How to make Christmas special with the freshest produce

Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and unforgettable meals shared with loved ones. What better way to make your celebrations sparkle than by featuring the freshest, most vibrant produce on your festive table?

From juicy cherries to golden mangoes and crisp leafy greens, the season’s best fruits and vegetables can turn every dish into a holiday masterpiece.

For more than 45 years, Perfection Fresh has been a pioneer in delivering premium-quality fresh produce tailored to local diets and lifestyles. With a passion for perfection, we’re dedicated to providing fresh, flavourful ingredients to make every Christmas meal as special as the memories it creates.

To help you make this year’s celebrations truly magical, we spoke with Michael Schirripa, General Manager at Homebush Markets, and Brett Collins, General Manager at Melbourne Markets.

With a combined 70 years of expertise, they shared their insights on selecting, storing, and enjoying the freshest produce during the holidays.

What are the key indicators of freshness for Christmas favourites like mangoes, cherries, watermelons, and leafy greens?

Michael: Fresh produce should look shiny and vibrant, not saggy or floppy. For mangoes, look for firm fruit with bright yellow skin and a tropical fragrance. Cherries should be firm and dark—avoid red cherries as they might not be sweet.

Brett: Mangoes should yield slightly to touch when ripe. Our Calypso® mangoes are incredibly versatile—great in salads, on pavlovas, or simply sliced. Chilled watermelon, whether traditional red or yellow, is a must-have for Christmas. It’s juicy, refreshing, and perfect for summer gatherings.

Which fruits and vegetables are at their peak during Christmas?

Michael: December and January are peak production months for many fruits and vegetables, thanks to Australia’s warm weather. Mangoes, cherries, peaches, apricots, lettuce, snacking tomatoes, and berries are at their best. Cherries and mangoes are especially popular due to their short season and suitability as gifts.

Brett: Broccolini is another standout—it’s fresh, versatile, and perfect for holiday meals. Nectarines and peaches are also in season and work well in both desserts and salads.

What mistakes do people make when choosing produce, and how can they avoid them?

Michael: Don’t squeeze the produce—it damages the fruit. Instead, hold it gently to check if it’s soft. For stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and plums, eat them when they’re slightly soft for the sweetest flavour.

Brett: Avoid bruised, mouldy, or slimy items, as they won’t last long. Inspect produce carefully to ensure it’s in good condition.

How should holiday produce be stored to maintain freshness?

Michael: Store produce in a fridge at around 12°C. Tomatoes, however, should be kept in a cool, dry spot outside the fridge, as refrigeration affects their flavour.

Brett: Leafy greens, including broccolini, should always be kept in the fridge. Berries should also be refrigerated and washed only when ready to eat to preserve their quality.

What trends have you noticed in holiday produce shopping?

Michael: The popularity of cherries and mangoes has grown immensely. Berries—blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries—are now holiday staples, often featured in Christmas lunches and dinners. These fruits are best eaten fresh and can’t be frozen.

Brett: Shopping habits have shifted. Instead of a big shop for the entire week, many people now shop every few days, ensuring their produce is fresh. New berry varieties have made them more affordable and flavourful, adding to their popularity.

Does tapping a watermelon really tell you if it’s fresh, or is this just a myth?

Michael: Tapping doesn’t tell you if it’s fresh, only if it’s hollow!

Brett: It’s not a myth, but it’s not foolproof either. A ripe watermelon should have a deep sound when tapped, while a hollow sound might mean it’s overripe. It’s also fun—like being part of a one-person watermelon orchestra!

Any final tips?

Michael: When you buy fresh, you’re supporting farmers—the backbone of our nation. Many have just one crop a year, and extreme weather can devastate entire harvests. Eating fresh produce isn’t just good for you; it helps sustain farming communities.

Brett: Christmas is about bringing people together with delicious, vibrant meals. Take advantage of the season’s best produce to create unforgettable dishes for your loved ones.

With these expert tips, you’ll be ready to make this Christmas truly special, showcasing the freshest, most flavourful produce at your table. From sweet, juicy cherries to vibrant broccolini and versatile Calypso mangoes, there’s something for every occasion.