Just like us, fresh produce has its seasonal sweet spots, some love the heat, while others thrive in cooler conditions. So as the temperature dips across the sunshine state, winter fruit and vegetables are filling the shelves of your local, independent fruit and vegetable store. Look out for the A better choice! logo when you are shopping, knowing that you are getting the freshest produce, locally grown and delivered to you via the Brisbane Markets.
Leafy greens thrive in cooler climates, and with the current ideal growing conditions across the Lockyer Valley, our pick of the week is Iceberg Lettuce. This household staple stands out due to its excellent quality, with prices dropping thanks to a healthy supply. Look for heads that are firm, heavy, and have tightly packed leaves. Store Iceberg Lettuce in the fridge to maintain its crispness and freshness and consider using a vegetable crisper or a sealed bag to extend its shelf life.
If there is one vegetable that screams winter staple, it is the Butternut Pumpkin. Grown in both the Lockyer Valley and North Queensland, this week’s strong supply means prices remain steady, and the quality will have you coming back for more. Keep the whole family happy with an easy Chicken, Chorizo and Pumpkin Bake – a hearty weeknight dinner option.
Another winter favourite, Celery from the Lockyer Valley, continues to offer consistent quality and supply, thanks to favourable growing conditions that have resulted in strong crops and stable, attractive prices. Celery is commonly used in soups, stews, salads and sauces, adding both flavour and texture. It’s also a great option for those looking to detox, as it is made up of 95 percent water.
Fields across the Lockyer Valley are producing abundant, high-quality fresh herbs. One standout this week is Parsley, which is in great supply at a reasonable price. Look for bright, green bunches with no wilting or discolouration. Parsley offers a clean, peppery flavour with a touch of earthiness, making it a versatile all-rounder in the kitchen.
Growers from Central and Northern Queensland are continuing to deliver high-quality Imperial Mandarins. Prices remain reasonable as the season nears its end. Supply has been steady throughout, with the fruit proving a favourite among customers.
Great news for avocado lovers: production of Hass Avocados across North and Central Queensland is delivering high volumes of top-quality fruit. With consistent supply, prices are expected to come down—so why not give these Baked Eggs in Avocado a try?
So, make a cool choice this week and stock up on fresh winter produce from your local independent fruit and veg shop displaying the A better choice! logo – knowing it has produce sourced from thousands of Australian farms through the Brisbane Markets.
About Brisbane Markets
As Queensland’s only central fruit and vegetable market, the Brisbane Markets is the state’s most important centre for the marketing and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables. It records an annual trade of over 700 million kilograms of produce valued at more than $2 billion.
An important economic and employment hub, more than 4,500 people work or do business at the markets each day through over 170 businesses. This includes over 45 wholesalers who receive fresh produce from over 7,000 growers and trade five days a week to more than 800 registered buyers.
