As the weather warms up, we should start seeing more rockmelons come to market. Sweet eating and aromatic small, Queensland rockmelons are terrific value

Pineapples are worth picking up this week. Choose firm fruit which feels heavy for its size. Pineapple does not ripen after harvesting. A pleasing perfumed aroma indicates a good flavour.

Nutritious Brussels sprouts are a value buy this week. Add a kilo to your shopping list

The longer and slightly warmer days are yielding a slight increase in the volume of zucchini, and that means prices have come back

In winter, roast, pan-fry or braise mild aniseed-flavoured fennel. Select plump fennel bulbs with fresh-looking feathery fronds attached. Refrigerate in the crisper section. Use within five days. Fennel goes with tomatoes, eggplant, olives, citrus, onion, cheese, potatoes, lamb, pork, chicken, seafood, cream, grapes, plums, apples, ham, pears, pasta and gnocchi

Quality Asian greens add flavour and a delightful crunch to stir-fries. Bok choy and pak choy (also known as baby bok choy and Shanghai bok choy) are mild flavoured, fast to cook and good value

Nutritious Brussels sprouts are full of goodness, and the quality is superb

Mushrooms are packed with flavour and nutrients and ideal for adding to soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, meatloaf or spaghetti bolognaise

Cauliflowers are bursting with goodness. Roast a tray of spiced cauliflower to serve with a tahini yoghurt dressing or warm up with a creamy style cauliflower and leek soup.

Globe artichokes are a striking vegetable with a unique and subtle flavour. Early supplies of artichokes are from Victoria and growers in the Sydney basin

Jerusalem artichokes have an interesting nutty flavour and a texture similar to a potato. The tubers are ideal for soups and winter salads; they are also tasty roasted. Choose firm, smooth even-sized artichokes which are free of soft spots. Scrub well or peel before cooking.

Orange sweet potato, also known as kumara, is delicious. Serve mashed, roasted or add to curry