Brisbane Market Report 107

Grapes, pears and limes are enjoying a strong season, along with Fuji, Gala and Red Delicious apples from Stanthorpe and Batlow.

Plums are the best of the stone fruit, with their season expecting to continue until the end of April.

After recent fluctuations in price and availability, bananas, lemons, avocados and watermelons are all in good supply this week.

The only fruits struggling this week are the very sensitive strawberries — they’re struggling with the wind, rain, and heat.

You might have seen the gorgeous purple-skinned mangosteen in the markets of South-East Asia, or perhaps you’ve noticed the tinned version in an Asian grocer?

If you’ve ever been curious about the exotic mangosteen, now is the time to try them. Australian mangosteen growers have produced their largest ever crop and it’s full of flavour. Store mangosteens out of the fridge and to eat, simply scoop out the white flesh inside.

Supplies of vegetables are more mixed, with many feeling the effects of wild weather. Zucchini, beans, corn, cauliflower, beetroot, and shallots are all in short supply, so expect to pay top dollar. Broccoli is also variable, with Tasmanian-grown broccoli your best bet this week.

However, there is some good news from the veggie department. Onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins are all going strong — roast, anyone?

For Asian cooking, cabbages, carrots, and garlic are all plentiful.

If you’re making a salad, look for lettuce, Toowoomba-grown kale, and tomatoes — the gourmet, Roma, and round varieties are in good supply from the growers in both the Granite Belt and Victoria. While celery might have slightly discoloured leaves, don’t let that put you off as they’re also good buying.

This week’s top picks are William pears.  Packed with vitamin C, fibre, and folate, pears are best stored at room temperature until their colour changes, at which time they’re ready to eat. For a simple dessert, sprinkle pears with brown sugar and cinnamon and roast for about 20 minutes before serving with cream or ice-cream.

You can buy the best of what the season has to offer at your nearest Your Local Fruit Shop. Go to www.yourlocalfruitshop.com.au to locate your closest store. Check out the Your Local Fruit Shop Facebook page for the latest news from your local fresh produce experts at https://www.facebook.com/yourlocalfruitshop

Brisbane Produce Market