Fresh now

New in Non-astringent persimmons can be eaten hard like apples. Lisa De Maria from Mourquong Fine Foods says they're great in salads and also dry beautifully.

Garlic tip Don't discard sprouting garlic, advises Deri-Anne Wyatt from Angelica Organic Farm. The sprouts are fine to eat and recent research suggests they have higher antioxidants than younger cloves.

Try this Central Highlands Herbs has started picking its winter chervil crop. The delicate herb's mild aniseed flavour can be used to season an omelette or make herb butter for steak.

In the vegie patch Plan what fruit trees you'll plant in winter, choosing varieties that best suit your climate and soil.

Accredited farmers' markets Saturday, May 3: Echuca, Golden Plains (Bannockburn), Kingston (Highett), Koonwarra, Sunraysia (Mildura), Veg Out (St Kilda), Woodend and Sunday, May4: Castlemaine, Hurstbridge, Flemington, Tallarook, the Substation (Newport).
SOPHIE O'NEIL vicfarmersmarkets.org.au