Queensland is turning up the heat, with each day getting warmer. On the bright side, it’s a reminder that Queensland’s tropical beauty is thriving and there’s no better way to beat the heat than diving into the refreshing, natural coolness of tropical fruits and crisp salads. Brisbane Markets wholesalers supply an abundance of fruit and veg shops throughout Queensland, so look for the A better choice! logo to discover what tropical fruits and staple veggies are in season now.
Iceberg Lettuce is our pick of the week, coming from Stanthorpe and Gatton. With Lettuce prices dropping, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some fresh lettuce. Give this Seedless Watermelon and Feta Salad a try – a summer salad that’s ready to please. With the crunch of Lettuce and juiciness of Watermelon, it’s a perfect combination for a light and energising way to stay cool.
In the Bundaberg region, all the Butternut Pumpkins are ripe for picking! These sweet and nutty Pumpkins are thriving off the summer sun, so are in high supply at the Brisbane Markets this week. The creamy texture of Butternut Pumpkins makes it perfect for roasts and purees. This December, why not try a traditional roast with your leg of ham to set the festive atmosphere for your celebrations?
Baby Broccoli is the perfect veggie choice to elevate your meals. It is a cheaper option for the green veggies at the moment and is in great supply from local growers in Stanthorpe. Its green stems make it an irresistible addition to any stir fry, salad or grilled dishes. Add some Garlic, butter and Lemon to your Baby Broccoli and it is a perfect side for any beef or fish dish. Go the extra mile and try this Marinated Lentils with Baby Broccoli and Feta.
Continental and Lebanese Cucumbers are the ultimate refreshers offering juicy bites of sweet flavour. While Continental Cucumbers are great for salads, Lebanese Cucumbers are perfect for Mediterranean-inspired dishes or cooling dips like tzatziki. So, this summer, make the most of the overflowing Cucumber supply from Lockyer Valley, Bundaberg and New South Wales. Serve them in a variety of ways for backyard barbeque gatherings. Whether you’re after a light crunch or a burst of hydration these Cucumbers are a must-have for a healthy refreshing twist on any meal.
Summer fruits are natures perfect balance of sugary juiciness and a tangy taste. These tropical treasures capture the taste of the season. Papaya is one of these tropical treasures that burst with flavour in every bite. Not only will they delight your taste buds, support your health as they are packed with a wealth of Vitamins A and C. If you have an overload of papayas, give this seasonal Papaya Relish a go.
Another tropical fruit that is in good quality is Rockmelon, from Bundaberg. It won’t be hard to spot Rockmelon at your local fruit shop this week, so why not slice a chunky wedge of rockmelon for an afternoon treat.
A much smaller fruit that offers an equal burst of joy in every bite are Raspberries from Bundaberg and northern New South Wales. Their rich ruby red colour can brighten any plate from yoghurt bowls, chia puddings to ice cream. A perfect recipe that features this fabulous fruit is the A better choice! Lemon and Raspberry Muffins recipe.
Nectarines are officially the starting point for our supply of stone fruit! Just like our other tropical fruits, sweet and tart, they can be enjoyed on their own or in a delicious summer salad. As you may have noticed summer heat is kicking in, so our supply of stone fruit starting to come from down south, where it is cooler, in New South Wales and Victoria.
The Brisbane Markets are overflowing with fresh fruit and vibrant vegetables this week. So, if you are searching for fruit and veg that are full of flavour, head down to your local fruit and veg shop that displays the A better choice! logo.
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.
