"ideas on the freshest produce this season coupled with gourmet recipes for the freshest produce in town
What's fresh?
Mango
Sweet, fragrant mangoes are here, bringing a taste of summer to your table. Look for fruit with a vibrant aroma near the stem. Store unripe mangoes at room temperature and pop ripe ones in the fridge for up to five days. Enjoy mangoes fresh in salads and smoothies as a topping for yoghurt, or add them to chia pods
Nectarines are at their sweetest now. Select fruit with smooth, blemish-free skin and a little give when pressed. Store as you would peaches. Nectarines shine in fruit salads, baked desserts, or sliced and served with a dollop of whipped cream for a quick summer dessert
Peaches are bursting with flavour this week! Look for smooth skin and a fragrant aroma. Handle gently as they bruise easily. Store peaches at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate for up to three days. Slice them into salads, grill them for a caramelised treat, or blend them into refreshing smoothies.
Tangy and vitamin C-rich limes are less acidic than lemons. Choose heavy, glossy fruit and roll or microwave briefly for maximum juice. Add zest to drinks, desserts, or savoury dishes like lime-marinated fish with cucumber and avocado salad.
Juicy, ruby-red cherries are the ultimate seasonal indulgence. Look for firm, glossy fruit with bright green stems. Store cherries in the fridge and wash them just before eating. Add them to salads, serve alongside cheese platters, make a cherry relish to serve at Christmas with turkey, or enjoy them straight from the bowl for a fuss-free treat.
Add quality South Australian Truss tomatoes to your shopping list this week. To maximize flavour, store tomatoes at room temperature until they ripen to a rich red colour.
Apricots are a sweet and tangy treat right now. Choose ones with a golden-orange hue, avoiding any that feel overly firm or have green patches. Store them in a cool, dry place, or refrigerate if ripe to extend freshness. These beauties are perfect for snacking, baking into tarts, or making a simple apricot compote for breakfast or desserts.
Flavoursome new-season plums from the North Coast are here, offering yellow and red-fleshed varieties. Choose firm plums that yield slightly to gentle pressure, and store at room temperature until ripe. Enjoy the fresh, sliced into salads, or poached for a delightful dessert.
Mild-tasting zucchinis are this week’s bargain, with prices dropping as supplies come in from several growing regions. Look for firm, smooth-skinned zucchinis, and store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Although asparagus is past its peak season, it’s still available and ideal for light, spring-inspired dishes. Prices are rising, so choose spears with tightly closed tips and vibrant colour. Enjoy it steamed, grilled, or added to pasta or salads for a touch of elegance.
Quick to cook, versatile, and packed with nutrients, Asian leafy greens are a fantastic addition to your meals this week. Add them to stir-fries, soups, or salads for flavour and health benefits.
Juicy and tender Lebanese cucumbers are a standout buy. Choose firm, smooth-skinned cucumbers and store them in the fridge for maximum freshness. Dice them into a Greek salad with ripe grape tomatoes, olives, thinly sliced onion, and feta cheese for a refreshing side.
Crisp snow peas are ultra-fresh and require minimal cooking. Enjoy them raw, finely shredded in a salad or cook briefly to ensure they are served with a little crunch. The most tender pods are generally the smaller-sized pods.
Sweet and mild-tasting bullhorn capsicums are about 15cm long with a unique tapering shape resembling a bull's horn. Available in red, orange, yellow, or green, these capsicums are often mistaken for chillies, but they’re not hot! Perfect for stir-fries, casseroles, or stuffing, they’re in season now and a great buy this week.
Fresh, crisp green beans are good value this week and perfect for quick, healthy meals. Look for firm, bright green beans and store them in the fridge for up to five days. Try them in a speedy, ready in minutes green bean, spinach, and beef salad.
