MARKET WATCH

Bananas Prices up because of unusually low supply for this time of year.

Sav-sem from the west

STELLA BELLA winemaker Janice McDonald knows just how first-rate Margaret River chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon can be, but it is the sauvignon blanc-semillon blend that's too often neglected, by winemakers and punters. So McDonald is actively trying to change that attitude.

Ripe ... Custard Apple

Only a few weeks are left in the season of the custard apple. After September, we won't see the exotic fruit again until March next year. Don't let the fruit's bumpy green skin deter you. Inside you'll find sweet, juicy, creamy flesh. Choose custard apples that are firm to touch. They bruise easily so it can be better to ripen a little at home - stick it in a brown paper bag with a banana. A ripe custard apple, like an avocado, gives a little to pressure and one fruit contains almost no fat and ...

Ripe ... Dragon Fruit

Throughout much of Vietnam, from some of its big cities to country villages, pavements are dotted with exotic fruit stalls - mounds of star fruit, custard apples or hairy rambutan colour the roadside. One fruit in particular is often the source of much curiosity - the dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or strawberry pear.

Ripe ... Lychees

My memory of lychees harks to the '80s when my teenage friends and I encountered these strange exotic fruit (most probably from the can) aside our vanilla ice-cream at the local cheap and cheerful Chinese noshery. At the time I didn't ever like their "musty" taste and slippery texture. These days the lychee has a slightly higher profile; we can find them at fresh-produce markets when they're in season (November-February) rather than having to go to the canned imported items aisle of the ...

Exotic Fruit Of Ancient Orient

In times long past, Eastern and Western paths crossed to deliver this juicy fruit that we enjoy so much today.

Planting The Seeds For Better Lifestyle

THERE are not many streets in the Illawarra that can boast a collection of exotic fruit trees as varied as mango, lime and loquat.

Lychees

It wasn't long ago that the tropical lychee was an exotic fruit served in restaurants and eaten only by a select few in the know.

Fruits Of Hard Work

ITS name is synonymous with Hunter market produce and exotic fruit.

Wall Flowers

Turn a common garden feature into a backdrop for climbers or exotic fruit trees, writes John Stowar.