Brisbane Market Report 176

From drought and wind to rain and mist, it’s been a week of unpredictable weather for our growers. As a result, some produce is not appearing in the volumes expected for this time of year.

Beautiful berries are at their peak at the moment, with strawberries continuing their fantastic run and blueberries eating well. If you’ve got some strawberries slightly past their prime, sprinkle them with caster sugar and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and roast at 200 degrees for 10 minutes. Serve strawberries and juices with yoghurt or ice-cream.

Also having a strong season are Hass avocados, with top quality supplies arriving from all over Queensland. Your best bet for lunch boxes are Imperial mandarins and Packham pears, while you can find some varieties of Australian grapes around. Orange and passionfruit supplies are moderate, while pineapples are picking up.

Excellent quality pawpaws (papaya) are abundant — layer them with berries and yoghurt for a breakfast parfait or use up excess fruit in relish with cloves and thyme.

Cavendish bananas, Pink Lady apples and raspberries are short, while watermelon supplies are also a little slow.

There are plenty of good value vegetables to be found this week, including kale, capsicum, mushrooms, zucchini and broccoli.

A sure sign that spring is just around the corner, new season Australian asparagus is hitting the shelves and looking fantastic — select bright green, firm stalks with tightly closed tips. Other good-looking greens this week are Asian vegies and all varieties of cucumber. Brussels sprouts are still well supplied but prices are variable due to warmer than expected winter weather.

Need a healthy flavour hit for your cooking? Try adding Australian ginger, garlic or herbs — all varieties are available, except for dill which is in short supply. Also short are beans, potatoes, snow peas, cabbage and celery, although celery supplies should improve soon.

This week’s top pick is eggplant, with excellent supplies arriving from Bundaberg. One of the staples of the Mediterranean diet, eggplants are full of fibre and antioxidants. Look for eggplants with smooth, shiny skin that are firm but will give slightly when pressed. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Eggplants can be cooked in many ways — stuff them with ground beef cooked with traditional spices, or grill them for bruschetta with tomatoes, smoked mozzarella and basil.

 You can buy the best of what the season has to offer at your nearest ‘A Better Choice / Your Local Fruit Shop’. Locate your closest store at www.abetterchoice.com.au/store-locator/. 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.

Posted by Brisbane Produce Market