Short Black: Fresh now

In now: Low-chill peaches seduce those of us tiring of apples, pears and citrus. Hold off – the peachiest flavour is months away.

At its best: Around this time of year the secondary shoots of broccoli that grow when the main head is cut are sold as bunch or baby broccoli. This is not the same as broccolini, which is a cross between broccoli and gai laan. Both are delicious, but the broccolini, which is grown under licence, is pricier.

Best buy: Asparagus is at its peak for the next few months.

In the vegie patch: Guard emerging seedlings against snail and slug rampages.