March 4 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.

Jujubes

The jujube fruit, also known as a Chinese red date, has a short in-season but these deliciously sweet fruit are a must for your tastebuds.  There are 2 varieties, the small Honey Jar variety which is packed full of sweetness and the Li variety which is larger and still has a sweet taste but definitely more subtle.  The jujube fruit has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 4,000 years, and it’s any wonder why as the jujube fruit is packed with healthy vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are amazing for your mind and body.  Be sure to look for these exotic little beauties in your local fruit and veg store and enjoy!

 

Fuji Apples

Fuji apples are a variety of apple that are renowned for their juicy, sweet flavour and crisp texture.  They are a great source of vitamin C and fibre, but they do have one of the highest sugar contents in apples making them ideal to use for apple pies, tarts, cakes and muffins.  They are also delicious to be eaten on their own for that crisp, refreshing snack, added to lunch boxes or included in salads for crunch. Fuji apples are also an excellent addition to your cheese platters as they pair beautifully with cheeses such as gorgonzola, blue cheese, Fontina and Havarti.

 

Kestrel Potatoes

South Australian grown Kestrel potatoes are best known for their unique purple blush, a naturally occurring trait which is passed on from their parent variety, the Cara potato. Perfect for mashing, roasting, boiling and frying, they are a highly versatile variety, and the flesh is creamy white with a firm, crisp texture. When cooked, Kestrel potatoes have a rich, earthy, and buttery flavour.  This variety are excellent for home-made chips, gnocchi, rosti, wedges and even included in desserts like chocolate potato cake.

Cucumbers

Who doesn’t love refreshing cucumbers at this time of year?  Their peak season is from November to March, however, they are commonly found all year round.  They add crunch to a variety of salads and sandwiches or are a great healthy snack on their own or with your favourite dip.   Cucumbers are grown on creeping vines and their large leaves form a canopy over the fruits.  There are several different varieties of cucumbers but the most commonly known are the Continental, green or Lebanese.  As cucumbers contain 95% water, be sure to add them to your shopping basket when at your local fruit and veg store to add to your healthy, weekly meals.

 

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.