February 19 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.

Red Sensation Pears

This stunning variety, which are also referred to as “Summer Red Pears”, are known for their vibrant red/orange appearance and are a deliciously sweet pear with a buttery smooth flesh which is crisp and juicy.   Red Sensation pears can be enjoyed either raw or cooked – they are delicious sliced in green salads, crudité platters and fruit salads or cooked up and used for pies, tarts, or other baked goods. They make excellent poached pears and stand up well to cooking.  The health benefits of the Red Sensation pear are impressive as they are not only a good source of fibre, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium but they are also low on the glycaemic index which is ideal for those on a low sugar diet.  Look out for these summer season pears at your local fruit and veg store and enjoy!

 

 

Red Oak Lettuce

If you are looking for variety in your salads, Red Oak lettuce is in supply and is known for its incredibly sweet and mellow flavour with a buttery texture.  With its burgundy coloured leaves, the Red Oak presents beautifully in salads, wraps or garnish.   Boasting the highest amount of iron amongst all lettuces, it is also packed with vitamin C and A and provides fibre, folate and minerals to your meals. Be sure to enjoy this vibrant lettuce in your next salad.

Yellow Squash

Yellow squash is from the same family as pumpkin and zucchini and this versatile vegetable is small with a slightly flattened top and scalloped edges. Both the skin and flesh are edible and is an excellent source of vitamin C and contains dietary fibre.  Squash can certainly add a pop of colour to many dishes so why not add them to your barbecue skewers, stir fries or casseroles or as a side on its own either grilled or sauteed.  Yellow squash grows in abundance during early to late summer so be sure to look out for these at your local fruit and veg store to add to your weekly meals.

Red Onions

Who doesn’t have the staple red onion in their pantry?  These purplish-red onions are available all year round, and they are such a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw in many salads, salsas and dips or sauteed in stir fry, fajitas, pastas and pizzas. You can also “pickle” red onion which is delicious on sandwiches and burgers.  The options are endless! The health benefits of the trusty red onion are also impressive with red onions being full of sulphur compounds that protect the body from ulcers and various cancers.  Add them to your shopping basket to keep up your supply in the pantry.

 

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.