The days are getting warmer and shelves are overflowing with nectarines, apricots, plums, peaches, cherries, and mangoes: all signs that summer has arrived at the Market.
The quality of the nectarines and peaches is impressive, and prices will continue to go down as supplies increase. Mangoes are fantastic value this week with great supplies from the Northern Territory and Queensland. Also look out for red-fleshed plums, yellow peaches, snow angel white peaches and apricots.
Queensland-grown rockmelons from Ayr and watermelons from far North Qld are fantastic value and quality — choose fruit that feel heavy for its size with unblemished skin. Cavendish bananas and pineapples coming from Yeppoon are great eating, well supplied and great value.
Lychees arriving from Mareeba have not had a good year so expect to pay top dollar as supply is limited, but demand is high. It’s a similar story with dragon fruit and figs, expect to pay more as supply is short.
Blueberries coming from NSW continue to impress with their strong run of quality, while strawberry supplies from Victoria, South Australia and Stanthorpe, although good quality, have been affected by recent rain, so expect to pay a bit more.
Asparagus, continental cucumbers, sweet potatoes, beans and all varieties of herbs continue to be fantastic buys. Make the most of the beautiful truss tomatoes that are currently on the shelves – buy in bulk, halve, and top with garlic, thyme, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil before roasting and using in salads or as a stand-alone side.
On the salad front, crisp and crunchy iceberg lettuce from Gatton and the Lockyer Valley is good value and makes a great base. Select lettuce with crisp, firm leaves without any signs of wilting.
The season for QLD capsicum is finished with good quality supplies coming from South Australia, Tasmania and even New Zealand, so prices have increased. Cauliflower, broccoli, rocket, spinach, snow peas, kale coming from southern states are great eating.
Beetroot, cabbage (sugar loaf, drumhead and red), and new season brown and red onions are all fantastic value, grown locally in the Lockyer Valley, so don’t miss out on these great buys.
This week’s top pick is green beans from Gympie and Mulgowie. Fresh green beans are great in salads, stir-fries or taste delicious when sautéed in melting butter with garlic. Choose young, firm, vibrant green straight pods that snap crisply. Store in a plastic bag in the crisper section of the fridge and consume within one to four days.
Report Supplied by Brismark