Fresh: Mandarins are back in season

In now: Our most popular mandarin, the baggy-skinned, sweet Imperial, was discovered in Sydney in 1890 when the city was home to lots of citrus orchards. Most of the crop now comes from Queensland.

At its best: The lusciously sweet flesh of custard apple is an unlikely looking treat, especially if the fruit has cold-store black spots on its lumpy green skin. Don't judge.

Best buy: Young ginger is pink-tinged and pretty but doesn't keep as well as mature roots. Buy in small amounts, or buy big and pickle.

In the vegie patch: Coriander, chervil and rocket grow best in cooler weather.

Robinpowell.com.au