November 6 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.

Green Chilli

We are currently seeing at the market a plentiful supply of South Australian green chillies, which are locally grown at Virginia.  These green chillies are normally not hot – but these ones have a kick!  Green chillies are no less hot than red, in fact their pungency is about the same but what does differ is their sweetness, with green chillies offering a more bitter flavour profile.  Chillies are included in many exotic dishes to add flavour and heat including Mexican, Thai and Indian cooking.  Be sure to spice up your weekly dishes with a touch of green chilli and if by chance you are a bit heavy handed, you can try adding full fat cream, yoghurt, sour cream or butter to help mellow it out.

 

Eggplant

Eggplant, also referred to as Aubergine is in great supply at the market and these deep purple, shiny and nutrient rich food are a delicious meat alternative for vegetarians.  Most would think of Eggplant as a vegetable, but in fact they’re technically a fruit, as they grow from a flowering plant and contain seeds.  Eggplant can be enjoyed many ways including roasted, grilled, stuffed, baked or even smoked on the barbeque.  Eggplants are nutrient rich containing fibre, vitamins and minerals so add this versatile fruit to your shopping basket when you are at your local fruit and veg store.

Apricots

As new season South Australian stone fruits have started to roll in from the Riverland, you will now find the first pick of apricots in your local fruit and veg store.   Apricots are a delicious stone fruit which have a golden orange colour, small in size with a velvety skin and chewy flesh, with a sweet and slightly tart taste.  Apricots are a great source of many antioxidants, including beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E.  Did you know that one apricot tree can produce fruit for as many as 25 years?  Personally, this fruit does remind me of hot summer nights around the swimming pool where my dad would pick fresh, juicy apricots off the tree for us to enjoy!  Be sure to enjoy this delicious stone fruit fresh while they are in season or alternatively enjoy dried apricots on your cheese platters when entertaining.

 

Truss Tomatoes

For a full flavoured tomato, a Truss Tomato is a great variety.  These tasty bursts of redness are best kept at room temperature for maximum flavour so leave your Truss Tomatoes on the kitchen bench rather than in the fridge.  This versatile tomato can be incorporated in so many meals whether used fresh, roasted, grilled or preserved.  To add taste and texture be sure to add these tasty Truss Tomatoes to your pizzas, omelettes, salads, soups and sauces.  They are also delicious with basil, salt & pepper, goats cheese and olive oil. Enjoy!

 

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.