Brisbane Produce Report – 17 November 2023
With just a few weeks left of Spring, the warmer weather has started to bring storms in some growing regions. While some produce lines have been affected, Brisbane Markets wholesalers source produce from thousands of Australian farms, which means there is still a large range of affordable, quality fruit and vegetables making their way through the Central Market to your local fruit and veg shop.
Perfect for the warmer weather, our pick of the week is Watermelon grown in North Queensland. There is a great supply and fantastic prices on this sweet, juicy fruit. They’re great to just cut up and enjoy as is, but why not try this refreshing Watermelon and Ginger Smoothie.
Tis’ the season for juicy stone fruit and we’re certainly seeing that come through the Markets. White Nectarines from Swan Hill and Stanthorpe are great eating at the moment. For a tasty, decadent desert, give this Poached Nectarines with Sweetened Mint Cream and Toasted Hazelnuts a try.
The Plums coming out of Stanthorpe are considerably sweeter than what you’d expect at this time of year. They’re tasty and so juicy they almost explode when you bite into them. Although they taste wonderful as they are, this Plum and White Chocolate Dessert Cake looks pretty wonderful too!
Apricots, White and Yellow Peaches from Victoria are fantastic eating and packed with vitamins A, C and K. When selecting stone fruit, choose fruit that are firm but have some ‘give’ when you gently squeeze them. Try something different this weekend with this Plum and Peach Bruschetta recipe.
Cavendish Bananas from North Queensland are back in season, with the supply increasing over the coming weeks which will bring prices down. Among other nutritional benefits, Bananas are known for being high in vitamins C, B6 and Potassium. We all know they’re great as a snack on the go, but have you ever tried Banana in a savoury dish? Check out these Banana, Bacon and Cheese Pinwheels for a flavoursome treat that will turn your world upside down.
Nicknamed “Australia’s salad bowl”, the Lockyer Valley was hit with intense storms last weekend which has affected some salad and vegetable crops. Although this has reduced supply of some lines, there are plenty of affordable vegetable and salad staples still coming into the Markets and available at your independent fruit and veg shop. Over the coming weeks, you may see the price increase on affected lines, but you will still be able to find Sweet Corn and Green Beans from unaffected Lockyer Valley farms, Broccoli from Gatton, and Kent Pumpkin from Charter Towers.
You’ll find Iceberg Lettuce from Stanthorpe and Darling Downs in great supply, quality and price this week. Just in time for summer salads, look for round, firm heads when selecting lettuce.
Lo Bok, also known as White or Daikon Radish, adds a peppery kick to summer salads. This crunchy veg from South Australia is great eating and good value at the moment. The humble White Radish will surely add an extra element to your salads.
Coming in from Bundaberg, Continental Cucumbers are in abundance and priced to match, along with Lebanese Cucumber from Coffs Harbour. Add them to your salads or try this Sweet and Sour Pickled Cucumber recipe to turn them into a tasty side dish.
Washed Potatoes from South Australia are good in quality and affordable this week. We all know how versatile potatoes can be, but did you know potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fibre? Make the most of this kitchen staple with everything from Potato Salad to chunky chips, and a good old fashioned Mash with Steak.
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