Marketfresh Report - Week Ending November 24th Nov

Information Courtesy of Sue Dodd, Sydney Markets

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
Berries
There are good supplies of sweet-eating berries. Choose from fragrant strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and low sugar, high fibre, raspberries.
Tomatoes
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.
Zucchini
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.
Cucumber
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.
Green beans
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.
Nectarines
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
Limes
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.
Apricot
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.
Asparagus
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.
Snow peas
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.
Peaches
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.
Cherries
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.
Plums
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.
Asian Greens
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.
Capsicums
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.


Seasonal Recipes - Spring


Grilled chicken with broad bean, avocado and olive salad
This delicious spring recipe from The Greengrocer’s Diet (published by Pan Macmillan RRP $39.99)is a sneak preview of the fresh tasting meals you can look forward to eating in spring. Those of you who need to lose a few kg's before the warmer weather kicks in, may want to buy a copy of this excellent book from your local greengrocer, book store or on line.

Mango, lime and toasted sesame filo cups
These are fun, yum and relatively low in energy. I tested them for the first time with a bunch of friends over for dinner and the general consensus was a big thumbs up. I also tested my blood sugar levels after eating them and they stayed well within a health range. ( note - everyone's blood glucose response is different ) The recipe makes 12 ( 2 per serve) I served them with the choice of coconut yoghurt or coconut ice-cream.

Crispy Skin Salmon Fillets with Bean Mash and Mango Salsa
When you use fresh herbs and seasonal produce there’s no need to bombard a dish with fat and salt for flavour. Unless of course it’s good fat. This is a recipe that is packed full of flavour and contains essential Omega 3 fats. It’s a beautiful dish to look at, it tastes delicious and it’s very easy to make.

Smoked trout with vegetable spaghetti
This, from the spring section of The Greengrocer’s Diet book, is a simple low-energy meal that is perfect for people trying to lose weight. Smoked trout is packed with flavour which you really need when serving a vegetable like this.

Leek and Celery soup with crunchy croutons
Simple, cheap, and tasty. The croutons turn it from being slightly boring unless it's served with something on the side. And they are especially good to make when the bread is turning a bit stale.

Japanese miso and tofu soup
This is one of my favourite soups to make. It's super-easy and you just feel like it's doing you good with each spoonful. To maintain the probiotic properties of the miso, bring it to a boil slowly and turn the heat off within 2 minutes of boiling

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