April 2 In Season at the Market

Buying and eating in season produce is good for your nutrition and helps the economy, our seasonal updates are here to lend a hand.

Let us inspire you with just a few of the fresh, locally grown produce now in season at the South Australia Produce Market that you will find at your local fruit and veg store.

Quince

While we are in quince season and they are in good supply, now is a great time to experiment with this exotic fruit. We all love quince paste on our cheese platters but you can also use quince in jams, jellies and desserts. For a BBQ option, halloumi skewers glazed in quince paste is simply delicious!  Raw quince have a sour flavour, with a tough flesh and leathery skin but once cooked they develop a subtle sweet flavour. When picking the perfect quince check for a solid-feeling fruit with minimal bruises. Quinces are highly regarded for their aroma and are an option for a natural air freshener.

Beurre Bosc Pear

The Beurre Bosc Pear has a rich, sweet, slightly grainy flesh which is especially good for desserts and poaching. However, you can also mash a poached Beurre Bosc with cauliflower for a delicious healthy alternative to mashed potato.  This variety of pear is also perfect to include and compliment on cheese platters.  They are usually picked before they’re ripe, kept in cold storage, and then left to ripen at room temperature for a few days. Tip – if you place your pears in a paper bag or an enclosed area with a ripe banana or apple, they will give off a gas called ethylene that triggers the ripening process in unripe pears. You gotta love science!

Kale

If you enjoy Kale you will be pleased to know there is a steady supply of this superfood coming from the northern Adelaide Plains.  Kale contains fibre, antioxidants, calcium, vitamins, iron and a wide range of other nutrients that help maintain good health. Kale is versatile and can be used raw in a salad or smoothie or can be added to pizza, foccacia, soups and casseroles. Kale also comes conveniently packaged so be sure to look out for these pre-packed bags of goodness which have already been washed, dried and packed fresh to add to your shopping basket.

BBQ Mushrooms

Large BBQ mushrooms are a great source of protein, fibre, antioxidants and a great substitute for red meat.  Also being rich in Vitamin B, folate and macronutrients, they help the body utilize energy from the food we consume and produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Enjoy these delicious mushrooms cooked on the BBQ savouring their own rich flavour or with a touch of garlic, thyme and rosemary for a tasty alternative.

You’ll find the best produce inside your local independent fruit & veg stores. Locate your closest store here.And don’t forget to check out Pick a Local, Pick SA Facebook page for the latest news from your local fresh produce experts.