GOING BANANAS
FRESH FACT: Bananas (much like money) do NOT grow on trees. Related to the lily and orchid, the banana plant is actually a giant herb that produces edible fruit, known to reach 9m in height, it is the world’s largest perennial plant without a woody stem.
The banana is one of the most well known and easily recognisable fruits in Australia- we even have a really big one as a landmark up near Coffs Harbour. It’s not hard to understand why we’re so enamoured with the fruit, it is a healthy snack that is convenient to eat, tasty and affordable. But how can this everyday favourite dessert style fruit translate onto the menu? Today we’re taking a broader look at bananas, going beyond the dessert fruit to banana products that are lesser known yet, valuable in the kitchen. As an overgrown herb, the banana plant itself deserves some attention as the blossoms and leaves have their own unique flavour, character and purpose. Or for something different, why not include plantain (or cooking bananas) on the menu, found in Cuban, Caribbean cuisine they are a fabulous alternative to root vegetables being both versatile and interesting.
PLANTAIN BANANAS: aka Cooking Bananas
Availability: all year
Use: used as a vegetable, popular in Caribbean, Mexican and Asian cuisine
Appearance: firm fruit with a thick green skin, they are longer and fatter than sweet bananas (Cavendish etc) .
Flavour: less sugar, more starch- these bananas boast a taste and texture somewhat similar to a potato, getting sweeter as they ripen
Preparation: must be cooked- can be fried, boiled, baked, pickled, sautéed, mashed and stewed
BANANA BUD/BELL/BLOSSOM:
Availability: all year
Use: the banana heart within the bud can be prepared like a vegetable and adds wonderful texture to dishes
Appearance: unopened, crimson red-purple bud
Flavour: rich, creamy, nutty flavour, however the stamens of the flowers inside can lend it a sharp/bitter edge
Preparation: once cut drizzle use lemon/lime mix to prevent discolouration. To soften the sometimes astringent edge, the heart is often soaked/steamed before use- then grilled, chopped into salads
BANANA ARMS:
Availability: all year- please note there is a minimum 7 day turnaround for orders of banana arms
Use: highly ornamental
Appearance: green dessert bananas still attached to the
Flavour: the bananas on the arm are Cavendish, therefore dessert bananas
LADYFINGER BANANAS: aka sugar bananas
Availability: all year
Use: dessert banana
Appearance: short banana with a very thin skin
Flavour: very sweet
Preparation: eat fresh or sliced into desserts, salads etc
BANANA LEAVES:
Available: all year
Appearance: bright green, ridged leaves
Use: ornamental or wrapping food into a parcel that is to be grilled, steamed, boiled
Flavour: not eaten but lend a flavour to the food they wrap/contain
Preparation: pass over a flame (heat source) before using as a wrap as this will make them more hardy and prevent them from tearing.
INSPIRED PRODUCE:
Grilled chicken and banana flower salad via SBS Food – see full recipe here
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 30th Oct- 5th Nov
ASIAN VEGETABLES:
Not Available: Luffas * Sin Que * Tamarind
Short Supply: Kachay * Water Spinach
EXOTIC FRUITS:
Short Supply: Figs
Not Available: Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Cumquats * Custard Apple * Fuji Fruit * Guava (cooking) * Juju Fruit * Kaffir Limes * Persimmon * Rambutan * Tamarillo (gold) * Tangellos * Winter Melon
BUYER'S GUIDE: 30th Oct - 5th Nov
MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit
The Buy list: Granny Smith & Delicious Apples, Blueberries, Ruby Grapefruit, USA Grapes, NZ Kiwifruit, Honey Murcott Mandarins, Mangos, Navel Oranges, Paw paw, Red Papaya, Pineapples, Rockmelons, Strawberries, Seedless & Champagne Watermelons
The Watch List: Figs (Price) Limes (Price) Passionfruit (Price)
Market Insights: It is a good week for fruit. New season Stone fruit has commenced and with rather solid supplies. Apricots, Cherries, Plums from SA. Peaches, Nectarines from NSW. Also commencing week are the Exotics: NT Dragonfruit, NT Carambola, NT Mangosteens, QLD Lychees and Imported Red Pomelo. There are no real shorts, just the 3 on the watch list due to price.
MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables
The Buy list: Globe Artichokes, Asparagus, Beans, Broad Beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, All Capsicums, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Celery, Chicory, Lebanese Cucumbers, Edible Flowers & Zucchini Flowers, Eggplant, Aussie Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, All Lettuce, Mushrooms, Green Peas, Salad Mixes, Silverbeet, Spring Onions, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Zucchini and Pumpkin.
The Watch List: All Clear!
Market Insights: Due to the recent good weather all vegetables are in the clear. For something different this week- Baby Globe Artichokes, Purple Asparagus, Micro Herbs, Baby Gold Beetroot, Baby Vine Sweet Capsicums and Butter Beans
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Blueberries (NSW) * Mangoes (NT) * Papaya (QLD) * Pineapple (QLD) * Seedless Watermelon (QLD)
Vegetable: Asparagus - medium (VIC) * Broccoli (NSW) * Cauliflower (NSW) * Green Beans (QLD) * Mesclun Lettuce (VIC)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: New Season Apricots (SA) * Champagne Melons (NT) * Australian Cherries (SA) * Dragonfruit (NT) * Lychee (QLD) * Mangosteen (IMP) * New Season Plums (SA) * Pomellos (IMP) * Starfruit aka carambola (NT)
Vegetable: Purple Asparagus (VIC)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Not Available: Guava- cooking
End of Season: Black Salsify * Horseradish
Short Supply: Yellow Zucchini
Expensive: Passionfruit
Exotic Mushrooms
FRESH FACT: The oyster mushroom is used widely in Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Indian cooking and is often considered to be an ‘Asian mushroom’, in actual fact however the fungus was first cultivated in Germany (circa 1917) as a subsistence measure after WW1. Since this time, oyster mushrooms have gone on to become one of the world’s most important mushroom crops.
Mushrooms have been a prized food for thousands of years. Today we wanted to showcase the mushroom varieties- used widely in Asian cuisine- that are now enjoying broader culinary use and a growing popularity in Australia. Thanks to modern farming techniques, many of these varieties are now cultivated on our shores and with their unique flavour, texture and appearance they are an ideal complement to the lighter, delicate flavours of the Spring/Summer months.
AVAILABILITY: exotic mushroom varieties are available in varying quantities year round in Australia- with domestic produce farmed in controlled conditions and imported produce on hand we experience few significant breaks in supply. Please note: due to the highly perishable nature of these items SG&S buy fresh from the markets based on demand, therefore notice (minimum 24-48 hours) is required for the exotic mushroom range- in particular Namenko and Chestnut Mushrooms.
ENOKI MUSHROOMS: aka Enok, Enokitake, Enokidake, Golden Needle, Golden, Snow Puff, Vel
Appearance: beige to off white, spaghetti like stems with a small cap on top (wild varieties are light brown and bigger)
Flavour: mild flavour and crisp texture
Preparation: enoki can be eaten raw or cooked (think Shabu Shabu- hot pot), trim base and prepare as desired, if cooking add just prior to serving
OYSTER MUSHROOMS: aka Abalone mushroom, Pleurote, Hiratake, Tree Oyster
Appearance: fan/shell shaped with prominent gills on the underside (reminiscent of an oyster)- range in colour from white, to yellow to pink
Flavour: delicate, subtly sweet and very versatile- velvety texture they absorbs surrounding flavours
Preparation: best after a flash in the pan– team with fish, white meats & noodles- avoid washing, wipe with a damp cloth & trim ends. Order as required, highly perishable
KING OYSTER: aka King Brown, King Trumpet, Trumpet Royale
Appearance: stout mushroom with a small flat cap (creamy-tan in colour)- giving it a trumpet like shape
Flavour: hearty mushroom flavour
Preparation: trim end of stem before use- cooked it reaches its true ‘almond’ flavour potential- retains its firm, meaty texture under heat
NAMENKO MUSHROOMS: aka Nameko mushrooms, butterscotch mushroom
Appearance: sticky looking mushroom with slender white stem and amber- yellow rounded cap
Flavour: slightly nutty flavour, silky texture
Preparation: essential in Japanese cuisine, often cooked in stir-fries and miso soup- alternatively sauté, grill or roast
SHIMEJI MUSHROOMS:
Appearance: cluster of bunched mushrooms with off-white stems and small brown-grey cap that get whiter as they mature
Flavour: when cooked they boast a mild, slightly nutty flavour with a firm yet tender texture
Preparation: cut stems off base before cooking- great in soups, stir-fries, sauces, casseroles, tempura
SHITAKI MUSHROOMS: aka Shiitake, Black Forest Mushroom, Brown Oak, Oriental Black
Appearance: broad umbrella cap ranging in colour from brown to black with light brown gills
Flavour: with a meaty texture and an aromatic, woody flavour this is a firm favourite
Preparation: remove stalk before cooking- pair with white meats, fish, pastas anything that wont overpower its distinctive, rich flavour. While too tough to eat, the stalks of shitake mushrooms lend a rich flavour to stocks/broths/soups.
WOOD EAR: aka Black Fungus, Ear Cloud
Appearance: grey-brown, shaped like an ear
Flavour: used mainly for their distinctive texture and ability to soak up neighbouring flavours
Preparation: available fresh, this is a favourite in Asian cuisine – think small pieces in soups, stir-fries and risottos
Market Insight- Pine Mushrooms, Ghost Mushrooms, Chestnuts and Pig Ear Mushrooms should be starting/becoming more consistent soon, we will keep you informed as to when they are available. For further information on mushroom varieties please visit our previous bulletins – Packed to the Gills and Into the Wild.
INSPIRED PRODUCE:
Dandelion, Melbourne- Tofu and mushroom pho with lily buds via Gourmet Traveller- see full recipe here
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 23rd- 29th October
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Luffas * Sin Que * Sugar Cane * Tamarind
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Gai Choy * Kachay * Water Spinach
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Figs * Juju Fruit * Mangosteen * Pomelos
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Cumquats * Custard Apple * Dragonfruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava (cooking) * Kaffir Limes * Loquats * Lychee * Persimmon * Pomelos- red * Rambutan * Starfruit (Carambola) * Tamarillo (gold) * Tangellos * Winter Melon
BUYER'S GUIDE: 23rd - 29th October
MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit
The Buy list: Granny Smith & Delicious Apples, NZ Hass Avocados, Bananas, Blueberries, Ruby Grapefruit, USA Grapes, Honeydew Melons, NZ Kiwifruit, Honey Murcott Mandarins, NT Mangoes, Nashi Pears, Navel Oranges, Paw Paw, Rockmelons, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Seedless, Long & Champagne Melons.
The Watch List: Limes (Price), “PASSIONFRUIT (PRICE)”
Market Insights: WA Hass Avocados starting to roll in, expecting good supplies from now until Xmas of both NZ and WA fruit. Look to Blueberries, USA Grapes, NZ Kiwifruit, Mandarins, NT Mangoes, Paw Paw, Honeydews, Rockmelons, Pineapples, Strawberries and all Watermelons for best buy this week. Good quality Peaches and Nectarines now in solid supply. Passionfruit hitting the outer limits pricewise, use sparingly, same applies to Limes. Looking for something different- Plantain Bananas, Beurre Bosc Pears, Pomegranates & Champagne Melons!
MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables
The Buy list: Globe Artichokes, Aussie Asparagus, Beetroot, Broccoli, Red & Green Capsicums, Cauliflowers, Celery, Chicory, Chinese Melons, Choi sum, Kai Lan & Pak Choy, Lebanese Cucumbers, Edible Flowers & Zucchini Flowers, Eggplant, Endive, Aussie Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, All Lettuce, Button, Field & Portobello Mushrooms, Fresh Green Peas, Mesclun Salad, Baby Gourmet Spinach, Silverbeet, Gold Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Cherry Truss Tomatoes, Butternut & Halloween Pumpkin.
The Watch List: Brussels Sprouts (Size and Price), Celeriac (Season ending), Sugar Snap Peas (Supply and Price)
Market Insights: Good supplies all round on the Vegie front this week. The picks- Asparagus, Broccoli, Red Capsicums, Cauliflowers, Chinese Green Leaf Veg, Lebanese Cucumbers, Edible Flowers & Zucchini Flowers, Eggplant, Fennel, Leeks, Cos Lettuce, Button Mushrooms, Mesclun Mix, Gourmet Baby Spinach, Gold Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Cherry Truss Tomatoes & Butternut Pumpkins. Something Different- Baby Globe Artichokes, Baby Gold Beetroot, Chicory, Micro Herbs, Kohlrabi & Fresh Soy Bean (Edamame).
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Mangoes (NT) * Red Grapes (IMP) * Rockmelon (QLD) * Seedless Watermelon (QLD) * Strawberries- large (WA)
Vegetable: Button Mushrooms (NSW) * Cauliflower (NSW) * Cherry Truss tomatoes (NSW) * Lebanese Cucumber (NSW) * Red Capsicum (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Champagne Melon (NT) * Mangosteen (IMP) * Nectarine (NSW) * Peaches (NSW)
Vegetable: Edible Flowers (VIC) * Finger Fennel (NSW) * Halloween Pumpkin (NSW) * Micro-herbs (VIC) * Portabello Mushroom (NSW) * Purple Carrot (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Not Available: Guava- cooking
End of Season: Black Salsify
Short Supply: Starfruit (Carambola) * Sugarsnap Peas ($$$) * Yellow Zucchini
Expensive: Passionfruit
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 16th - 22nd October
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Lotus Root * Sugar Cane * Tamarind
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Gai Choy * Kachay * Luffas * Water Spinach
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Cumquats * Dragonfruit * Figs * Loquats
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Fuji Fruit * Guava (cooking) * Kaffir Limes * Lychee * Mangosteen * Persimmon * Pomelos * Rambutan * Starfruit (Carambola) * Tamarillo (gold) * Winter Melon
BUYER'S GUIDE: 16th - 22nd October
MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit
The Buy list: Granny Smith and Delicious Apples, NZ Hass Avocados, Bananas, Blueberries, Ruby Grapefruit, IMP Grapes, NZ Kiwifruit, SA Mandarins, Mangoes, All Pears, Navel Oranges, Paw Paw, Rockmelons, Rhubarb, WA Strawberries, Long, Seedless & Champagne Melons.
The Watch List: Limes (Price), “PASSIONFRUIT (PRICE)”, Starfruit (NA).
Market Insights: Clear across the board with Fruit. Quality is good, solid supplies on market with plenty to choose from. Stone fruit: Good quality eating peaches and NT mangoes now available. Early nectarines are on market- lacking flavour, appearance and limited shelf-life. The right product will be available in 4 weeks. Seedless, Long and Champagne Melons are in good supply and priced to suit. Beware- good quality passionfruit is expensive and limited in supply.
MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables
The Buy list: Aussie Asparagus, NSW Artichokes, Green Beans, Beetroot, Carrots, Celery, Chicory, Lebanese & Continental Cucumbers, Edible Flowers, Eggplant, Fresh Herbs, Kale, Kohl Rabi, Leeks, All Lettuce, Fresh Green Peas, Salad Mixes, Silverbeet, Spring Onions, Gold Squash, Swedes, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes (At Last), Zucchini, Onions
The Watch List: Brussels Sprouts (Price & Size-slightly on the larger side), Bird Eye Chilli (Price), Lotus Root & Cooking Guava (Season Ending). Kaffa Limes (Supply)
Market Insights: At last we see tomatoes come back into the fold! Quality is good with prices expecting to drift back over the coming weeks. Red & Green capsicums are off their highs and will settle down as the week draws on. Caulies & Broccoli, no problem with supply or quality, just an increase in demand nudging the price up slightly. All Lettuce, Green Beans, Carrots, Celery, Eggplant, Leeks, Mushrooms, Salad Mixes, Sweet Potatoes and Green Zucchini are in the good buying zone for the week. And pumpkin is on the back foot, pricing is coming off their recent highs. Halloween Pumpkins now available!!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Blueberries (NSW) * Mangoes (NT) * Paw Paw (QLD) * Rhubarb (NSW) * Watermelon- seedless (QLD)
Vegetable: Cos Lettuce - large (NSW) * Green Beans (QLD) * Potatoes- washed large (QLD) * Tomatoes- small (QLD) * Zucchini- green (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Blood Lime (NSW) * Champagne Melon (NT) * Peaches (NSW)
Vegetable: Baby Gold Beetroot (NSW) * Finger Fennel (NSW) * Green Peas- fresh (QLD) * Halloween Pumpkin (NSW) * Purple Jester Potato (TAS) * Soya Beans- fresh (New Season- QLD) * White Asparagus (New Season- VIC)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Not Available: Guava- cooking * Starfruit (Carambola) * Lotus Root
End of Season: Pomello
Short Supply: Kaffir Limes
Expensive: Passionfruit
FRESH FLAVOURS FROM THE MARKETS
Q: Stephanie Alexander says she can’t a few days without cooking one, but what is a mad apple?
October is the time of year when we start to get quietly excited about the ‘different’ produce lines showing up at that markets. Beyond the New Season Australian white asparagus (just in and exceptional quality), Halloween Pumpkins (ready for carving) and the new season NSW/VIC peaches gracing the quote this week, we wanted to showcase the fresh flavours of some lesser known, quiet achievers of Spring produce. There is a short seasonal window for most of these lines, so why not spring into action and make the most of their unique flavour, texture and aesthetic.
CHAMPAGNE MELON: aka Orange watermelon
Buyer Update: season predicted to last 8 weeks- supply good, quality good & price very reasonable
Availability: sporadic, usually late Spring to early Summer
Appearance: light green skin with darker stripes and golden flesh
Flavour: mild and sweet, less sweet than regular watermelon
Selection: look for symmetry and a heaviness compared to size
Preparation: same as regular watermelon – fresh or great in cocktails, juices, sorbets, even salads
Nutrition: pure hydration being 90% water, orange watermelons are high in Vitamin A and beta-carotene
BELL APPLES: aka water apple, water cherry, rose apple
Buyer Update: quality andsupply are both good, price reasonable- season is fairly short lasting for around 3-4 more weeks
Availability: Sept – end Nov
Appearance: bell shaped fruit with white-red waxy skin. The flesh iscrunchy, juicy and varies in colour
Flavour: Flesh is crisp, sweet, watery and mild in taste – reminiscent of watermelon
Selection: look for a light sheen and firm fruit
Preparation: fruit is often served cored and uncut for aesthetic purposes. Frequently used in salads but can be lightly sautéed
Nutrition: high water content so refreshing and hydrating.
SOYA BEANS: aka Soybean
Buyer Update: available but not in big quantities so there will be weeks when not available, expecting full supply this December- quality good & prices reasonable
Availability: very short – late Spring/Summer
Appearance: smallgreen furry pod with 2-3 small green beans inside
Flavour: delicious, fresh bean flavour- some people say they taste part bean, part pea
Selection: look for relatively crisp beans free that are from blemishes
Preparation: must be cooked with ‘wet’ heat to be edible to humans- as Edamame with oil, chilli and salt or perhaps a soy hummus?
Nutrition: a complete source of protein these are considered meat for vegetarians. Very good source of fibre, calcium and magnesium
SEEDLESS EGGPLANT: aka Aubergine
Buyer Update: - local (NSW) fruit in full swing with supply plentiful- grown in a glasshouse it looks great, quality is very good & prices reasonable
Availability: Spring – Summer (approx. Sept- Feb)
Appearance: small- med sized fruit is slightly elongated, whereas the bigger fruit is a fuller eggplant shape. Firm, white flesh free of seeds
Flavour: eggplant without the bitter seeds, mild and tender with a consistent texture
Selection: look for firm fruit, heavy for its size with dark and shiny skin and a fresh green stalk
Preparation: seedless eggplant is not as bitter therefore shouldn’t require degorging, they also have a longer shelf life
Nutrition: good source of dietary fibre, with some Vitamin C and potassium
MULBERRIES:
Buyer Update: currentlyin season- supply, quality & prices all good and steady
Availability: fairly short season- end August – end October
Appearance: there are multiple varieties (white, red and black) but the best eating is the black mulberry which looks similar to a blackberry but is larger, more oval in shape and usually comes attached to the stem
Flavour: aromatic fruit that melts in your mouth- sweet with slight acid taste
Selection: look for intensely coloured, plump fruit- deteriorate quickly
Preparation: beautiful fresh, in jams, cocktails, sorbets, desserts – just beware of staining
Nutrition: rich source of anti-oxidants, good source of magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, iron, calcium, vitamin C and fibre
AUSTRALIAN GROWN - GARLIC BRAIDS/BUNCHES:
We have added Australian Grown garlic braids and bunches to our Spring product range this year. While a little more expensive, the flavour and quality is excellent.
Buyer Update: in season- not in excessive supply, quality good
A: Believe it or not 'mad apple' was once a common name for the eggplant in Europe. The nightshade family were feared when first introduced to Europe in the 1500s with both the tomato and the eggplant considered suspicious and in some measure toxic. Louis XIV (French King in the 1600s) was the first in France to plant eggplant in his garden, a bold move considering the plant was believed to cause epilepsy and described by one author as a "fruit(s) as large as pears, but with bad qualities." The modern Greek and the Italian names for eggplant allude to this controversial past, both deriving from the Latin mala insana- meaning apple of madness or mad apple.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 9th - 15th Oct
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Gai Choy * Kachay * Luffas * Tamarind * Water Spinach
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Banana Buds/Bell * Kaffir Limes * Pomelos
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Dragonfruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Lychee * Persimmon * Rambutan * Starfuit (Carambola) * Tamarillo (gold)