"ideas on the freshest produce this season coupled with gourmet recipes for the freshest produce in town
What's fresh?
Limes
Limes are plentiful and affordable, with bulk specials often available at your local greengrocer. TIP: To get the most juice, roll the lime on the benchtop before cutting. Use in dressings, marinades or refreshing salads like coriander, mint and lime chicken noodle salad.
Add new season grapes to your list, they’re plentiful and superb quality right now. Varieties like Menindee, Flame, Thompson, Ivory, Sweet Globe, Cotton Candy and Autumn Crisp are in season
Mangoes remain plentiful, with R2E2, Honeygold and Calypso varieties the most abundant. Mangoes contain low-GI carbohydrates, providing slow-release energy, making them a great option for breakfast, creamy mango and passionfruit pops, snacks or smoothies.
Peaches and nectarines continue to offer excellent value and flavour,. Enjoy them fresh, grilled on the barbecue, or sliced into salads and breakfast bowls.
Juicy red and yellow plums from Shepparton and Forbes are in peak season now, with a great range available. Queen Garnets stand out for their deep purple flesh and antioxidant-rich goodness
Originally from Spain, Piel de Sapo melons are football-shaped with crisp, juicy white to pale green flesh and a sweet flavour. Serve sliced with prosciutto or jamón for a classic pairing, or combine with feta, mint and lime for a refreshing summer salad
Valencia oranges are sweet, juicy and excellent for juicing. Locally grown fruit is great value. Add orange segments to salads or enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed juice for a vitamin C boost.
Fresh corn is naturally sweet and a truly delicious eating experience. Corn on the cob is quick to cook: simmer for 4–5 minutes, microwave for 3–4 minutes per cob, or grill on the barbecue in its husk for around 6-8 minutes.
Cucumbers are refreshing and hydrating thanks to their high-water content. Lebanese cucumbers are crisp and ideal for salads, while telegraph cucumbers are great for slicing and sandwiches.
Eggplant is versatile and widely used in cuisines around the world. It’s excellent pan-fried, grilled or roasted. Slice, coat in flour or breadcrumbs, and pan-fry until golden. Eggplant is excellent value
Cauliflower is a quiet all-rounder: mild, versatile, and brilliant at soaking up bold flavours without stealing the spotlight. For a summery dish, toss cauliflower florets on the grill with olive oil and lemon, then finish on the serving plate with parsley, feta and a drizzle of chilli and honey for sunshine on a plate.
Potatoes remain a family favourite and versatile in every kitchen. Brushed, Desiree and washed varieties are of the best value when purchased in a 5 kg bag
When it comes to fresh herbs and leafy greens, high humidity is having a short-term impact on quality. Leafy greens, like spinach, coriander and rocket should be purchased and used with on the same day as they are currently not storing well.
