September 25 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. 

Jack O Lantern Pumpkins

With Halloween upon us next month, the first of the Jack O Lantern Pumpkins have arrived at the markets in preparation for the increasingly popular tradition that surrounds Halloween on October 31. Specifically grown for carving, this variety of pumpkin is typically larger with a stringy pulp and more watery flesh. Whilst you can technically eat them – there are better eating varieties available, and these are best used for decorative purpose. But don’t leave it too late – these sell out very quickly in your local fruit and veg store.

Star Ruby Grapefruit

Riverland ‘Star Ruby’ Grapefruits are a sweet yet tart citrus fruit rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fibre that are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. A result of crossing a pomelo and an orange, the fruit gained its name “grapefruit” because they grow in clusters, similar to grapes. Their rind is yellow-orange with a blush of rose indicating ripeness. You can determine how sweet/sour your grapefruit is likely to be from the deep colour of the rind and from how heavy the fruit is. If it feels heavier than it should be, chances are you’ve picked up an extra sweet grapefruit. Star Ruby grapefruit has the darkest flesh of all the red grapefruit varieties. In fact, the redder the flesh the sweeter the flavour. The ruby red pulp is juicy with a sweet-tart flavour and contains few, if any, seeds.

Continental Parsley

Continental Parsley is otherwise known as flat-leaf Parsley but can occasionally be mistaken for its fresh herb counterpart, Coriander. Continental Parsley is extremely diverse and can be added to many dishes such as stocks, soups, sauces, pesto or even compliment a rice or pasta meal as a garnish and extra burst of flavour! A hot tip for all the garlic lovers out there; consuming fresh continental parsley after eating garlic can help freshen your breath!

Avocado

What a great time to enjoy avocados! They are in plentiful supply at the market, at a great price and not to mention the many health benefits that they provide.  Avocados contain healthy fats, antioxidants and are rich in nutrients.  There are many health benefits by incorporating these green beauties into your diet which include improving digestion, heart health, vision and bone health. Be sure to add “avos” to your shopping basket to enjoy as a healthy snack on their own, added to salads, or to make delicious guacamole.  Did you know you can also freeze avocados? Simply wrap in plastic wrap, then place in a zip lock bag and pop it in the freezer – 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.