As the first hints of spring start to unfurl across Australia, our gardens and greengrocers begin to burst with a bounty of fresh produce.

But did you know that among the seasonal delights, there's a secret superfood that's delicious and offers incredible value for money?

It's time to spotlight asparagus, the unsung hero of September's fruit and veg lineup.


John Biviano, a seasoned Melbourne greengrocer, is particularly excited about this year's asparagus season.

The local Victorian season is off to a flying start in Koo Wee Rup, Australia's largest asparagus-growing district.


Biviano, who runs Biviano & Sons in Fairfield, has already seen an influx of green and white asparagus, signalling a promising season ahead.

For budget-conscious people, green asparagus starts at about $3.99 a bunch but is expected to drop to under $2 as the season progresses.

This makes it the perfect time to experiment with new recipes, like shaving the spears raw into a soba salad with miso dressing or, if you have a bit more time to spare, indulging in Nigel Slater’s asparagus and filo rolls.


White asparagus, at around $39.99 a kilo, is considered a premium product.

Asparagus isn't the only vegetable offering great value this month.

Cauliflower is currently fairly priced, hovering around $3.50 a head.

When transformed into dishes like Anna Jones’ cauliflower fritters or Alice Zaslavsky’s panko-crumbed cauliflower and chicken rissoles, they're a feast for the eyes.

Broccoli, another member of the brassica family, is a steal at $3.50 a kilo. It's perfect for adding crunch and nutrition to a salad with dates, pecans, chilli, and snow peas.


However, not all produce is enjoying low prices. Josh Flamminio, owner and buyer at Galluzzo Fruiterers in Sydney's Glebe, advised that Australian cucumbers should be steered clear for now.

Due to bad weather, prices have soared to $14.99 a kilo.

Instead, he suggests opting for sugar snap peas and snow peas, which are not only 'absolutely beautiful' but also more affordable at $13 a kilo.

‘Celery, iceberg lettuce, English spinach. Now that it’s not so cold, they’ll really come in.’ he added.

Broad beans have also made their entrance, costing about $10 a kilo.


Celebrated for their health benefits, they're a versatile ingredient that can be turned into delicious dishes like Ottolenghi’s broad bean burger patties.

As for fruits, while we eagerly await the Queensland mango season, there are still plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Strawberries and blueberries have recovered and are available for less than $3 a punnet. Biviano raves about the jumbo blueberries, which are around $5.95 a punnet and are 'unbelievable – really good eating and sweet.'

Pineapples are ripe and ready at about $3.99 each, and while bananas are typically a steady fruit, excessive rain in Queensland has affected them, pushing prices up to around $5.99 a kilo.


For citrus lovers, blood oranges and cara cara oranges are still in good supply, while mandarins are nearing the end of their season.

The lumpy-skinned sumo mandarins are priced between $5 and $6 a kilo, and tourers are hanging on at about $3.50 a kilo.

Avocado enthusiasts can rejoice as the supply remains consistent year-round.

Flamminio recommends the reed avocados, at $2.50 each, as a delicious and cheaper alternative to the popular Hass variety.

‘They are creamy and beautiful, with a lot of thick flesh. They’re probably half the price and equally delicious.’ he said.

What are your favourite springtime recipes, and how do you make the most of the season's produce? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below.