Weather conditions around the state have been more consistent this week, so we’re pleased to see many fruit and vegetable lines returning to the shelves in larger volumes.
Central and north Queensland are leading the way with excellent supplies of lemons, limes, pineapple, pawpaw, passionfruit and persimmons. We’re even starting to see Imperial mandarins grown near Bundaberg, and supplies will continue to increase as the season progresses.
Red Delicious, Fuji and Kanzi apples from down south are all well supplied, along with Victorian-grown Packham pears, plums, and the last of the nectarines and peaches.
Grapes are at the height of their season, as are Shepard avocados (although you can expect Hass to make a return in about three weeks). Supplies of bananas and strawberries are moderate.
Can’t go past a cheese board? With new-season quince arriving from South Australia, you can impress guests with homemade quince paste or a roasted quince dessert. Figs are also great buying at the moment and marry beautifully with blue cheeses.
In vegies, we’re seeing good supplies of broccoli, carrots, eggplant, leek, kohlrabi, ginger, silverbeet, and sweet potato. Corn, yellow squash and zucchini are both abundant and fantastic buying — also watch out for zucchini flowers.
Victorian-grown asparagus is in season for a short time, and our southern growers are also providing solid supplies of rocket, spinach, endive, iceberg lettuce and snow peas. Round out your salads with cos and oak lettuce from the Darling Downs, cucumbers, spring onions, and locally grown cherry tomatoes. Tomato supplies are increasing as they experience a shift in supply from Victoria and Stanthorpe to Bundaberg over coming weeks.
Prices of cauliflower and wombok will improve as supplies recover, but beans and Kent pumpkin are short this week (try Butternut pumpkin instead).
This week’s top pick is the pomegranate, an ancient fruit native to regions from Iran to India. Look for fruit that feels heavy and store in the refrigerator for up to a month. Famed for their vibrant red arils and sweet, tart flavour, pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and lend themselves to many Middle Eastern dishes. Sprinkle pomegranate arils over a salad of roasted cauliflower, toasted pine nuts, mint, parsley and tahini dressing.
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
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