August 31 In Season at the SA Produce Market

There’s plenty of fresh South Australian produce moving through the SA Produce Market this week, with great local supply across a range of fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Here are four of our picks to look out for at your local independent fruit and veg store this week.

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

Red Heirloom Tomatoes are looking great this week. Heirloom tomatoes are known for their distinctive clefts and surface scarring, a characteristic commonly referred to as “catfacing.” This scarring is perfectly safe to eat and can occur for several reasons, with one of the most common being exposure to cool temperatures during pollination. Heirloom tomatoes are also recognised for their thin, tender skin, rich flesh and fewer seeds compared to standard tomatoes. They are ideal for a classic tomato, mozzarella and basil salad, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, or sliced thickly and added to sandwiches. Enjoy the delicious flavour and unique appearance of these seasonal favourites!

 

EGGPLANT

Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is currently in excellent supply at the market and is a versatile, flavourful addition to any meal. With its deep purple, glossy skin and nutrient-rich flesh, eggplant is a popular meat alternative, particularly in vegetarian cooking. While commonly considered a vegetable, eggplant is technically a fruit, as it grows from a flowering plant and contains seeds. It can be roasted, grilled, stuffed, baked or even smoked on the barbecue, offering endless possibilities in the kitchen. Naturally rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, eggplant is a nutritious and versatile choice to add to your shopping basket on your next visit to your local fruit and vegetable store.

 

BROWN ONIONS

Grown in South Australia, they are ideal for caramelising, adding depth to soups and stews, or enhancing sauces and other favourite recipes. Brown onions also contain antioxidants, including quercetin, which is recognised for its anti-inflammatory properties, and may support heart health and healthy blood sugar regulation. When selecting brown onions, look for firm, dry bulbs with intact papery skins and no soft spots. For best results, store them in a cool, dry place where they can remain fresh for several weeks.

 

CELERIAC

Have you tried Celeriac? It is a versatile root vegetable with a rough, rounded exterior and firm, creamy-white flesh. It is a good source of Vitamin K and Vitamin C and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. When eaten raw, celeriac has a crisp texture and distinctive nutty, celery-like flavour, making it an excellent addition to salads and slaws. When cooked, it develops a subtly sweet and earthy flavour and can be mashed, baked, roasted or boiled. For an impressive dinner or appetiser, try salt-baked celeriac served with flavourful condiments for a simple yet refined way to showcase this unique seasonal vegetable.

 

Recipe: https://www.abetterchoice.com.au/recipes/salt-baked-celeriac-with-flavourful-condiments/

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.