Foodstuffs South Island produce expert Justin Dykhoff shares his ‘pick of the pack’ in a topsy-turvy produce season
Even in a typical year, no two days or seasons are the same for New Zealand’s produce growers. No one knows this better than Justin Dykhoff, Foodstuffs South Island’s Produce Manager, who together with his team of people based in Christchurch, are responsible for buying a significant portion of South Island’s produce that can be found in PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square and Raeward Fresh stores.
Justin’s been choosing the pick of the pack for 12 years now and says this year has been like no other, with extreme weather and higher-than-average rainfall impacting this year’s winter crops.
"While we haven’t been as badly impacted in the South Island compared to the North, low propagation or new seedlings for some produce like strawberries is going to limit supply and that means customers are likely to see a huge variety of what fruit and vegetables are available from week to week.
“Products produced nationally in one region like Northland kūmara have been impacted across both islands as well hothouse grown product like tomatoes because of low sun and disease.
Justin says planning meals around what’s in season and instore will help Kiwis get more value from their grocery shop.
“Supermarkets can source some produce year-round, but the best value is always when it's in peak season, that’s when it is in plentiful in supply,” he says.
Justin’s pick of the pack this season
“Broccoli has gone well in the South Island this year and there are great tasting staples like carrots and parsnips. Brussel sprouts are another great winter crop that is currently in plentiful supply.
“Potatoes from Invercargill, Dunedin and Canterbury are extremely versatile and represent great value at the moment. Winter vegetables like Canterbury pumpkin and Nelson cabbage also offer value-for-money due to their large size.
“Our cabbages weigh on average around 1.8 kilograms so the amount of value you can get from one cabbage for your home cooked dinner is pretty substantial.”
Fruit like green and gold kiwifruit as well as Nelson apples are full of vitamins and are a perfect in season option for kid's lunchboxes – you can tell the gold kiwifruit from the green by its smoother skin.
Justin says customers should continue keep an eye out on what’s instore on a regular basis.
“For some parts of the country it’s going to be a pretty topsy turvy season for produce so to get the best bang for your buck my biggest tip is to stay flexible, and if you need a helping hand lean on online tools for recipe ideas like the PAKn’SAVE Savey Meal-bot app and New World recipe website to make the most of what you’ve got on hand,” he says.
Justin’s other tip
As of the 1 July Foodstuffs North and South Island has removed all single use plastic produce bags from all its supermarkets. The most environmentally friendly option is to remember to bring a reusable bag from home or purchase a reusable bag instore if you’ve forgotten to bring one from home.