July 8 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.

Sumo/Dekopon Mandarins

The legendary Sumo citrus is a variety of oversized mandarin known as “dekopon” in Japan where they originated from.  The Sumo mandarin has a very short season, maybe 3 weeks of supply here in SA and it’s celebrated for its sweetness and distinctive bump we call a top knot.  Having a very lumpy skin and a top knot, they are not the most attractive looking fruit, but they taste amazing with a full sweetness and are also seedless.  In Japan, Sumo’s are often given as gifts.  If you are lucky enough to see these in the next few weeks at your local fruit and veg store, give them a try for a healthy, refreshing snack.

Dill

Dill is a herb of the parsley family which has a fresh, citrus-like taste with a slightly grassy undertone. The feathery leaves of the dill plant add fresh green flavour to lighter dishes such as salads, seafood and vegetables and are also great in dips, spreads and homemade pickles.  Dill leaves are often used as a garnish for soups and when used in cooking, does lose its flavour the longer it is cooked and should be added at the last minute.  However, the opposite happens when cooking with dill seed, as the longer the seed is heated, it develops more aroma and flavour.

Sweet Potato

As we endure the cold weather, why not enjoy the natural sweetness and hearty goodness of sweet potatoes in your winter warmer meals. These vibrant and nutritious root vegetables are a true culinary delight with their orange flesh offering a natural sweetness that adds depth and richness to a variety of dishes. Whether roasted, mashed, baked, or incorporated into soups, curries and stews, these versatile potatoes provide a delicious and satisfying addition to your meals. Rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, sweet potato offer a range of health benefits. They are a great source of antioxidants, support digestive health, and contribute to a balanced diet.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb reminds me of my Grandma’s cooking – her rhubarb and apple crumble was simply delicious! This vibrant pink-red fruit has an interesting, sometimes bitter, taste that is great in both sweet and savoury dishes.  Rhubarb is also a good source of antioxidants, vitamin K, and fibre so not only great tasting, but you can benefit from the health benefits as well.  The best time to harvest rhubarb is during the months of May, June and early July so perfect to make delicious rhubarb desserts for cold winter nights – 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.