With summer just weeks away, we are seeing new seasonal fruit and vegetables making their way from Queensland and across the country, through the Brisbane Markets and on to your local fruit and veg shop.
Our pick of the weeks is Papaya from North Queensland. This tropical fruit is exceptional eating quality and great value this week. A red, football shaped fruit, Papaya is full of antioxidants to boost the health of your skin and immune system. Why not make this tasty Papaya Relish for a delicious condiment that compliments any dish.
Cherry season is ramping up as we’re seeing boxes and boxes of Victorian and New South Wales grown Cherries making their way through the Market. The Cherry season only lasts 100 days, so make the most of it while you can and pick up a box from your local fruit and veg shop. While they’re great on their own, you can also enjoy them in this decadent Choc Cherry Brownie Slice.
If you’re looking for a refreshing snack, pick up a couple of North Queensland grown Watermelons. They are incredibly juicy, flavoursome and affordable this week. Enjoy them sliced or blended in healthy juices like this Cucumber, Watermelon and Basil Cooler.
We are enjoying a great start to stone fruit season, especially with the Plums and Yellow Nectarines coming from Stanthorpe. The growing conditions in Stanthorpe this year have been perfect for stone fruit, producing exceptional tasting fruit that are deliciously sweet. For a cool treat, why not try making this Plum Sorbet recipe, which you could easily use to make a Nectarine sorbet too.
Hass Avocados are a great choice this week now the Western Australia growing season is filling the shelves. Add this nutritious fruit (yes, it is technically a fruit) to smoothies for a creamy texture, or if you’re entertaining this weekend, why not make this tantalising Avocado Hummus to impress your guests?
If you’re looking for something a little different, Apple Cucumbers, also known as Crystal Apple, are in season and growing well in Bundaberg. Apple Cucumbers have a light green to yellow skin and crisp white flesh. They are more oval shaped than Cucumbers but have a similar, if not slightly sweeter flavour. They can be eaten raw, made into a dip, sauteed, steamed, stuffed or cut up and added to salads.
There are some great crops of Sweet Corn coming in from Bowen. You’ll find well priced ears of these sweet and juicy vegetables in your local fruit and veg shop this week. There are plenty of ways you can prepare Corn, but we love this Grilled Mexican Corn recipe.
Gympie and Gatton are both growing great crops of Green Bean, resulting in good supply and affordable prices. Use them in salads or serve them up as a side for a healthy boost of essential nutrients this week. A recipe that really makes them pop is this Green Bean, Feta and Walnut Salad.
We’re in the middle of Victoria’s Asparagus season, so there are plenty of bunches of this tasty vegetable making their way through the Markets and on to your local fruit and veg shop. To find the freshest Asparagus, look for stalks that are firm to the touch, and able to stand up straight with a smooth texture. Our Stovetop Asparagus Frittata is a delicious way to use seasonal Asparagus in a delicious breakfast.
If you’re looking to try something a little different, Gatton grown Long Melon, also known as Winter Melon, is an Asian veg similar to Cucumber with a refreshing, almost grassy flavour. They’re great for adding to stews, soups and stir-fries. Take advantage of the lush Bok Choy coming up from Victoria and add Long Melon to this Calamari and Bok Choy Stir-Fry recipe.
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!
