What’s in season, June: What’s in season: Winter has arrived! From Imperial mandarins and lemons to new-season Queensland strawberries and Coffs Harbour blueberries, here’s our picks for the best seasonal winter fruits to enjoy this June.

Strawberries

The Queensland strawberry season is in its very early days with early fruit quality looking good. We’re already getting some good volume, which is expected to grow over coming weeks as the season hits its stride.

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

Blueberries

Blueberries are currently coming from Coffs Harbour. We’re beginning to get some volume, but a frosty spell at the end of May has affected some early fruit. It will likely be a few weeks before the volume fully recovers.

Look for: Blueberries should have smooth skin and a deep blue colour all over.

Imperial Mandarins

Our Queensland Imperial Mandarin season is now drawing to a close. It’s been a bigger crop than usual, and fruit quality has been exceptional. The Victorian Imperial Mandarin season is now starting to pick up its pace, so we’ll still be seeing good volumes of fruit and great prices for some time yet. Keep an eye out for good deals on prepack Imperial Mandarins, along with the Red Rich Fruits label in stores. Watch the Mandarin update from our Gayndah Harvest below.

Look for: Imperial Mandarins should have an appealing fragrant citrus scent, and vivid orange skin. When gently pressed, Imperial Mandarins should feel firm but not hard; and the skin should feel slightly loose around the fruit.

Lemons

As with Imperial Mandarins, the Queensland lemon season is finishing up, with supply now starting to grow out of Victoria. The Eureka Lemon crop on our orchards in Hoddles Creek, Victoria has been developing some good size and colour, with harvest due to start very soon.

Look for: Test for ripeness by gently pressing the flesh near the pear’s stem. If the flesh is hard, leave it at room temperature and continue to check daily for ripeness. If the flesh gives slightly, it’s a good indication that the fruit is ripe for eating. It should either be eaten straight away, or moved to the fridge and consumed within 3 days.

Packham Pears

We’re seeing consistent volumes of Packham Pears coming out of Victoria and it’s tasting great. Keep an eye out for good deals on both loose and pre-packed fruit in stores.

Look for: The best way to test a pear’s ripeness is by gently pressing the flesh near the stem. Leave it to ripen another day before checking again if it’s hard; but if it has some give, it should be ripe and ready to eat.

Granny Smith & Pink Lady Apples

With harvests of all varieties winding down across Victoria, volumes of apples are starting to decrease. We’re still seeing some great prices, especially on loose and prepacked Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples.

Look for: Apples should be firm to touch and have an appealing apple aroma. The skin should be smooth with no bruising or wrinkles.

Murcott Mandarins

Murcott Mandarin harvest is due to commence on our citrus orchards in Gayndah, QLD in early July. Higher than normal overnight temperatures have pushed harvest back slightly, but we’re now seeing good colour starting to develop on the fruit. Watch the Mandarin update from our Gayndah Harvest above.