As we approach a few days of unpredictable weather here in Queensland, we hope everyone stays safe and is well-prepared! Wholesalers at the Brisbane Markets have been busy supplying local independent fruit and veg shops this week to ensure customers have the supplies they need. Remember your local A better choice! fruit and veg shop has plenty of fresh, seasonal produce that is sure to bring value and flavour to your meals.
Our pick of the week is Sheppard Avocados. The Sheppard Avocado season is in full swing, and it is a great time to enjoy this creamy, smooth, and delicious fruit. Whether tossed in salads, blended into smoothies, or spread on toast, these Avocados are full of vitamins A, E, and K, along with fibre and folate. Keep an eye out for their glossy green skin, as Sheppard Avocados retain their vibrant hue even when ripe. Usually available until around the end of May, these Avocados are sure to be a favourite all season long.
Red Delicious Apples from Stanthorpe are in abundance this week and these juicy, crisp Apples are a wonderful addition to your kitchen. There are many varieties of new season Apples available now, with Red Delicious in particular of great value this week. While their mild flavour makes them perfect for fresh eating, they also shine in cooking. Whether you are baking a classic Apple pie, pureeing them for a homemade sauce, or thinly slicing them to freshen up your burgers, Red Delicious Apples will add a satisfying touch to any dish.
New season Williams Pears from New South Wales are the perfect juicy treat to enjoy right now. These Pears are incredibly tender and sweet, so when selecting one, gently press near the stem to check for ripeness. If you are eager to enjoy them sooner, place them next to Bananas or Apples in your fruit bowl to speed up the ripening process!
Nothing beats a refreshing wedge of Rockmelon on a warm day! These melons are packed with water, low in calories, and bursting with vitamins A and C. Coming from New South Wales, they are a hydrating, tasty snack that you can enjoy on their own or add to fruit salads for a little extra sweetness.
Pumpkins from Stanthorpe and Lockyer Valley are in abundance this week and represent great value for A better choice! fruit and veg shop customers. Whether its Kent or Butternut, add some to your shopping list this week. Looking for a fun weekend breaky, give this Pumpkin, Halloumi and Bacon Bagel a try. If you are a little hungrier, then add an egg or even some Avocado for some extra flavour! Another recipe that highlights this yummy vegetable is a Pumpkin and Avocado Salad, combining the creamy flavours to give you a perfect side dish.
Also grown in Stanthorpe and Lockyer Valley are Brown Onions. There is plenty around and they are great value and excellent quality. You can never have too many Onions in your pantry, as they can elevate pretty much any dish. Perfect to sauté on the BBQ to go with your snags or steak, or if you are up for a cosy meal, maybe add some Onion to your Fried Rice.
Another hard produce continuing to be in abundance are Sweet Potatoes from Bundaberg. This incredibly versatile vegetable can taste terrific whether its roasted, mashed, steamed or fried. Sounds like a perfect vegetable to have handy in the kitchen for any occasion. Grab one, or two this week and add them to your weeknight dinner plans. So, once the weather clears and it is safe to do so, head to your local A better choice! store and stock up on these fantastic fruits and vegetables. By shopping at your local, independent fresh produce store, you are not only supporting Australian farmers, small businesses, and local communities, but you are getting the freshest, high-quality produce sourced directly from 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 50 wholesalers who receive fresh produce from over 7,000 growers and trade five days a week to more than 800 registered buyers.
