The unusually cold, wet winter has compounded the normal seasonal slow-down, particularly in growing regions in Southern and Central Queensland. While this has tightened supply on a number of produce lines, Brisbane Markets Wholesalers have access to growers across the country to ensure your local independent fruit and veg shop remains well supplied.
The pick of the week is Carrots, which are in good supply out of the Lockyer Valley and Bundaberg growing regions. These humble root vegetables are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamin A, vitamin B6, iron, calcium and cancer fighting antioxidant beta-carotene. Consumed raw, they are an excellent source of dietary fibre but their nutrients are more readily absorbed when cooked. For an easy to cook treat that’s ideal for school lunches or picnics you can’t go past this Banana, Carrot and Sultana Loaf.
Snow Peas from Bundaberg and the Lockyer Valley, and Celery from New South Wales are well supplied and of good quality. Supplies of Hass Avocados from the Darling Downs, Bundaberg and Northern New South Wales remain steady. Smashed on sourdough or as a side of guacamole, these creamy favourites are full of heathy fats that support the uptake of nutrients in the body. There is a good supply of tomatoes from the Bowen Gumlu growing region coming through the Brisbane Markets. Pair them in this Avocado and Tomato Bruschetta for a snack that is as healthy as it is delicious.
While not as abundant as previous seasons, there is a steady and growing supply of Papaya coming through from Mareeba and Innisfail in Far North Queensland. A highly nutritious and versatile fruit, Papaya can be eaten on its own, blended with other fruits for a delicious smoothie, or used as a base for condiments like this Papaya Relish. As well as Papaya, North Queensland is continuing to deliver steady volumes of Watermelon, Rockmelon and Honey Dew, supplemented with fruit from the Northern Territory.
Pineapples from the Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg and Yeppoon growing regions are in good supply although fruit is smaller than average as many growers picked early to avoid crop-killing frosts. Supplies of Passionfruit from North Queensland are steady as is Ginger from the Sunshine Coast and Gympie. The three come together beautifully in this Pineapple and Passionfruit Upside Down Cake.
So, while the weather has slowed things down, there are still good buys to be had and as always your local, independent fruit and veg shop, which sources seasonal produce from the Brisbane Markets, is your safest bet for quality, freshness and expert advice.
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.
Your local A better choice! fruit and veg shop hand picks their produce from the Brisbane Markets at Rocklea, which comes from thousands of Australian farms. Why not call in and see your local fruit and veg shop for the best quality, choice, freshness, and service available!
