Warmer days in Queensland are providing favourable conditions for many vegetables this week, plus we’re starting to see the first of the summer fruits.
Berries remain a crowd favourite – blueberry volumes continue to increase and offer fantastic value. Strawberries are still plentiful and raspberry supplies are improving. Rockmelon, pineapple, and papaya are all abundant and excellent quality. Despite their dull winter skin, bananas are eating well.
In citrus, limes are a great buy this week and add zesty flavour to sweet and savoury dishes. Marinate chicken in soy, lime juice, garlic and honey for 10 minutes before stir-frying with asparagus, snow peas and capsicum.
The Queensland orange season has finished but we still have beautiful blood oranges from down south in stock. You can still get your hands on Panama passionfruit and Afourer mandarins, but nashi have become scarce.
In vegetables, we have good supplies of rocket, beetroot, baby cos lettuce, Stanthorpe-grown leeks, zucchini from Bowen, broccoli from Gatton, butternut and kent pumpkin from north Queensland, and local white and purple cabbage.
Stock up on spring onions, sweet potatoes and cherry tomatoes as we’re seeing bumper supplies this week.
The Australian asparagus season is in full swing and there are some great supplies coming from Victoria in particular. We’re also impressed with the quality and value of cauliflower this week – think beyond white sauces and use it roasted in salads, or finely processed and sautéed in olive oil for cauliflower ‘rice’.
Red capsicums are not arriving in large volumes this week so prices have firmed. Corn supplies are slowing down and cucumber supplies are moderate.
This week’s top pick is green beans, including both the hand-picked beans from Gympie and the machine-picked beans from north Queensland. Look for crisp, brightly coloured beans and store in the fridge for up to a week, washing just before use. Popular in many cuisines, beans make a crunchy addition to salads, sides and stir-fries – for an Italian touch, top steamed or blanched beans with parmesan and breadcrumbs fried in garlic and lemon zest.
You can buy the best of what the season has to offer at your nearest ‘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.
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Brisbane Produce Market
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