Brisbane Market Report 170

Fruit is the popular choice at the Brisbane Produce Market this week, with more reliable supplies than many weather-affected vegetables.

The local strawberry season is going from strength to strength and there’s some great quality, well-priced fruit available. Raspberries are still eating well, but blueberry prices are inconsistent.

North Queensland is bringing some fantastic tropical fruit to market: golden pawpaws from Innisfail and passionfruit are both well supplied. Banana smoothies are back on the menu thanks to the improved supply of bananas, and Hass avocados are deliciously creamy and great value.

All apple varieties and Packham pears are good quality, with firm prices. Our top melon picks are watermelons from the Northern Territory and the yellow, smooth-skinned candy melon.

You might notice a few different mandarin varieties popping up on the shelves like Hickson, Murcott and the Tangelo. Technically a cross between grapefruit and mandarin, the tangelo has sweet, slightly acidic flavour that works well in desserts, cakes and savoury chicken dishes.

Limes from North Queensland are back in supply, while lemons are a little short but the supply from southern states will pick up soon. Pineapples are running short.

Vegetable supplies are variable, but we do have plenty of celeriac, kale, cabbage, celery, coriander, garlic, ginger, kale, shallot, spring onions, spinach, radish, rocket and mushrooms.

Stir-fries will benefit from the abundant supplies of broccoli, beans, Asian vegetables, wombok, and capsicum. Brussels sprouts are excellent quality and can be given an Asian twist stir-fried with crispy baked tofu and a honey sesame glaze.

Cool winter nights are calling out for roasts and stews with great quality sweet potato, fennel, eggplant, and cauliflower. Can’t resist a pudding? Toowoomba-grown rhubarb is perfect for a classic crumble with apple, cinnamon and vanilla.

Cold weather has shortened supplies of broad beans, corn, zucchini, silverbeet, okra, squash and snow peas.

This week’s top pick is vitamin and fibre-packed cauliflower from the Lockyer Valley. Look for firm, tightly packed heads that are creamy white. Remove the outer leaves and store in the fridge for up to four days. Try the classic traditional cauliflower and cheese bake, individual soufflés or pan-fried cauliflower steak with cumin and parsley. For guest night use the whole cauliflower in a gratin roasted in a cheesy white sauce and topped with speck or bacon, thyme and sage.

For A Better Choice of what this season has to offer, look for 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 https://www.facebook.com/yourlocalfruitshop.

 

Brisbane Produce Market Report