Prices of mandarins have firmed up a little as supplies from the southern states are not in full swing yet, and the Queensland fruit is just about finished. Navel oranges are good value

Plump, soft and caramel-sweet in flavour and fresh dates are also good sources of vitamin C, which is essential for helping prevent infection. Add dates to a curry, enjoy them as a snack, or whip a delicious sticky date cake.

Ruby red rhubarb has a distinct tangy flavour that teams superbly with apples, nashi, pears, cinnamon, lemon rind, ginger, and cream to make warming winter desserts. Rhubarb is a popular winter buy

Tangy lemons are plentiful and good value. Soothe sore throats with warmed lemon juice and a spoonful of honey, or add lemon juice and rind to puddings and cheesecakes. Tangy lemon tarts are delicious or add a squeeze of lemon juice to a soup to sharpen the flavour

So many delicious apples are now available at your local greengrocer; it makes good sense to cook with them. Traditional favourites include Granny Smith and Golden Delicious, but Fuji and Pink Lady also have a higher sugar content, which means they hold their shape well when cooking, making them all perfect for baked apples. These granola and maple syrup baked apples are delicious served hot or cold.

Delicately scented, exotic quinces are in season from March to August, with the peak of the season being April to June. Quinces are best cooked and can be used in sweet and savoury dishes. Cooked quince flesh is soft and sweet. Quinces can be stewed, baked, poached, or used to make jams, jellies, and pastes. They are superb slowly simmered in sugar and cinnamon syrup.