This week at the Brisbane Markets, Mother Nature has been keeping producers on their toes, but don’t worry – there’s still an abundance of fresh, high-quality produce waiting for you at your local independent fruit and veg shop. Even with the weather of the past week, the Market is brimming with vibrant, tasty options that are perfect for your summer meals!
As the stone fruit season peaks, there’s no better time to indulge in Cherries – our pick of the week! Plump, juicy, and absolutely bursting with sweetness, these Cherries from New South Wales and Victoria are in perfect supply and of exceptional quality. For maximum freshness, look for Cherries with their stems intact and store them in the fridge for up to seven to 10 days (if they last that long!). Treat yourself to a slice of Cherry bliss with this luscious Cherry slice recipe – it’s a true tribute to their delicious flavour.
Summer is also synonymous with the bright and tangy zing of Limes. Grown in North Queensland around Cairns, these Limes are well-priced and perfect for adding a burst of flavour to anything from salads and desserts to refreshing summer cocktails. Try these Ginger and Lime Coolers to beat the heat on a hot summer’s day!
Don’t miss out on the plentiful supply of North Queensland Mangoes, with their top-notch quality and steady prices. A tip for Mango lovers: buy some now and freeze them to enjoy during the busy holiday season. When stored properly, Mangoes can last up to 12 months frozen, making them a savvy way to keep costs down while still savoring the sweet taste of summer.
And let’s not forget North Queensland Pineapples, another tropical favourite that’s in great supply and perfect for your next culinary adventure. Whether you’re adding them to savoury dishes like stir-fry or indulging in a slice of Pineapple and Passionfruit Upside-down Cake at morning tea, these sweet, juicy fruits are always a winner. (And yes, they can go on pizza if you’re feeling daring!)
Summer also means Lychees from North Queensland and the Sunshine Coast are here in all their glory! These little bursts of flavour are perfect on their own or can be added to spicier dishes for a touch of sweetness. They’re a true seasonal delight that will make your taste buds sing.
Bowen and Bundaberg grown Gourmet Tomatoes with their vibrant colour and tangy, juicy flavour make them an indispensable staple in countless dishes. With quality and supply great, these Tomatoes are perfect sliced for sandwiches, chopped into salsas, or roasted to infuse your favourite summer recipes with a burst of flavour. If you’re looking for something easy to put together for dinner, try making our Cherry Tomato and Basil tart this week.
Everyone’s favourite little green trees are in great supply this week, with Ganite Belt and Victorian grown Broccoli in abundance for those looking to purchase veggies. Packed with nutrients, Broccoli is an incredibly versatile vegetables, with endless possibilities on how it can be served. Why not try this Roast Broccoli Salad with spicy Tahini dressing a go at your next BBQ.
Cauliflower from Victoria is another star veggie this week, with its crisp, white florets, offering endless possibilities for your culinary creations. Whether you’re roasting it to develop a nutty flavour, mashing it as a low-carb alternative to potatoes, or transforming it into Cauliflower rice for a healthy twist on your favourite dishes, this versatile vegetable brings a delightful crunch to any meal. Enjoy Cauliflower in these tasty fritters that the whole family will love!
Green Cabbage from the Lockyer Valley is in good supply this week which is great for those looking to add a robust and hearty character to your summer recipes. Coming to the Markets from Gatton, Cabbage brings a satisfying crunch and depth of flavour to your culinary creations. This Cabbage, Potato and Leek Gratin is the perfect comfort-food dish for your summer-time cravings!
With produce sourced from across the country and arriving fresh every day at the Brisbane Markets, your local independent fruit and veg shop is the only place you should be going to find your favourite summer staples. Make a better choice—visit your local independent fruit and veg shop this week and experience the unbeatable freshness, variety, and quality. Your taste buds will thank you!
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.
