What’s in season this February: The 2022 apple and pear season is upon us, with quality looking exceptional and an abundant supply. New-season Keitt mangoes are making their way into stores now, while lemons and limes are providing excellent value. Here’s our must-have fruit picks for February.

Keitt Mangoes

Keitt Mangoes are being harvested right now in Mareeba. Good volumes are heading into stores, and the fruit is eating fantastically! Don’t be fooled by the green skin – Keitt mangoes naturally retain a green tinge on the outside, even when perfectly ripe, but the inside will be bright yellow, sweet and juicy.

Look for: A Pinky-red blush over a green base. Also go by touch, shape, and smell when selecting Keitt mangoes in-store.

Royal Gala Apples

The 2022 apple harvest is about to get underway, with Royal Gala the first new-season variety available each year. We’ve had plenty of rain on our orchards in the Yarra Valley, and the fruit has been developing beautifully with good size and colour. 

Over the next two months new-season fruit will become available across all apple lines as each new variety is harvested. Expect to see prices across most varieties falling as the season progresses.

Look for: Royal gala apples should have a bright pink/red colour over a yellow-green base. Fruit should be firm to the touch; with flesh and skin that are free from bruising, and an appealing fresh aroma.

William & Lanya Pears

The 2022 pear season has just kicked off! Our first ‘Lanya’ pears of the season have just been picked on our orchards in the Yarra Valley. Harvest of William pears is also underway, with the variety increasing in availability over the next couple of weeks.

Look for: Test for ripeness by gently pressing the flesh near the pear’s stem. If the flesh gives slightly, it’s a good indication that the fruit is ready to eat.

Lemons

Queensland-grown lemons are just around the corner, with a flood of good-quality fruit expected over the coming weeks. Lemon prices have been relatively high during December and January, but should fall quite rapidly as volumes increase.

Look for: Lemons should be vibrant yellow in colour, and firm to the touch with slight give when gently pressed.

Limes

Limes are plentiful at the moment, which has been helping to keep the prices low. Fruit quality has improved substantially throughout January, with some excellent quality limes now available.

Look for: Limes should be vibrant green in colour, firm to the touch, and give slightly when gently pressed.

Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots & Plums

Stonefruit quality has been exceptional this year, with sweet juicy fruit available across the board on plums, peaches, nectarines and apricots. We’ve seen strong volumes across all lines, along with some great prices in stores. While we’re nearing the end of the season for peaches, nectarines and apricots (make the most of them while you can!), plums will continue on for another month or so yet.

Look for: Smooth, unblemished fruit with an appealing fresh fragrance, & plump flesh that gives slightly when gently pressed.