Brisbane Market Report 144

Happy New Year! The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to refocus on your health and wellbeing after the festivities of the Silly Season.

They say it only takes 28 days to create a habit, so to help you get started, we have the low down on the best fruit and vegetables available from Brisbane Produce Market.

For a quintessential summer experience, nothing beats biting into juicy stone fruit.  Stone fruits are at their best and continue to shine with both yellow and white nectarines and peaches in abundant supply. Rich in vitamins and a great source of dietary fibre, these are juicy, great in flavour and good value buying. Apricots from Victoria are also excellent in quality, while we’re seeing a variety of plums from NSW and Stanthorpe.

Cherries are plentiful, along with lychees, paw paws and mangoes from North Queensland. Expect slightly higher prices for R2E2 mangoes as we approach the end of the season, however Kensington Pride are in abundant supply so enjoy these while you still can. Looking for a snack on the go? Berries are in town, with both strawberries and blueberries in good supply and great quality eating.

Queenslanders aren’t the only ones feeling the heat this week – many of our veggies are too. Extreme highs and lows in weather conditions have affected vegetable crops, so expect shorter supplies and higher prices for celery, broccoli and cauliflower. Locally grown vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, capsicums, and sweet chilies are in good supply and excellent quality. Mix these with fresh herbs and a blend of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a Mediterranean inspired salad or barbecue – perfect for your healthy meal plans.

This week’s top pick is watermelon. Supplies from Northern Queensland are exceptional buying and very sweet. Enjoy them on their own as a snack or throw them in a refreshing salad or smoothie. Mix 300g of cubed watermelon, juice of 2 limes with a litre of sparkling water, 2 teaspoons of honey and fresh mint to serve for a rejuvenating drink for your back to work blues.

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 www.facebook.com/yourlocalfruitshop

Brisbane Produce Report