Boonah is one of the stand-out growing regions this week, supplying an abundance of vegetables including beetroot, cabbage, kale, and silverbeet to the Brisbane Produce Market.
In fruit, citrus continue to enjoy a great season, with strong supplies of Mareeba-gown limes, tangelos, Victorian-grown Imperial mandarins, and Queensland-grown ruby grapefruit.
Other market favourites this week include honeydew and rockmelons from Gumlu, red papaya from Dimbulah, all varieties of pears, and local pineapple.
Local strawberries are a consistent performer in the cooler weather.
Raspberry prices are going up, while blueberry prices are coming down — look for the new larger varieties.
Granny Smith apples are also becoming dearer.
Spotted a mango on the shelves? It’s not a mirage — Northern Territory-grown green mangoes have hit the market and make a great addition to Thai or Vietnamese-style salads.
Get in quick to pick up the end-of-season pomegranates and quince.
Most vegetables are great buying at the moment, with plentiful supplies of local Queensland-grown carrots, chillies, sugar snap and snow peas, eggplant, broccoli, bok choy, beans, brussels sprouts, radish lettuce, rocket, onions, and sweet potatoes.
Victoria is also having a bumper season of classic winter vegies like artichokes, fennel, leeks, and parsnips. Add them to soups and roasts along with Tasmanian-grown eschallots.
Colder conditions are having an impact on cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs such as basil, mint, and sage. However, micro-herbs and locally grown coriander and continental parsley are excellent buying at the moment.
This week’s top pick is witlof, a bitter relative of endive, radicchio, and artichoke. Look for Victorian-grown red and white varieties with crisp, tightly packed leaves with fresh tips. Witlof doesn’t like the light, so store in a paper bag in the crisper for up to two days. Eat witlof raw in salads, braised with lemon and white wine, or baked as a gratin. For a gratin, pre-boil the witlof until tender and place in a baking dish with cooked bacon, thyme and breadcrumbs and bake until golden. Top with freshly grated parmesan or Gruyère cheese and bake for another five minutes.
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
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