What’s in season this March: The 2022 apple and pear season is gathering pace with new-season Royal Gala and Fuji apples and Williams and Bosc pears in stores now. Here’s our must-have fruit picks for March.

Royal Gala, Fuji & MiApple® Apples

New-season apples are here with harvest of royal gala, miapple, and fuji varieties already underway. conditions have been Favourable at our yarra valley orchards in the lead up to harvest, which has helped to produce an excellent crop. The fruit is eating fantastically. Expect to see prices across most varieties falling as the season progresses.

Look for: Royal Gala, MiApple® and Fuji varieties should have a bright pink or 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 & Beurré Bosc Pears

The 2022 pear season is now in full swing with harvest of ‘Lanya’ and Williams varieties beginning last month, and Beurré Bosc harvest commencing on our Yarra Valley orchards in the first week of March. 2022 has brought our best crops yet, with our Beurré Bosc variety in particular seeing some exceptional quality.

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.

Brooks Mangoes

Australian mango season is nearing its end, but there’s still the late-season ‘Brooks’ mango to come! This medium-sized mango has a pale orange skin with no blush, and tasty flesh with a sweet flavour. Brooks mangoes have begun arriving at our distribution centre in Eastern Creek, and will be the last mangoes until next season, so keep a look out for them in stores through until late march.

Look for: A pale orange skin with no blush. Also go by touch, shape, and smell when selecting Brooks mangoes in-store.

Lemons

Queensland-grown lemons are in abundance right now, with a flood of good-quality fruit producing some excellent in-store prices for shoppers. Expect to see plenty of lemons around in the lead up to Easter.

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

Peaches, Nectarines & Plums

Stonefruit season is continuing on with some fantastic quality this year across all lines. Nectarines are expected to continue for another couple of weeks, with peaches going for another week or two after that. Plum volumes continue to grow so expect to see plenty of these for a while yet.

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