BRISBANE PRODUCE REPORT

3 AUGUST

• 3 August, 2023

The beginning of August is an exciting time as the weather starts to warm and we begin seeing new-season varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables through the Brisbane Markets. Explore the wide selection of in and new season produce, recipes and tips to get the most out of shopping at your local fruit and veg shop this week.

Our pick of the week is Strawberries, which are in excellent supply and taste beautiful as the Sunshine Coast growing region is at full harvest! These succulent, sweet and juicy berries are a seasonal delight and perfect alone as a snack, or as a wonderful addition to baked foods and even salads. Why not make these Strawberry Muffins for a tasty morning tea treat?

While New South Wales grown Custard Apples are in great supply and well-priced this week, they are nearing the end of their season, so numbers will soon start to drop. This exotic fruit is incredibly high in vitamin C and often compared to the sweet taste of cooked pear and custard, making for a perfect afternoon snack. It can also be used in baking, such as this Custard Apple Teacake recipe.

Purple Passionfruit is also in abundance this week, coming in from Cook Town, Bundaberg and even Northern New South Wales. When selecting passionfruit, choose smooth fruit with a deep purple colour that are heavy for their size. We love using Passionfruit in desserts, like our Passionfruit Mousse.

Fresh Figs coming from the Glasshouse Mountains and Bundaberg are fantastic quality at the moment and perfect for snacks and cooking. For a wonderfully decadent treat, why not make this Dark Chocolate Fig Tart.

Citrus fruits are naturally sweet and juicy in winter, so Lemons, Limes, Oranges and Mandarins are all good eating. But if you’re looking for a different citrus treat, Blood Oranges are growing well in Mundubbera and also in South Australia.

It won’t be difficult to find Ginger at your local fruit and veg shop this week, as this aromatic herb is in good supply with two overlapping harvest regions on the Sunshine Coast and in New South Wales. Ginger can relieve nausea, prevent heart disease, reduce pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and fight germs. So enjoy this Spiced Carrot Soup with Ginger Raita as a flavoursome, healthy meal.

A thrifty, versatile buy this week is Pumpkin. Bundaberg is currently producing Kent Pumpkins, while Bowen is producing plenty of Butternut Pumpkin. From soups to salads, bread to pies and so many things in-between, Pumpkin is a great pick! If you’re after a cosy meal, try this Pumpkin and Kale Risotto.

White Cauliflower has been in great supply from Gatton throughout the winter months, Coloured Cauliflower are also available in Orange, Purple and Green. The coloured varieties have similar nutritional content to White Cauliflower, but can add a colourful twist to recipes like these Air Fried Cauliflower Arancini.  

Bowen and Bundaberg regions are still producing a plentiful supply of Capsicum, keeping the price down on this vitamin A and C rich vegetable. If you love pasta, you have to try this Creamy Capsicum Pasta that is incredibly creamy without using any dairy.  

Although the Chestnut season is almost over, there have been good quantities of this tasty nut coming from Victorian growers. Make the most of the last nuts of the season with this Chestnut and Pork Noodles recipe.

Your local A better choice! fruit and veg shop hand picks their produce from the Brisbane Markets at Rocklea, which comes from thousands of Australian farms. Why not call in and see your local fruit and veg shop for the best quality, choice, freshness, and service available!

Brisbane Produce Markets