Brisbane Market Report 363

Brisbane Produce Report – 15 June

  June 15, 2023  adonaldson

While Winter may see you missing some seasonal favourites, it is the perfect time to explore old favourites in their prime season. As the cold weather sets in, you know it’s time to visit your local fruit and veg shop to fill your trolley with the seasonal bounty winter offers, sourced fresh from the Brisbane Markets.

Winter is peak vegetable season, with many of our green favourites currently at their best eating, and due to the excellent supply coming from local Lockyer Valley farms, are also excellent value. Take this week to celebrate some veggie staples with us by loading up your trolley with the goodness on offer!

Our pick of the week is Silverbeet. A close relative of the Beetroot, this leafy green is currently in great supply from the Lockyer Valley, making it an excellent value pick for a warming mid-week dinner. Packed with vitamin C and low in sodium, this versatile veg can be stir-fried, steamed, pureed or combined with other flavours for a delicious meal, like this Braised Silverbeet with Polenta.

Another abundant Lockyer Valley pick is Broccoli. Rich in a variety of nutrients and vitamins, Broccoli is a filling and nourishing super food which hits peak quality as the temperature drops, making it one of your best value options this week. Please the whole family with this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup!

The abundance of good-quality Cauliflower arriving from the Lockyer Valley also makes this pantry staple an affordable addition to your trolley. Cauliflower is an easy and delicious substitute in many meat-dishes, as well as a popular alternative to rice, due to its mounting health benefits, including aiding in weight loss and fighting inflammation. For a delicious vegetarian meal, try these Cauliflower Wings.

The Lockyer Valley is also steadily supplying good quality Cabbages of all varieties to your local fruit and veg shop. Extremely low in calories, Cabbage is a good option to fill out a dinner, or meal prep with to enjoy guilt-free lunch all week. If you need inspiration, try this Cabbage, Potato and Leek Gratin.

The price of Gourmet Tomatoes has dropped this week, owing to increased supply from Bowen in North Queensland. While you can always give Tomatoes a place as a side or component in a bigger meal, you can also stock up and give them the spotlight with this Creamy Roasted Onion Tomato Soup in Crusty Bread Bowl.

Moving further south, Victorian Granny Smith, Royal Gala and Pink Lady varieties of Apples are a winter favourite of ours. Enjoy them fresh as a snack or in salads, or get creative and indulge with these Apple and Cinnamon Scrolls.

While the supply of Imperial Mandarins from Queensland has started to ease, you can still get your citrus fix with new season Victorian Navel and Cara Cara Oranges. Cara Cara Oranges are a red-fleshed Navel Orange, with a sweet and tangy flavour we can’t get enough of. Make the best of this citrus season by experimenting with this Mandarin Orange Chicken.

If the cold has you missing the flavours of Autumn, try adding some Persimmons from Applethorpe to your fruit lineup this week! Persimmons have a sweet, honey-like flavour which shines in a dessert or afternoon tea treats, like these Precious Persimmon Muffins.

If you want to get creative with your fruit this week, try picking up some South Australian Quince from your local fruit and veg shop. Though Quince is too acidic to be eaten raw, it gives a delicious taste to Apples and Pears when cooked alongside or makes a delicious jam. Try making this Quince Marmalade and using it as a spread on toast or scones, or as a filling to slices and tarts.

Brisbane Produce Markets