The cooler weather has finally arrived in Queensland and seasonal winter produce is flooding Brisbane Produce Market this week.
There is nothing better this time of year than hearty roasted veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, garlic, onions, capsicums, eggplants and Brussels sprouts. They are all available in great supply and have made it to the long list of fantastic buys this week. Cover them generously with olive oil and a hint of lemon or lime juice for an intensifying flavour.
Excellent supplies of vegetables include cabbage, cauliflower, corn, mushrooms, snow peas, okra and turnips. However, both broccoli and zucchini have moderate supplies but are forecasted to be plentiful in the next two weeks to add to laksa soups. Leafy greens enliven a meal and are packed with health benefits. In ample supply there is kale, spinach, rocket, fennel, leeks, coriander and lettuce – toss, sauté, or stir-fry it, it all depends on your mood.
New season ginger will provide a winter zing – refrigerate it in a dry area to avoid moulding. While Shepard avocados have all but disappeared Hass have arrived from Central and South-east Queensland. Tomatoes are still in very short supply due to weather conditions and have impacted prices, however, good supplies are expected from Western Australia soon.
Joyfully apples are at their peak, Pink Lady is the pick of the bunch. Imperial mandarins are coming straight out from the self-proclaimed citrus capital of QLD – Gayndah. Enjoy it while you can. While Josephine pears are making their way out, Williams are here to shine – look for softer yellow shades. Disappearing from our shelves are grapes, plums, pomegranate and rockmelon – get in quick to grab the last remaining stock.
Queensland grown pineapples and new season navel oranges are of great value. Indulge yourself by baking some homemade pineapple almond or orange cheese sweet treats, sprinkled in brown sugar and butter and wrapped in puff pastry for weekend brunches. Raspberries are in average supply as strawberries emerge from the Sunshine Coast – look for more in the coming weeks.
The winter hero of the week is pumpkin. Pumpkins are perhaps the most versatile of vegetables. Use them in bread, sweet tarts, gnocchi or even coffee (pumpkin spiced latte). If you are craving for some comfort food this winter, then whip a mash or puree for a rich creamy pumpkin soup. Add some garlic breadcrumbs for texture. You can buy pumpkins as a whole or in segments. Look for a smooth, uniformly coloured skin with firm flesh. Ripe pumpkins should make a hollow sound when tapped.
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