Brisbane Market Report 349

Brisbane Produce Report – 16 February

  February 16, 2023  adonaldson

February is speeding by, and we are now well into the second month of the year. Hopefully everyone is adjusting to a calmer work-life balance. Although we have had unseasonably hot weather with some recent storms, there is still plenty of great seasonal fruit and vegetable options at your local fruit and veg shop. Pop in to see what possibilities you can turn into a tasty and nutritious meal.

Our pick of the week is Ginger. This delicious, aromatic herb packs a tasty punch to sweet and savoury dishes alike. Ginger is well known for its health properties and is a popular home remedy and cooking ingredient. Ginger is great to add to your diet and is in abundance from North Queensland and the Sunshine Coast. Ginger can relieve nausea, prevent heart disease, reduce pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and fight germs. A Zingy Ginger Juice will keep any summer cold away.

Pineapples from the Glass House Mountains and Bundaberg are still in steady supply and, although are smaller in size, are full of flavour and great for juicing. Pineapples are an ideal ingredient in smoothies and tropical drinks. Face the day with a Pineapple Green Smoothie!

Valencia Oranges from South Australia and New South Wales are sweet and juicy and ready to go home in your trolley this week. High with vitamin C, they are the ultimate hot summer day’s snack. Try this spectacular Blood Orange, Fennel, Butterbean and Olive Salad.

Sometimes overlooked, Dragon Fruit from the greater Brisbane area is midway through its season and still in good supply. Available in red, purple and yellow varieties, this beautiful looking fruit is high in vitamins B and C and antioxidants. Add Dragon Fruit to a salad for some added colour and flavour.

Figs are in season from Bundaberg and Childers and eat well right now. They have a unique texture and are sweet to eat. A tasty “go to” dish is the Fig, Pear and Goat’s Cheese Salad. It combines the saltiness of the cheese with the sweetness of the Fig and Pear, with walnuts for added crunch – a winning combination!

Arriving at your fruit and veg shop from Stanthorpe this week is Celeriac. Despite its odd appearance, Celeriac more than makes up for it in flavour. This variety of celery has an enlarged solid, edible tuber that grows just below the ground. Celeriac can be peeled and cut in strips for a salad, peeled and cooked until tender and served with a butter or cream sauce, or added to soups and casseroles. For a delicious salad option try this Roast Celeriac with Buckwheat and Pomegranate Salad.

There is no shortage of Sweet Potato at your local fruit and vegetable shop, with a steady supply coming from Bundaberg. Why not try your hand at making your own Sweet Potato fries or Sweet Potato Fritters for an easy and convenient snack.

Local Brisbane and Gatton Kent Pumpkins are good quality and in good supply. This hearty vegetable is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Make this healthy side dish of Avocado and Pumpkin Salad, or add a protein for a simple yet tasty mid-week meal.

Beans from Stanthorpe and Victoria are in good supply. Great to eat in this hotter weather, lightly steam and add a squeeze of Lemon, or blanch in olive oil, Garlic, salt and pepper, and sprinkle with parmesan – simple, healthy and delicious!

Lockyer Valley and Stanthorpe Corn is still available. Corn can be added to soups or salads, or simply eaten on its own, straight from the cob. Please even the fussiest eaters with these Corn Ribs.

Brisbane Produce Markets