Aug 11 In Season at the SA Produce 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.

Purple Congo potato

These striking spuds might have South American roots, but they’re now proudly grown right here in the Northern Adelaide Plains. With their deep-purple skin and vibrant flesh, they’re a feast for the eyes and the body — thanks to antioxidants called anthocyanins that give them their rich colour.

Firm and dense with a hint of sweet, nutty flavour, Purple Congo potatoes are perfect for roasting, mashing, baking, or tossing into salads. They’re also loaded with potassium, vitamin C, and fibre, and have a lower glycaemic index — making them a nutritious choice for any meal. ✨ Add a pop of purple to your plate this week and turn everyday dishes into something spectacular!

Onions

From soups to salads, stir-fries to Sunday roasts, the versatile onion is a true kitchen staple — available all year round and ready to bring flavour to just about any dish. With so many varieties to choose from — yellow, red, white, spring onions, shallots and leeks — there’s an onion for every recipe. They can be roasted, grilled, pickled, caramelised, battered and fried, sliced thin, or chopped and served raw for a burst of flavour. Ever wondered why onions make us cry? 💧 When you cut into an onion, its cells release special compounds. These react with enzymes to create a sulphuric acid-like compound that irritates the nerves around your eyes — triggering tears. A little science behind the sniffles!
✨ Whether sweet, sharp, or savoury, onions are the base note that makes your cooking sing. What’s your favourite way to use onions?

Afourer mandarin

If you love mandarins, you’ll adore the Afourer variety — a South Australian favourite that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Grown locally, medium-sized gems have a deep orange rind and flesh, peel with ease, and are almost seedless. Bursting with intense honeyed flavour, Afourer mandarins strike the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. They’re perfect for enjoying fresh, segmenting into fruit bowls, adding to cheese platters, or using as a vibrant topping for desserts.

With their juicy, soft texture and rich colour, they’re a seasonal treat worth savouring. Support local growers and bring home some Afourers this week — your taste buds will thank you!

Coriander

Few herbs spark debate like coriander — but for those who love it, nothing compares to its fresh, citrusy kick! In Vietnamese cooking, it’s a must-have, adding a burst of flavour to a crisp Vietnamese roll. In Mexican dishes, a sprinkle in your salsa takes it to the next level. 🥗 Pick some up from your local fruit and veg store this week and give your cooking a fresh, local twist!

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.