Brisbane Market Report 137

Blistering hot days, afternoon storms, and shelves overflowing with nectarines, peaches, cherries, and mangoes: all signs that summer has arrived at the Brisbane Produce Market.

We’re seeing high quality, well-priced fruits arriving from multiple regions, including Victorian cherries and pears, great value mangoes, Hass avocados, as well as local pawpaw, passionfruit, lychees, dragonfruit, rockmelon, and watermelon.

In stone fruit, look for Black Diamond plums from Kumbia in Queensland, nectarines from New South Wales and Victoria, yellow peaches from Queensland, and Victorian-grown apricots and Snow Angel white peaches from Victoria.

Blueberries continue their bumper season, and Stanthorpe-grown strawberries and Toowoomba-grown raspberries are both in good supply. The good news for bananas this week is that they’ve lost their winter skin and the quality is much improved, so prices should decrease. Plentiful supplies of Mareeba-grown limes are just calling out to be added to your favourite summer tipple.

The heat and wet weather have taken their toll on vegetable supplies, particularly in the Lockyer Valley where broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, and capsicums have all been affected.

Lebanese cucumbers, baby cukes, eggplant, asparagus, kale, herbs, zucchini, and silver beet are all excellent quality. Also well-supplied are red cabbage, button and cap mushrooms, sweet potato, and corn.

Salad recipes will benefit from the addition of good value Victorian-grown fennel, baby cos lettuce, rocket, salad leaves, baby spinach, and watercress. With the abundant supplies of Bundaberg-grown cherry tomatoes, now’s the time for tomato-based salsas, bruschetta, and salads like the classic Caprese with fresh mozzarella and basil.

This week’s top pick is garden peas, which are only in season for a short time. An excellent source of vitamins K and B6 and folic acid, garden peas are found inside pods that should firm, smooth, and a vibrant green colour. Try to use peas as close as possible to the time of purchase; unwashed, unshelled peas will last in the fridge for two to three days. Get the kids involved in shelling, then add to salads, dips, or pasta sauces like pesto with garlic, parmesan, pine nuts, and basil.

You can buy the best of what the season has to offer at your nearest Your Local Fruit Shop. Go to www.yourlocalfruitshop.com.au to locate your closest store. Check out the Your Local Fruit Shop Facebook page for the latest news from your local fresh produce experts at www.facebook.com/yourlocalfruitshop

Brisbane Produce Market