Winter is truly here and no better time for soups, stews and casseroles using some root vegetables such as swedes, turnips, pumpkins and sweet potatoes to provide some much needed sustenance along with your regular inclusions of broccoli and cauliflower. Some new characters on the scene are daikon (japanese radish) and kohlrabi both providing a colourful and healthy addition to any winter dish.

Queensland strawberries are on the way in now and prices should fall soon if the weather is good up north. Rockmelons and pineapples are sweet and a nice treat for winter. Mandarins are still good but lettuce is very slow due to the cold and frosts.

Food Matters, a DVD on how we have lost our way with our food production is available in store or can be hired for $6.00 and is a very educational watch for anyone who cares about what they eat.