Brisbane Produce Report – 16 March
March 16, 2023 adonaldson
Sprinkle a bit of fun into your meals this week with delicious recipes using fresh fruit and veg from your local fruit and veg shop! Experimenting with new produce is great fun when you’re feeling in a bit of a rut with your weekly meals. Trying new food is also good for your physical health, by introducing new sources and varieties of vitamins and minerals. Try out something new, you might even find a new favourite!
Our pick of the week is Celery, which is coming into the Market from the Darling Downs, Scenic Rim and Victoria. Celery is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and is an excellent source of antioxidants and enzymes, which help improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and prevent heart disease. When selecting Celery, look for stalks which are firm with crispy, medium-thick ribs that break apart easily, and avoid spotted or wilted leaves. Pick up Celery this week and add cheese or peanut butter for an easy snack, or add a fresh side to the table with our Thai Celery Salad.
Fennel from Victoria is plentiful this week, and is the perfect, unique taste to add to your shop. The refreshing flavours of this unique vegetable are a great swap for onion in your favourite salads for a touch of sweetness, or can be roasted up and added to soup or pasta for a delicious Autumn dish. Celebrate the flavours of Fennel in this dish of Braised Fennel with Garlic Butterbeans!
Cauliflower makes a great base for a range of delicious dishes and is also a vessel of flavours in a variety of cuisines and dishes such as curries, tacos and soups. When selecting Cauliflower, look for heads with the green leaves still attached and clinging to the florets as an indicator of freshness. They are great eating from the Darling Downs right now, so pick some up at your fruit and veg shop and inspire yourself with our Air Fried Cauliflower Arancini!
Grab some Zucchini from the Darling Downs at your local fruit and veg shop. This versatile veg is a favourite in our books, as there’s just so many ways to make this produce shine! Try something new and try our Ricotta & Zucchini Ravioli.
Broccoli from the Darling Downs is in great supply right now. Broccoli is packed full of vitamins and is flavourful! Try this Roast Broccoli Salad with Spicy Tahini Dressing for a delicious side-dish that heroes Broccoli! Baby Broccoli is also available and is great quality this week, so be sure to take your pick of these delicious brassicas!
If you are looking for a unique addition to your trolley, Spaghetti Squash from Laidley is a good choice right now. This squash makes an excellent option for a low-carb dinner, as its long fibres make it ideal to shred after roasting.
While the weather in Northwest Queensland has affected the supply of some citrus lines, Lemons from Bundaberg and North Queensland are still well-supplied this week at your local fruit and veg shop. Lemons can add extra flavour to desserts, drinks, marinades or salads. They are known for their anti-bacterial properties, and are a good source of vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants to keep you healthy these autumn months. Try our Baked Lemon Cheesecake with Candied Lemons for a zesty afternoon treat.
Plums from New South Wales and Victoria are excellent eating this week. Plums are not only sweet and full of flavour, but also boast a range of health benefits, making them the perfect healthy snack. Select Plums with a flavoursome aroma that are free of bruises and wrinkles, and keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days to get you through the week.
Grapes from Victoria are still in very good supply and are excellent eating this week. There are a wide variety of choices to pick from, so sample some green and black grapes for a snack, and pick up some red grapes for a Red Grape & Plum Smoothie.
For a more exotic fruit pick, try Custard Apples, which are in abundance from Bundaberg. Custard Apples are a deliciously sweet subtropical fruit, which mimics the taste and texture of custard. Eat them when they are slightly firm in texture and pale green in colour for a snack, or try baking them into a Custard Apple Teacake.
Pears are a highly versatile kitchen staple, ideal both fresh and in cooking. New season Packham Pears from Victoria will be in abundance this week, and their sweet flavour and juicy texture make them the perfect accompaniment to any meal. For an easy and light meal, try our Sausage and Pear Bake.
Papaya from North Queensland are in steady supply and good quality this week. Papaya makes an excellent edition to salads and desserts, or can be blended into smoothies and juices for a sweet flavour. For some inspiration on how to use Papaya, try our Breakfast Crepes with Papaya and Passionfruit Glaze.
Brisbane Produce Markets