As we head into autumn following what has been a busy summer season at the Brisbane Markets, we are seeing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables at local A better choice! fruit and veg shops to fill your shopping trolleys with this week.
To get you started, this week’s pick of the week is bright red, juicy crisp and sweet: Red Capsicum. Grown in abundance by our friends in Stanthorpe and New South Wales, these capsicums have thrived in ideal growing conditions. Not only are they of fantastic value, but they are also incredibly versatile. Grab one for a healthy snack, or get creative with stuffed capsicums, stir-fries, roasting, or even pureeing! For an afternoon treat try this Capsicum Pesto Dip to go with your crackers. Or even this delicious Creamy Capsicum Pasta. Yum!
Next up, we have the crunchy, peppery Radish, grown in the Lockyer Valley. Radishes are in season, and when selecting them, be sure to choose ones with plump, well-coloured buds and leaves. Radishes are perfect when freshly sliced or marinated in salads. If you are looking for something new, give this Radish and Butter Bean Salad a try.
If you have been loving Corn lately, you will be happy to know that it is still in great supply and offering excellent value. Fresh from Gatton and New South Wales, Corn is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its sweet, juicy taste and all the health benefits it packs. Get inspired with these Corn Fritters, or elevate your dish with Roasted Corn with Smoked Chilli Mayo. If you are craving something simple yet scrumptious, then try an Avocado and Corn Omelette.
Speaking of sweet and nutritious, Bundaberg is providing Queensland with plenty of Sweet Potato. Packed with nutrients, this vegetable is perfect for adding variety to your meals. Why not try switching up your usual baked potato with a sweet potato? Remember to load it with sour cream and cheese for the ultimate comfort food!
Have you ever tried Persimmons?This unique fruit, grown in and around Bundaberg and Gympie, typically between late February and mid-June, is making its debut this season. Persimmons are at their best when crisp and crunchy, just like an Apple. Pick some up for a delightful snack or dessert or pair with yogurt for breakfast or even add a scoop of ice cream for a sweet treat! Make sure they are firm and still have a green cap. They can be kept in the fridge for up to five days.
Another sweet fruit, but also tart, is Lemons, from North Queensland, which are in abundance right now. The A better choice! recipe page has loads of lemon recipes to cater all of your cooking needs, whether you need a sweet treat, like a Lemon Tart, or something more savoury, like this Curry Lemon Chicken. If you know someone with a March birthday, try making this Raspberry and Lemon Yogurt Cake. It has a perfect combo of sweet and tart flavours for those birthday celebrations!
Known as the salad staple, Continental Cucumbers, from the Lockyer Valley, are in store and waiting for you. Tasty, juicy and refreshing, Cucumbers tick all the boxes. They have many health benefits, are full of nutrients and antioxidants, and they can also help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and redness around the eyes.
By shopping at your local A better choice! fruit and vegetable shop, you are not only getting the freshest, locally grown produce sourced through the Brisbane Markets, but you are also supporting Australian farmers and enjoying the very best of each season.
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 50 wholesalers who receive fresh produce from over 7,000 growers and trade five days a week to more than 800 registered buyers.
