The shiny red pomegranates glowing like Christmas are imports from the US. Australian pomegranates will hit the shops next autumn.

At its best

The pea family hits its straps in spring. Choose podded, snap and snowpeas. Try a salad of chilled cooked mixed peas, fresh goat's curd and torn mint.

Best buy

Asian vegetables are quick-growing so are usually cheap. Look for bunches with no yellow leaves. Don't limit them to Asian dishes.

In the vegie patch

Don't ditch the coriander when it bolts to seed. Native bees are drawn to coriander flowers and are excellent pollinators for eggplant and tomatoes.