Brisbane Market Report 128

A chilly end to August means we’re seeing slightly less volume through the Brisbane Produce Market, but supplies will bounce back once spring arrives.

Rockmelons from North Queensland are at their best at the moment, as are strawberries from the Sunshine Coast. In fact, strawberries are in oversupply, so stock up and make tarts, sorbets, purées, or another of our favourites, the Eton Mess. One of England’s best loved and simplest desserts, it combines sliced strawberries with whipped cream and crumbled meringues.

We have good supplies of Hass avocados, as well as blood oranges from Victoria, jumbo-sized ginger from Eumundi, and Packham and Corella pears from Victoria.

You can expect most varieties of apples to increase in price, along with the Northern Territory-grown Kensington mangoes, which we’re finding are mixed quality.

In vegies, Gatton and the Lockyer Valley continue to fill the shelves with abundant supplies of broccoli, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, eggplant, iceberg lettuce, and salad leaves.

From down south, leeks are at the peak of their season — look for a crisp white base and fresh-looking green tops.

Fennel, shallots, mushrooms, corn, spinach, and rocket are all widely available this week.

While the supply of beans from North Queensland and Gympie has lightened, the quality is still good.

Red and green capsicums, zucchini, sweet potato and cucumbers have all increased in price this week due to the cooler weather.

Basil and chives are both dear, although as spring approaches, herbs will make a comeback.

This week’s top pick is Brussels sprouts, the tiny vegetable with a not-so-great reputation due to those over-boiled dishes of yesteryear. Choose firm sprouts with bright green leaves and store in a plastic bag in the crisper. They’re in abundant supply from Stanthorpe and Gympie, as well as southern states, and deserve a second chance, particularly if lightly cooked then sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and bacon or pancetta.

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 https://www.facebook.com/yourlocalfruitshop.

Brisbane Produce Market