DELECTABLE berries are a seasonal treat. Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, boysenberries and blackberries are in good supply this month.

Blackberry prices have dropped to $4-$5 a punnet. For a fabulous quick dessert, fill a baking dish or individual ramekins with thinly sliced granny smith apples, top with blackberries, sprinkle with sugar and cover with a layer of puff pastry. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crunchy.

Raspberries are also down in price to $4-$5 a punnet.

Greengrocers are filling with fragrant peaches and nectarines, with prices about $3-$6/kg for nectarines and $4-$8/kg for peaches.

Hillston, Young and South Australia's Riverland cherries are in season and retailing at $5-$20/kg, depending on variety, size and quality.

Tomatoes are plentiful. Cherry tomatoes are $1.50-$2 a punnet and salad and roma tomatoes are $2-$4/kg. Truss tomatoes are $4-$6/kg.

Watermelon is picked ripe and ready to eat. Choose cut watermelon with bright-pink flesh. A rich colour is a good indication of sweetness. If whole, tap the watermelon and it should sound hollow.

Seedless watermelon has small edible seeds and is a good choice for kids. Whole seedless watermelon about $1.50-$2/kg. Cut fruit is $2.50-$3.50/kg.

VEGETABLES

FRAGRANT basil teams well with ripe tomatoes, fresh cheese such as bocconcini and pasta. Choose vibrant basil with firm leaves and a distinct, fresh aroma. Basil is $2-$3 a bunch.

Zucchinis are a bargain at $2-$4/kg. Choose plump zucchini with glossy, unblemished skin. They're best used within a few days.

Watercress at $1.50-$2 a bunch is a refreshing change to lettuce. The leaves have a slightly peppery flavour and are a rich source of vitamin C. Watercress teams well with tomatoes or smoked fish.

Serve healthy salads full of crisp salad greens and tasty summer vegetables. Cos lettuce is a special buy at $1-$1.50 a head. Crunchy iceberg lettuce from Victoria is $1.50-$2.50 a head.

Bathurst and Werribee cauliflowers are good value at $2-$3 a head.