mango season has arrived – and it’s much earlier than usual! Quality of the early-season Kensington Prides has been very good, with fruit already making its way to stores in Sydney and Melbourne. The super-early mangoes are the result of a drier than normal wet season, combined with warmer than usual winter weather with a very late cold snap; causing the trees to flower multiple times. We’re still expecting relatively low volumes over the coming weeks, with the bulk of the crop arriving in mid to late September. While prices are expected to remain high initially, they should begin to drop as the season hits its peak

Look for: yellow skin with an orange blush, but don’t look for this alone! Also go by touch, shape and smell when you’re selecting mangoes in-store.

Murcott Mandarins

We’re now half way through our Murcott Mandarin harvest, with harvest expected to be completed over the next week or so. The crop has developed some very good size and colour to complement the juicy, firm flesh. While the majority of our crop is set for export to China and Thailand, Australian shoppers will still find plenty of good quality Murcotts available in stores.

Look for: bright orange skin, firm (but not hard) flesh, and a fragrant citrus scent. 

Watch the video below to meet Tim & Jenny Ulcoq who grow Murcott Mandarins and other citrus for Red Rich Fruits!

Blueberries

Blueberries are starting to come in greater volumes out of Coffs Harbour, after lots of cold weather and rain earlier in the season created some difficult conditions. The weather has improved markedly so volumes are increasing and quality is now looking really good.

Look for: fruit with smooth skin with no wrinkles, and a deep blue colour all over.

Strawberries

Queensland strawberries are looking plentiful, with very good quality. Expect to see lower prices starting to come back in-store as volumes improve over the next few weeks.

Look for: strawberries should have a sweet and appealing scent, with plump flesh and a bright to deep red colour all over.

Lemons

With the majority of lemons now coming from Mildura, we’re still seeing plenty of volume and good quality.

Look for: fruit which is vibrant yellow in colour, firm to the touch, and with slight give when gently pressed.