Brisbane Market Report 169

Supplies of many fruits and vegetables have improved this week, and that trend looks set to continue despite adverse weather conditions in some parts of the country.

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to apples, and one interesting variety to keep an eye out for is the golden yellow apple. A Japanese variety, this medium-sized apple is grown in the Gippsland area of Victoria and has a sweet, complex flavour.

Pineapples and pears are eating beautifully and are an essential part of any winter fruit platter. Pears also star in many winter desserts like the classic poached pear with spices, balsamic vinegar or wine. Golden papaya and Hass avocados are also great buys both in terms of quality and price.

Boost your vitamin C with the excellent navel oranges available, along with Mareeba-grown limes, pomelos, and the mandarins arriving from Gin Gin. You can also find vitamin C in the vibrantly coloured strawberries and raspberries on offer — local supplies are strong, and prices are competitive.

After a mixed season, we’re seeing more rockmelon at the market. Watermelon supplies are steady. Banana growers have been affected by poor weather, so banana prices will increase over the coming weeks. Custard apple and blueberry supplies are low.

In vegetables, the market is well supplied with cabbage, capsicum, rhubarb, eggplant, leeks, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, spring onions, celeriac, garlic, celery, potatoes, radish, and onions.

There’s no excuse for not eating your greens this week, with plenty of excellent quality baby broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, bok choy, lettuce, kale, silverbeet, wombok, snow peas, rocket, and salad leaves on the shelves.

Fennel is at the peak of its season — eat it raw in salads and coleslaw or cooked in soups, bakes and braises. From Bowen, corn is making a comeback. Tomato supplies are slow, while okra, coriander, and cauliflower are all running short.

This week’s top pick is the avocado, one of Australia’s most beloved fruits and star of iconic recipes like smashed avocado on toast. Look for avocados with a dark purple skin without any indents which could indicate bruising. When ripe, the top of the avocado stem will yield slightly when gently pressed. Start your day with a brekkie pizza: spread flatbreads with avocado, top with bacon, cherry tomatoes and a cracked egg and bake for 10-15 minutes in a hot oven.

For A Better Choice of what this season has to offer, look for 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

Posted by Brisbane Produce Market