Have you got something planned for Father’s Day?
Whether it’s brunch, a barbecue, or a wholesome Sunday roast, your local fruit and veg shop has got you covered with a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables for an incredible home-cooked meal for dad this weekend.
If your dad’s got a sweet tooth, take advantage of the plentiful supplies of sweet Sunshine Coast strawberries and creamy North Queensland bananas – make flaky croissants filled with Nutella, sliced strawberry and banana; serve with a cup of hot coffee.
For a savoury breakfast, try a veggie scramble. Beat a couple of eggs and throw them in a pan with some chopped capsicum, onion, garlic, and spinach; cook until tender, and then season with salt and pepper. Serve with sliced avocados, which are a thrifty buy this week.
Brimming with antioxidants and in good supply are flavoursome blueberries. Pair them with zesty local lemons, which are also in ample supply, to make decadent lemon and blueberry scones.
The mandarin season is coming to an end, but Honey Murcotts are still widely available. Pineapple and passionfruit supplies are improving, while blood oranges are the pick of the citrus. Crispy apples and pears are also available in large volumes at the Markets.
We’ve had yellow pawpaws in supply over the last few weeks, but now arriving in excellent quality from far north Queensland and bursting with natural sweetness are succulent red papayas. Did you know pawpaws and papayas are berries? To intensify the flavour, serve papaya with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of chilli and salt.
The arrival of spring signals fantastic supplies of salads and veggies such as lettuce, spinach, kale, wombok, broccoli, beetroot, celery, and cauliflower. In-season right now and in plentiful supply is Australian-grown asparagus. Select firm, even-sized asparagus with tightly closed tips. Roast them alongside lemon slices for a bit of zing. Add some feta cheese and flaked almonds, and you’ve got yourself a perfect side dish.
We also have good supplies of fennel, leeks, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes as well as an abundance of red chillies from Bundaberg. In herbs, coriander, parsley, basil, mint, and thyme are in fair supply. They’re rich in flavour and make beautiful garnishes. When choosing herbs, remember to look for bunches with vibrant colour and fragrance.
Locally grown crunchy capsicums, large eggplants, slender zucchinis, and bite-sized cherry tomatoes represent top quality and value right now. Grill these veggies alongside prawns, lemon, and garlic and herb seasoning for a backyard barbecue get together.
Other value buys include green beans from Kalbar, onions, potatoes, and parsnips. Truss tomatoes, cucumbers are butternut pumpkin are in light supply.
This week’s top pick is iceberg lettuce from the Lockyer Valley. Round in shape with tightly packed layers of crisp green leaves, iceberg lettuce is the most widely used leafy green in burgers, sandwiches, and spring salads. The mild flavour and crunchy texture of a lettuce adds a refreshing taste to any recipe.
Pro tip: Pick lettuce that feels heavy for its size and has crisp, firm leaves without any sign of wilting. Store it in the crisper section of the fridge.
Report supplied by Brismark