🍅Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a Victorian kitchen workhorse, used across everything from breakfasts to braises, salads to sauces. Local supply peaks from spring through to early autumn, when the fruit is full of flavour and you can find a plethora of heirloom varieties, Roma, cherry, and vine-ripened at great prices.
In cooler months, supply shifts to Queensland and New South Wales, often bringing higher prices and a milder flavour profile.
Peak Season: October to April
Off Season: Sourced from northern states — expect firmer texture and less flavour
Common & readily available varieties: Gourmet, Roma, Cherry, Grape
Specialty & Heirloom Varieties: Oxheart, Black Russian, Purple Russian, Yellow Pear
Storage tips: Contrary to popular belief tomatoes are best stored at room temperature away from sunlight. If they start to overripen or you need a longer shelf life, refrigerate — but bring them back to room temp before serving for best flavour and texture.
| TOMATOES | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Tomato | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟡 Good | 🟠 OK |
🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
| Gourmet Tomato | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟡 Good | 🟠 OK |
🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
| Black Russian | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟡 Good |
🔴 Poor | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
🟡 Good | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
| Grape Tomato | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟡 Good | 🟠 OK |
🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
| Ox Heart / Bull | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟡 Good |
🔴 Poor | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
🟡 Good | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
| Heirloom Tomato | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
🟡 Good | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best Quality, Stable Price & Locally-Grown
Peak-season local produce at its freshest and most affordable. Excellent flavour, long shelf life, and reliable availability. Ideal for premium menus and consistent plating.
🟡 Good Quality, Variable Price
Often sourced from interstate. Still high quality, but pricing can shift depending on supply volumes and freight. A solid option with manageable cost.
🟠 OK - Variable Quality, Volatile Pricing
Typically freighted from distant states (QLD, WA or NT). Quality may be inconsistent, and pricing often fluctuates based on weather, fuel, and logistics. Use with caution in cost-sensitive menus.
🔴 Poor - Limited Supply, High Cost, and Imported
Availability is low or highly unpredictable. Often imported from overseas, resulting in shorter shelf life, lower flavour, and premium pricing. Suitable only for specialised or non-negotiable menu items.