It’s no secret that there is a trend towards moving away from buying fruit and veg from the supermarket and buying it from greengrocers or specialist fruit and vegetables shops. We’ve all heard of the apples being in the deep freeze for months before reaching the supermarket shelves and the proof is in the eating and the staying power. Whatever you’ll buy from the supermarket will last less than a week while you’ve paid a premium price. The point was really hammered home to me when I started buying produce from Kirribilli markets. It was a revelation. My lettuce lasted for ages without going brown and shrivelled. The avocadoes ripened quickly and beautifully and when I sliced them open there was not a speck of black, only the most gorgeous unblemished green. The Spanish onions were cheap and lasted for weeks, perhaps more but we used them all. If I could buy all of F&V there I would but since they’re only at Kirribilli once a month, I’m left to fend for myself in the F&V wilderness.
Kirribilli markets
When I heard that Flemington markets had set up a markets to you delivery service where they delivered to you a box of fresh F&V for $45 I was curious. $45 is the Movers box, ideal for couples. There is also a Standard box suited to a family of 4 for $55 and a Family box which is 1.5 times the size of the Standard box for $68, all delivery costs included. I never get out to Flemington markets, it’s too far away and they close too early on weekends for me. So this was the next best thing. And I love being a guinea pig so I was eager to try this service.
Ordering was fairly easy, they have a website where you specify which items you want and don’t want and then pay online. You can also choose 1/2 size, full size or double size serves of a particular fruit or veg. There was a glitch in the payment area, I didn’t get the chance to put in my credit card but the website thought that I did. A customer service person Patty rang me that afternoon to take my credit card number and she gave me some hints as to how to order. She suggested taking out celery and lettuce and items that take up a lot of room. I told her that I really love baby spinach, mixed salad leaves and rocket and a function where I could put a preference for certain items would be useful. She let me know that I would receive an email asking for feedback and that I should put that in.
My haul $45
One thing I did have issue with was the courier, Fastway couriers. I’ve previously had very bad experiences with them as our intercom doesn’t work all of the time and despite being given instructions to call us they never do so we don’t get our packages. I expressed my concerns to Patty and she said that she would try and get one of their own delivery people to deliver it to me. She called back later saying that she wasn’t able to get them to deliver to our area on that day but she had put a large note on top with our number and not to leave it at the door.
The note about the intercom, of course ignored by the courier …
And of course you guessed it, on the day of delivery, Fastway just left the box downstairs at the front door without calling us. Luckily there was no-one wanting a free box of fruit and veg. And of course there is a very clear note on the top saying “CUSTOMER WILL BE HOME ALL DAY, DO NOT LEAVE AT FRONT DOOR. PLEASE CALL XXXX XXX XXX FOR CUSTOMER TO COME DOWN” which was promptly ignored.
I received a 45cms x 30cms x 30cms box about 2/3 rds full (it should have been about 1/2 full). This is what I received, a rather impressive haul I thought:
- Apple: 3 x green = 380g
- Apple: 3 x Royal Gala = 346g
- Baby spinach: 86g bag
- Bananas: 2 green 2 yellow =642g
- Bean Sprouts: 250g bag
- Broccoli: 1 head 384g
- Capsicum: 1 red 246g
- Carrots: 5x=470g
- Cauliflower: 1/2 head 502g
- Chinese Cabbage: 1/2 head 1.108kg
- Continental parsley: 1 large bunch
- Coriander: 1 bunch
- Cucumber: 2x=258g
- Eggplant: 1x small=250g
- Grapes: 1 bunch 398g
- Lemon: 1 large 186g
- Lettuce hydro: x1
- Mandarins: 6x=510g
- Mixed leaf salad: 100g bag
- Onion: 1x red=164g
- Oranges: 3x=924g
- Parsley: 1 large bunch (Continental)
- Parsnip: 1 large 284g
- Potatoes: 7 large Desirees =1.784kg
- Rocket: 92g bag
- Rockmelon: 1 x 1.176kg
- Shallots: 1 bunch 5 shoots
- Sweet Potato: 2x =680g
- Tomatoes: 4 vine ripened =546g
- Zucchini: 2x= 300g
Total cost $45 including delivery -13.8kgs including box weight
I missed out on 1 spanish onion, a lot of baby spinach, rocket and mixed salad and 1 parsnip. However I can’t complain in the slightest as I suspected I had overpacked my shopping list. However as I mentioned, a facility where you can rate the importance of the items would be useful as I would have happily ditched the oranges, some potatoes or chinese cabbage for my beloved salad leaves.
Rocket with brown spots (1/4 was unmarked)
After 4 days
Capsicum with worm-organic without the benefits
As the week went on, I noticed that some items went bad quite quickly, a mandarin turned black within 3 days, my one and only red capsicum had a large worm boring through it (yes I heard from my vegetarian in laws that it means that it’s closer to being organic but do I care? I needed to go to the store now to buy a replacement for the dinner party), the rockmelon started to go bad after 3 days, most of the rocket had brown spots on it and a tomato started to go bad after 4 days.
After 1 or 2 days
The worst item (apart from the capsicum with the ghastly worm) was probably the hydro lettuce which I tried to eat a day or two after receiving it only to find that it had brown spots all over it and I could only salvage a tiny handful of the entire lettuce.
After 1.5 weeks most of the items had started to deteriorate so I wouldn’t necessarily use this for a 2 week shop like some people might want to. The items that remained in good condition for a 2 week period were the sweet potatoes, chinese cabbage, cucumber, apples, parsley, grapes, lemon and onion.
I am in two minds about ordering again. Quite frankly if they are going to use Fastway Couriers I think I’d hold off until the body corporate fixes the intercom (and knowing body corporates, it might be never) . Also the good thing about picking things yourself is that you notice the little things and you take care and time and pick the best produce yourself-I could tell from the start that the red capsicum that it wasn’t quite right. I had a potato that was burnt on one end that could easily have been seen had I packed it myself. They have a refund policy if you find that your F&V isn’t up to scratch, you photograph it and send them the pic but you may get sick of taking pictures of bad fruit and vegetables.
Potato with burnt part
In any case, I contacted them to let them know my feedback and they gave me a $7 credit for the substandard fruit and vegetable. When I asked if the credit could be in the form of a refund they agreed to that but said that it would be 3-4 weeks before it appeared. Patty also told me that they were no longer using Fastway Couriers for the North Shore as they had received a lot of complaints about them in this area so instead, her husband would take over the deliveries but would only be able to do Thursdays. So there is hope!
There is an offer, if you mention someone that has referred you, you will get $10 off your first order and the referee also receives $10 off their next order so feel free to mention “Lorraine Elliott”!
Coles
To buy this from Coles it would have cost me:
- Apple: 3 x green = 380g $1.51
- Apple: 3 x Royal Gala = 346g $1.72
- Baby spinach: 86g bag $1.72
- Bananas: 2 green 2 yellow =642g $0.82c
- Bean Sprouts: 250g bag $1.89
- Broccoli: 1 head 384g $0.91
- Capsicum: 1 red 246g $1.47
- Carrots: 5x=470g $1.16
- Cauliflower: 1/2 head 502g $2.48
- Chinese Cabbage: 1/2 head 1.108kg $2.96
- Continental parsley: 1 large bunch $1.98
- Coriander: 1 bunch $1.98
- Cucumber: 2x=258g $0.76c
- Eggplant: 1x small=250g $2.48
- Grapes: 1 bunch 398g (black Muscats were on sale at my Coles) $1.58
- Lemon: 1 large 186g $0.64c
- Lettuce hydro: x1 $1.68
- Mandarins: 6x=510g $1.50
- Mixed leaf salad: 100g bag $1.98
- Onion: 1x red=164g $0.81c
- Oranges: 3x=924g $4.60
- Parsley: 1 large bunch (Continental) $1.98
- Parsnip: 1 large 284g $2.55
- Potatoes: 7 large Desirees =1.784kg $5.35
- Rocket: 92g bag $1.83
- Rockmelon: 1 x 1.176kg $3.48
- Shallots: 1 bunch 5 shoots $1.88
- Sweet Potato: 2x =680g $1.34
- Tomatoes: 4 vine ripened =546g $4.90
- Zucchini: 2x= 300g $1.19
Total: $61.13
And as friendly as the Coles F&V guy is, the produce does look a bit sad at times but the proof is in the lasting and it certainly doesn’t last very long. This is my local Coles at Warringah Mall, obviously there will be slight differences in price according to area.
Woolworths
To buy the same box from Woolworths it would have cost me:
- Apple: 3 x green = 380g $1.89
- Apple: 3 x Royal Gala = 346g $1.71
- Baby spinach: 86g bag $2.22
- Bananas: 2 green 2 yellow =642g $0.86
- Bean Sprouts: 250g bag $1.78
- Broccoli: 1 head 384g $1.52
- Capsicum: 1 red 246g $1.47c
- Carrots: 5x=470g $0.79
- Cauliflower: 1/2 head 502g $1.85
- Chinese Cabbage: 1/2 head 1.108kg $2.98
- Continental parsley: 1 large bunch $1.98
- Coriander: 1 bunch $1.98
- Cucumber: 2x=258g $1.28
- Eggplant: 1x small=250g $1.99
- Grapes: 1 bunch 398g $2.20
- Lemon: 1 large 186g $0.92c
- Lettuce hydro: x1 $1.24
- Mandarins: 6x=510g $2.02
- Mixed leaf salad: 100g bag $2.84
- Onion: 1x red=164g $0.81c
- Oranges: 3x=924g $3.66
- Parsley: 1 large bunch (Continental) $1.98
- Parsnip: 1 large 284g $2.55
- Potatoes: 7 large Desirees =1.784kg $4.63
- Rocket: 92g bag $2.66
- Rockmelon: 1 x 1.176kg $4.97
- Shallots: 1 bunch 5 shoots $1.98
- Sweet Potato: 2x =680g $2.02
- Tomatoes: 4 vine ripened =546g $4.90
- Zucchini: 2x= 300g $1.43
Total: $65.11
Woolworths is definitely the more expensive of the two supermarkets although they do push the “Fresh Food” line a bit. They also have white corn and I have to say their produce looks a bit better than Coles, however I rarely buy from Woolworths so I don’t know what the lasting power is like. We priced this at Woolworths Neutral Bay (note: not such a hot pick up joint any more!)
Paddy’s Markets
Paddy’s Markets
To buy it from Paddy’s markets, it would have cost me:
- Apple: 3 x green = 380g $0.38c
- Apple: 3 x Royal Gala = 346g $0.35c
- Baby spinach: 86g bag $0.86c
- Bananas: 2 green 2 yellow =642g $0.77c
- Bean Sprouts: 250g bag $1.20
- Broccoli: 1 head 384g $0.76
- Capsicum: 1 red 246g $0.49c
- Carrots: 5x=470g $0.47c
- Cauliflower: 1/2 head 502g $1
- Chinese Cabbage: 1/2 head 1.108kg $1.50
- Continental parsley: 1 large bunch $1.50
- Coriander: 1 bunch $1.50
- Cucumber: 2x=258g $0.26c
- Eggplant: 1x small=250g $0.75c
- Grapes: 1 bunch 398g $1.39
- Lemon: 1 large 186g $0.30c
- Lettuce hydro: x1 $1.00
- Mandarins: 6x=510g $0.91c
- Mixed leaf salad: 100g bag $1.00
- Onion: 1x red=164g $0.32c
- Oranges: 3x=924g $1.37
- Parsley: 1 large bunch (Continental) $1.00
- Parsnip: 1 large 284g $1.42
- Potatoes: 7 large Desirees =1.784kg $1.42
- Rocket: 92g bag $0.92c
- Rockmelon: 1 x 1.176kg $1.50
- Shallots: 1 bunch 5 shoots $1.20
- Sweet Potato: 2x =680g $0.68c
- Tomatoes: 4 vine ripened =546g $0.87c
- Zucchini: 2x= 300g $0.30c
Total: $27.39
However with a lot of Paddy’s fruit and vegetables, a lot of it is slightly bruised and in some cases on it’s last legs. I never buy things like tomatoes there. Things such as eggs and noodles and fresh herbs aren’t bad but generally you’re getting end of line produce and diving into the crowd is an experience in itself. It is however terribly cheap so you balance the crowds and potential for short shelf life F&V with price. Paddy’s Markets is also only open Thursday-Sunday and we went to do our price check on Sunday afternoon, when the prices were at the lowest.
Paddy’s Markets
Flemington Direct: http://flemingtondirect.com.au/
Paddy’s Markets: open Thursday-Sundays. Hay Street, Haymarket Sydney: http://www.paddysmarkets.com.au/
24 Comments | Add your own
I live in Canberra & we have a few fantastic fresh fruit markets here. There is one at EPIC which is every Saturday morning, it can be a little on the expensive side but they people there who sell wonderful organic fruit & veggie a lot cheaper than the supermarkets do. The there is Belconnen Fresh Fruit Markets, there is a couple of places there that sell a lot of the fruit & veggie for $1/bag on Sunday arvo as they are closed Monday & Tuesdays, really great stuff at a really great bargin. Then there is Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets. I’ve only been there once as its a far drive from where I live but it was pretty good. If you feel like a early morning drive 1 Saturday you should check out the markets at EPIC.
Wow that’s a lot of research there! I always think the best way to buy fruit and veggies is to buy when needed. There are heaps of good local grocers out there too. I hardly ever buy from Coles or woolworths, unless it’s like onions or potatoes, cause they are pretty standard.
I looked at the flemington market delivery thing too and was wondering how much you would get in the pack, so thanks for informing!
Hi Lorraine, you certainly put a lot of work into this post & I appreciate how thorough you were. It sounds like Kirribilli markets would be the way to go? Can you get a variety of fresh herbs there too? I love fresh herbs but hate it when they’re over priced.
You were on the money regarding the couriers you mentioned.. I mean, is that just laziness? ie. who cares what the package says?
I love rocket.. and am always in search of fresh rocket without spots that will last longer than a day or two. Those flaws you pointed out with the lettuce/tomatoes etc.. would have made my heart sink.
My husband bought a couple of red capsicums the other day from a local place here called “Geelong Fresh Foods”. I love their imported goods there and deli. Anyway the capsicums were completely grey/furry on the inside. Mould. But beautiful on the outside. It was a shock.
Should you order online again.. be sure to let us know how you go next time.
Hi, yes, you certainly have done lots of research on this topic. I am passionate about fresh and good quality food. I find the quality at the large supermarkets is not good. Most of my fruit and veg are purchased at Harris Farm where a premuim is paid for the quality.
Perhaps the courier driver couldnt read? =P
Great article. Would you really use them again after all that dodgy produce?
I could never buy a box of fruit and veg like that because I like to get stuff as I need it, and actually look at it before I buy. Also, I tend not to plan what I’m going to have for dinner, very far in advance, so it’s hard to buy in advance. And I’m sure it’s no secret that most supermarket produce is pretty bad.
For those in Brisbane, we order our produce through Food Connect - local produce straight from the farmers is distributed to “City Cousins” i.e. pick up points across the city for you to collect. Some organic produce, some not strictly organic, but all from local producers who love what they do. We get a little newsletter in each box saying “Mr XXX grew these kiwi fruits at his farm in YYY” etc - nice to be support local farmers!
I haven’t done a detailed cost comparison like you, NQN, but I know that it’s $35 well spent - gives hubby and I about 5 veggie-packed meals per week (eat out at least twice a week!) and lots of fruit to snack on.
Thank you thank you thank you, for a terrific post. I too had been recently considering ordering from Flemington markets after a vogue forums topic on the same issue. You have gone and done the research for me, I am very impressed. I agree with Dianne, I absolutely love Harris Farm; I used to go to the Parramatta one as it was near work, but now I don’t work there anymore, my closest is Broadway, which is weird, as it is located *in* the carpark. I so wish there was a Harris Farm near home. Paddy’s is handy but I hate the crowds and the fact that it is a 10-stop shop (as opposed to a one stop shop).
Wow, thanks for doing the research on this Lorraine. It’s amazing how much cheaper Paddy’s is - although as you say the produce is really pretty end-of-the-line in most cases.
I am lucky enough to have, conveniently located in my local shopping centre, an excellent F&V (with an extensive deli selection) which has repeatedly won NSW Greengrocer of the Year - Martelli’s. They’re a bit more expensive (although they work out probably about the same as the Woolworths located in the same centre) but they are very, very worth it. Hmmm, fresh fruit & vegies!
Your Flemington spread looked great until the close-ups.
I was actually planning to write about the Paddy’s produce market soon. If I were doing a lot of cooking here, Paddy’s might not be up to par, but for the few times I’ve gotten together with friends to cook, we’ve head straight there because, as you’ve noted, everything is less than a dollar or two.
What a fantastic well-researched post! I used to rave about how good&cheap Harris Farms is, and ppl would wonder why as I live very close to Flemington markets! but it’s true that one-stop beats 10 stops, and the traffic around Flemington area is ghastly on Saturdays. Interesting that they now deliver, I would do that to avoid traffic, but it sounds as though you might end up with the dregs…so being able to pick at leisure at HF might be more attractive after all!
…hmmm and I can’t believe I never went to the Kirribilli markets when I was living there..!!
Hi Kelly-Thanks for letting me know about those places. I’ll try and make sure to make it there if I get to Canberra. I love markets in general so it sounds great!
Hi Susan-hehe yes there was a lot of standing around checking prices
I agree about buying when needed although I am not always near a good store for it and I tend to plan my meals in advance so they’re usually bought once a week.
Hi Maria-Thanks so much for noticing, it did take a lot more time than regular storys. I don’t think Kirribilli has herbs (although I could be mistaken). Their variety isn’t as huge as a huge F&V store as it’s just the one supplier but they have a pretty good selection and it’s great quality.
I know, it said it in big letters right next to the address. Although I was somehow relieved to hear that I was not the only one experiencing problems with that courier.
I was pretty unhappy about the obvious flaws. I think they should have been picked up. Oh wow, that’s terrible and hard to know when they’re beautiful on the outside. This capsicum was definitely not perfect on the outside and as it turns out it wasn’t on the inside either!
I shall definitely let you know how any other orders go! 
Hi Dianne-Thanks!
Harris Farm is good quality stuff although my local Mosman used to be terrible for a while so I went to HF Manly instead. I went back there recently and it now looks to be better but yes you do pay a premium there 
Hi Kathy-LOL I hope that is his only problem!
Hi Y-Well they agreed to a refund so I can give anyone a second go. Although I would probably try another F&V place first.
I’m the opposite, I plan the week’s meals a week in advance. It depends on what’s fresh that week but I am not a spur of the moment kind of cook. Quite the opposite in fact
Hi Polly-I love that idea, I wish we had there here and the personal touch sounds really lovely. $35 is pretty good for what it sounds like you got!
Hi Lori-You’re welcome!
The Vogue topic is what got me started on it 
I agree, the HF in Broadway and Bondi Junction can be a bit odd location wise.
Yes Paddy’s is not an experience for everybody. I’ve been elbowed and screamed at (one stupid girl walked around yelling her lungs out to get people to move out of her way, that’s the closest I’ve ever come to smacking a stranger).
Hi SydneyGal-You’re welcome!
Yes I guess it’s all a tradeoff. I have my favourite sellers now and only go to them, they seem to have the best produce and of course there are things that I just don’t buy from Paddys like tomatoes which always look so horrible.
Lucky you! It’s great when you come across a great supplier. Which suburb is that in and do they have any other branches? I haven’t heard of them.
Hi Brittany-Hehe yes, the worm pic. I can’t actually look at it myself and must turn my head away whenever I scroll through the story.
It is incredibly cheap, if you can brave the crowds and use the produce quickly, it’s good.
Hi Nat-Thankyou!
Oh that’s a pity that you live so close but parking is such a pain. I don’t think anything beats picking your own, one is always so much more careful with their own food. Ideally, I’d be picking super fresh market produce myself daily but alas that isn’t possible for me.
Oh wow, never? Well if you are ever in the area on the last Saturday of the month, do make a beeline for the F&V sellers. It’s the best stuff!
Hi Not Nigella,
My name is Shannon and I’m the editorial assistant at Foodbuzz.com. I am very impressed with the quality of your posts and to that end, I’d like to invite you to be a part of our newly launched Foodbuzz Featured Publisher program. I would love to send you more details about the program, so if you are interested, please email me at Shannon@foodbuzz.com.
Cheers!
Shannon Eliot
Editorial Assistant, Foodbuzz.com
shannon@foodbuzz.com
Hi Shannon-Thanks so much. Please feel free to send me through the information
Have you tried Thomas Dux in Lane cove?? It is AMAZING!
Reasonable prices considering the quality and range of produce they have, and they have really good specials.
Last night i got a wheel of king island double brie normally $10.50 for only $3.50!
I am so glad this has come to my area, i never need to go to coles anymore, just for toiletries and other non-perishables.
just in addition, it reminds me of harris farm in st ives, but it is actually owned by woolworths. Everything is really neat and well presented and the staff are really knowledgeable and friendly.
I could spend a lot of money there…
Hi Alice-Oh I haven’t heard of Thomas Dux. I don’t get to Lane Cove very often but will travel for good food. Wow, what a find with the King Island Double Brie!
Why is it so inexpensive?
I think it must be just because they have quite a big bulk of stock. the use by date doesn’t expire for another week so who knows!
I’ve had my eye on the christine manfield curry pastes as my own winter warmers, will have to give them a try in the next couple of weeks!
Hi Alice-That’s a really great find and would be great for entertaining. Thanks for the rec!
Hi Not Nigella, My name is Michelle and i have done a very similar comparison myself. I too found that the best option was to go pick it yourself from any of the above or just your local Fruit and Veg shop. My favourite location to get my fruit and veg is Warwick Farm Farmers Markets - its not far from the race course. i find the produce here to be outstanding - it is a little more expensive than Flemington and not as expensive as Woolies but the quality and longevity of the produce is such a huge improvement. Plus you don’t need to fight throngs of people to get the good stuff because as far as i can tell there really isn’t any bad stuff. Highly recommended.
Hi Michelle-That’s great that you’ve found a good, reliable supplier. Thanks for the recommendation. I don’t mind paying for quality, but what I do mind is paying for bad quality!
Oh just one more thing for any of your readers that will be able to make it to the WF Farmers Markets. You just have to go to the Lamb and Pork stalls and the fresh bread is supurb. Yum!
One Trackback/Pingback
[...] my enormous box of Flemington produce I set about making the most of having fresh vegetables and thought long and hard about what [...]
Post a Comment