Overview of Parsnips Parsnips have been cultivated for their sweet roots since ancient times. The Romans frequently grew vegetables. In fact, Emperor Tiberius adored parsnips and, every year, had them brought from France where the colder climate allowed the roots to develop a sweeter flavour. The British are particularly fond of this vegetable. It was […]

Overview Many archaeologists, botanists, and food historians believe onions originated in central Asia. Other research suggests onions were first grown in Iran and West Pakistan. It is presumed our predecessors discovered and started eating wild onions very early – long before farming or even writing was invented. Very likely, this humble vegetable was a staple in […]

Overview of Cucumbers It is generally agreed that cucumbers originated in India and have been under cultivation for at least 3000 years. From India, the plant was introduced into China and then into the West. Both the Greeks and the Romans knew and grew the cucumber. With the possible exception of some gherkins grown in […]

Overview of Mushrooms The word mushroom is derived from the French word for fungi and moulds. One day, around 1650, a melon grower near Paris discovered these vegetables growing on his growth fertiliser. He decided to cultivate this new exotic delicacy commercially and to introduce it in exclusive Parisian restaurants. It was at that time […]

Leeks Production in Australia (2019) Overview of Leeks The leek, a cousin of the onion, is a member of the Liliaceae family. Originally from central Asia, it has been consumed since ancient times. It was on the menu of the Egyptians and later the Romans, pioneers of gastronomy, used it plentifully in their cuisine, especially […]

Asian Vegetables (Leafy) Production in Australia (2019) Overview Leafy Asian vegetables refer to a range of similar vegetables such as bok choy, pak choy, gan lan and wombok. This is also known as Chinese cabbage. These names also have various other synonyms in different parts of the world. Cabbage (Asian Vegetable) There is no evidence […]

Head Lettuce Production in Australia (2019) Overview Head lettuce refers to all of those lettuce products that are mainly sold in a headed form. One of the most popular forms of this is iceberg lettuce. Moreover, these vegetables are often sold very close to the populated parts of the country. Iceberg Lettuce This is probably […]

Grapefruits and the Recent Rise in the Market Grapefruit is part of the citrus family and grows in clusters on the tree, like grapes – this is said to be where the name originates. Grapefruits come in a variety of colours including yellow, pink and red, and they have a variety of tastes from sweet to sour. Grapefruit […]

Lychee and the Australian Agricultural World Rich in vitamin C, lychee also has more than 100% of the daily requirement of ascorbic acid (ABA) in a single serving which works exceptionally well for boosting the immunity. Lychee is loaded with a great number of fibres. These fibres regulate the bowel movement by ensuring its smooth […]

Pineapple Production and its Sudden Growth Pineapples are a multiple fruit, which means they grow from a cluster of up to 150 fertilised flowers that join together. They can take up to two years to be ready for harvesting. After a pineapple has been cut from its parent plant another fruit will start to develop […]

Flourishing of the Capsicum Industry Capsicums, also known as bell peppers, are flourishing and grown in almost all states of Australia due to their popularity. However, the majority of the production occurs in the outdoors of Queensland. Nonetheless, capsicums are also being grown all year-round in high tech greenhouses in the southern states of Australia. […]

Growth of the Canned Fruit Production in Australia The growth of the canned deciduous fruit business is primarily based in the Goulburn-Murray Valley region of Victoria, processing Australian apples, apricots, peaches, pears and plums at Shepparton. The canned fruits industry does not have a specific biosecurity plan or manual but has developed plans and manuals […]

Agricultural Updates in Australia (2019) The global pandemic will impact the agriculture sector for at least the next decade, water and labour shortages continue to worry farmers and the global population just continues to rise – so what is there to feel so optimistic about in Australasian agriculture? If you ask Paul Luxton, head of […]

Potato Production and Growth in 2019 Potatoes like a fertile, deeply dug moist, acidic soil with a pH of less than 6. They do not grow well in heavy clay or a limed soil, which promotes potato scab. To avoid this, always rotate your potato patch each year. Many older varieties of potatoes have lost […]

Citrus Export Update- October Citrus Fruit and Nut Growing in Australia The Citrus Fruit, Nut and Other Fruit Growing industry grows a range of produce, including citrus fruits, almonds, bananas, berries, avocados, olives and other fruits and nuts. Moreover, industry participants sell these products to food wholesalers, retailers, processors and other markets. Industry revenue is […]

Soaring Fruits and Vegetables Supply during the Victorian Lockdowns Due to the lockdowns and closures of hospitality establishments and the food services, the Victorian fruit and vegetable suppliers are facing a high demand during the winter months. However, Hari Yellina of Orchard Tech states that there has been a consistent and steady availability of two […]

Fresh Parsley and Other Fresh Herbs Production (2019) Overview Fresh herbs, including parsley, are predominantly grown in almost all states of Australia. They are specially grown in market gardens near the major capitals. In the present times, increasing volumes are being grown in high-tech greenhouses all year long. Types of Herbs Lemon Myrtle Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia […]

Fennel Production in Australia (2019) Overview Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a perennial that grows to 2 metres or more, and at least 50cm across. The leaf has a strong anise scent and flavour, and the buttery yellow flowers appear in summer and autumn. The more common green fennel is a noxious weed in some regions so […]

Fresh Eggplants Production in Australia (2019) Overview Due to the immense popularity and demand, eggplants are grown all across Australia. However, the majority of the production occurs along the east coast. In the current scenario, these vegetables are grown outdoors. Nevertheless, due to the growing popularity of this vegetable, they are being grown all year-round […]

Capsicum Production in Australia (2019) Overview Capsicums, also known as bell peppers, are grown in almost all states of Australia due to their popularity. However, the majority of the production occurs in the outdoors of Queensland. Nonetheless, capsicums are also being grown all year-round in high tech greenhouses in the southern states of Australia. Furthermore, […]