Blistering hot days and fruit bowls overflowing with peaches, nectarines, cherries and mangoes are what Queensland Summers are made of.
Plums are still in abundant supply and good quality eating with many varieties such as Donsworth Blood, Black Amber and Purple Majesty from the Stanthorpe and Ballandean regions. Passionfruit and figs are also in good supply, while we’re seeing excellent quality and value of local blueberries and strawberries from South Australia. Lemons are experiencing short supply, but limes are plentiful.
Look out for a few more unusual fruits on the shelves this week, including the Australian native finger lime from Mareeba. Thin and longer in shape and bursting with zesty flavour; their caviar-like pearls add a slight crunch and sophistication to your curries and seafood – think oyster shooters, seared scallops, grilled salmon – or as a garnish on a fancy beverage.
Fluctuating temperatures around Australia, high humidity and lack of rain has continued to impact vegetables. Celery is in short supply and expensive. Prices for broccoli, cauliflower and Roma tomatoes are also set to increase, however both truss and cherry tomatoes from South Australia are in abundant supply.
Whilst the water shortage has affected the appearance and colour of most produce, it’s not all doom and gloom in the vegetable world as Asian vegetables are in good supply from local areas. Beans are plentiful from the Applethorpe and Stanthorpe region, along with sugar snap and snow peas from Victoria.
The best quality buys this week for vegetables are Lebanese and continental cucumbers from the Lockyer Valley, silver beet from Toowoomba and a good supply of quality herbs – coriander, basil, mint, dill and parsley from Gatton.
Our top pick for this week is the donut peach. Red blush in colour, this peculiar donut-shape fruit is less acidic and sweeter than regular peaches. Great for grilling and adding them to your Summer salads, or perfect as a snack on its own and lunchbox treats for the little ones.
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
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