Robin Powell's fresh food picks: mangoes are at their peak

In now: Passionfruit dehydrate at room temperature so are best stored in a plastic bag in the fridge where they'll stay juicy for a month.

Pick your own: Primarily a blueberry grower, Clyde River Berry Farm also grows strawberries and blackberries and is open daily for pick-your-own through December and January. Add a visit to south coast holiday plans.

Best buy: It's peak mango season, with Kensington Prides coming from Katherine, Bowen, Townsville and Mareeba. Buy a tray.

In the vegie patch: Plant rainbow chard for its heat-hardy, easy-grow qualities and good looks that suit anywhere in the garden.

robinpowell.com.au