Fact: fresh produce tastes best when it’s in season. But, at a time when we can source almost anything year-round, how do you know what produce is in its prime? Never fear, CW has your back! We chatted to the team over at Fyshwick Markets to get the lowdown on what you should be stocking your kitchen with (and cooking with) right now.
In the way of fruits, it’s all about citrus! Lemons, limes, oranges, blood oranges, mandarins and grapefruits are where it’s at right now. Lemons and limes in particular can be the hero of a range of dishes, sweet or savoury, or a quiet achiever enhancing flavour in the background. Take care of the winter sniffles with some Vitamin C, and squeeze yourself a fresh orange juice or incorporate some blood orange or grapefruit into your breakfasts.
Other in-season fruits include apples and pears – eat them as is or incorporate them into a warming dessert such as a crumble – and papaw, which is available all year-round with supplies about to increase. Rhubarb is also in season, great for stewing and serving over porridge (or ice cream) or for including in the afore-mentioned crumble.
Winter is no excuse to neglect your veggie intake, with a heap of great produce currently in season. Leeks and baby leeks are both in season (potato and leek soup, anyone?), and are a fantastic addition to a potato bake. Also looking great on the shelves is fennel and baby fennel, spinaches, Queensland zucchinis and our personal favourite, kale. Kale can be added to salads and soup for an extra nutrient hit, and makes a fantastic addition to a homemade pesto.
If you’re feeling a little fancy, it is, of course, truffle season, with truffles from the Canberra region on show during the Truffle Festival – Canberra Region all throughout winter.
As well as a plethora of fresh fruit and vegetables, walnuts and chestnuts are also in season, and if you’re looking to brighten your day with some flowers, look for daffodils and Erlicheer, waxflowers and tulips.
Fyshwick Markets’ pick: rhubarb
For a warming winter breakfast (or dessert!), head to fyshwickmarkets.com.au/recipes and try your hand at their recipe for coconut rice with orange spiced rhubarb.
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