It's hard to believe how fast the summer school holidays have gone. January seemed to race by, but it was great to have a few hot beach days. The first school term commences this week and life's routines will soon be in full swing. Summer produce is outstanding right now, especially the fresh fruits. Pineapples are an excellent buy; sweet and full of flavour. Have you ever tried cooking pineapple? They are delicious, sliced and roasted with some fresh grated ginger and maple syrup, or served with toasted coconut and passionfruit. Grapes are at their peak; red or green grapes are sweet, seedless and moreish. The new season apples have now arrived. The early varieties abas and royal gala are juicy and crunchy, perfect for appeasing the apple lovers. Soon, the local Glenloch apples will be available again. We will keep you posted. But perhaps the fruit which is wowing most customers is the yellow peach. Either clingstone or freestone, these fruits are as good as they can be, with excellent flavour and texture. Try baking some peach muffins, or if you want to make an impressive dessert, try a peach tart for your friends and family, they will love it.

The local new season potatoes are back on, so look out for nicola, dutch cream, sebago and desiree varieties. Ask the staff to recommend potatoes for particular cooking techniques. Kale is still plentiful, so whether you are making green juices or whipping up a pot of minestrone, this is a wonderful vegetable to enjoy. Best in season is sweet corn, hass avocadoes, tomatoes, eggplant and capsicum.

Look out for local biodynamic produce: zucchinis, cucumbers, mesclun, green beans, garlic, beetroot, cos lettuce and cherry tomatoes. If you haven't tried the cherry tomatoes, please do, they are small, sweet and exploding with tomato intensity. I recommend them warmed up for breakfast with onion, garlic and served with avocado on toast, or they can be chopped through a tabouli or quinoa salad. Even munching on a few while you're cooking dinner is a real treat.

All our suppliers that were closed for short periods in January are delivering again, including fresh meat and the usual bread deliveries. We look forward to seeing you at Organic Larder again soon.

Happy cooking and eating,

Kate