Look out for fresh apples and great figs for sensational seasonal food

In now: There's a sudden influx of different apple varieties in stores as the end of last year's harvest is sold off. But there's no need to eat old apples. The Bilpin orchards all have fresh Royal Galas, and some have some interesting non-commercials too, such as and Kane. Make a day trip.

At its best: Expect great figs from now until April. Eat fresh; drape with prosciutto; pan-fry and pile atop salad; or roast and serve with crushed praline and vanilla ice-cream.

Best buy: Look for corncobs with plump, shiny, smooth kernels bursting with juice.

In the vegie patch: Protect ripening pomegranate from fruit fly.

Robinpowell.com.au