Sep 23 In Season at the SA Produce 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.

Kale

If you enjoy Kale, you will be pleased to know there is a steady supply of this superfood coming from the northern Adelaide Plains.  Kale contains fibre, antioxidants, calcium, vitamins, iron and a wide range of other nutrients that help maintain good health. Kale is versatile and can be used raw in salads or smoothies or can be added to pizza, focaccia, soups and casseroles. A simple way to prepare kale is to sauté it – simply chop the leaves and sauté in a large skillet with olive oil and salt and you can add aromatics like garlic and shallots or herbs and spices like chili flakes to add more flavour.

Cos Lettuce

Cos lettuce also known as Romaine lettuce, is a long lettuce with green, crisp leaves, tightly wrapped to form an elongated head.  The course leaves are crunchy and sharp in flavour making it the perfect lettuce for your Caesar salad and many other salads.  This variety also comes in “baby Cos” and the smaller sturdy leaves are great to use as edible scoops.  Cos lettuce is low in calories, sugar and carbohydrates and high in vitamins and minerals.  Be sure to look out for this tasty, crunchy lettuce at your local fruit and veg store.

Continental Cucumber

Continental cucumbers are long and often individually wrapped in plastic as the skin is very soft and can easily be damaged.  The plastic not only protects the cucumber, but it also prevents it from drying out and going soft. These cucumbers can be eaten with the skin on to add a refreshingly cool, crisp texture to many salads, salsas, dips and of course a cooling agent for those hot curries.  Not only are they great tasting but here are some fun facts regarding cucumbers.  If you are feeling tired in the afternoon, instead of a coffee, a few slices of healthy cucumber can provide a quick pick me up.  Cucumbers are also great for wrinkles and cellulite and if you have had a big night on the alcohol, a few slices of cucumber before bed will help you wake more refreshed and headache free apparently!

Bravo Apples

Bravo apples are easily recognised with their vibrant burgundy skin and are considered one of the best tasting apples with their sweet flavour, crisp and crunch.  Being a medium sized apple, they are perfect for a healthy snack and their flesh is ultra slow to turn brown which makes them perfect for lunchboxes, fruit platters, snacks, desserts, indecisive toddlers and so much more.   Keep an eye out for these burgundy beauties at your local fruit and veg store and 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.