February 23 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.

Royal Gala Apples

Royal Gala apples arrived at the markets on Thursday, freshly picked from the Adelaide Hills! Known for their crisp texture and sweet flavour, they’re perfect for lunch boxes, convenient snacks, or baking into a warm apple pie. Royal Galas provide vitamin C, dietary fibre and antioxidants, which can help support overall health as part of a balanced diet. Pick up this tasty apple variety from your local fruit and veg store for the whole family to enjoy. Fun fact: Royal Gala apples were named after Queen Elizabeth II, following her admiration for the variety.

Spring Onions

Locally grown spring onions are plentiful at the markets this week. They have a milder flavour than regular onions, so they only need a short time to cook and are often used raw as a garnish. Spring onions work well in Asian-style dishes, salads, stir-fries, fritters and many other meals. Both the green tops and the small white bulbs can be used, making them a versatile and low-waste option. To keep them fresh, store them in the fridge wrapped in paper towel and placed in a snap-lock bag in the crisper. For a simple meal idea, watch this veggie burger recipe from Thorndon Park Produce. The spring onions were freshly picked from the farm and the burgers were cooked on the BBQ in under 15 minutes.

Click the link: https://youtu.be/XXq-zpkmlA4?si=3BUdC32u6LqpAPqL

Lebanese Cucumbers

Lebanese cucumbers are a much-loved, versatile variety known for their naturally sweet flavour and refreshing crunch. With crisp flesh and tender skin, they’re a popular choice for platters and dips, especially in their “baby qukes” form—small, crunchy cucumbers that are ideal for dipping sticks, snacking on the go, tossing through salads, or packing into school lunchboxes. Nutritionally, Lebanese cucumbers are a great addition to everyday meals, offering vitamin C, fibre, and folate to support overall health. When choosing them, look for firm cucumbers with smooth, shiny, blemish-free skin to get the best flavour and texture. As the name suggests, Lebanese cucumbers are a staple ingredient in Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, where their freshness shines. Be sure to add them next time you’re making classic dishes like Fattoush salad or Tabbouleh for an authentic, crisp finish.

Rhubarb

If you’d like to bring a touch of tartness to your next meal, consider cooking with rhubarb. With its vibrant pink-red stalks and distinct, slightly sharp flavour, rhubarb can add depth and balance to a wide range of dishes. It’s a natural choice for pies, crumbles and other desserts, where its tang pairs beautifully with sweetness. But don’t limit it to just desserts. Rhubarb can also work very well in savoury cooking. Try adding it to roasts, salads or even slow-cooked stews for a subtle acidity that cuts through rich flavours. Whether you’re revisiting a favourite recipe or experimenting with something new, rhubarb is well worth including in your kitchen this week.

 

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.