THE cost of garlic is officially on the nose.
The Herald Sun reports shoppers are being charged up to $30/kg, or double the usual price, amid global shortages.
Swine flu fears that swept China late last year created massive demand there for the bulb and its rumoured health benefits, eating into worldwide supply.
Snow peas are also fetching up to $20/kg after heavy rain and floods early this year delayed planting in Queensland.
Veteran greengrocer Cosimo Patti, of La Manna Fresh in Brunswick, said many consumers were paying top dollar for cauliflower and broccoli because of a cold snap in Victoria affecting production.
And strawberries, which always tend to be more expensive in winter, are at a premium as southern states wait for Queensland produce to come on line.
"Customers are a lot smarter than they used to be and when they see prices are unusual, they want to know why," Mr Patti said.
"It's the nature of the industry that weather and other conditions can cause prices to jump around."
Woolworths spokesman Benedict Brook said rain had scuppered the last of Victoria's Yarra Valley strawberry crops early.
Inclement weather had also ended the supermarket's Tasmanian supply of garlic two weeks ahead of time, but replenishments from Mexico were on the way.
"It's hard to be 100 per cent accurate with timing," Mr Brook explained.
Prices should stabilise when supply catches up with demand.
Bargain hunters are getting good deals on bountiful bananas, mandarins, apples and pears.
