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
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 29th May - 5th June
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Asian Celery * Gai Choy * Tamarind * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Kachay
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Cumquats * Longans * Tamarillo (gold)*
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Green Mangoes * Lychee * Red Pomelos * Rambutan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 22nd - 28th May
The market overall is settling in for what looks to be a good winter season across both fruit and veggies. Citrus is in abundance, vegetable are in good supply and supply and demand is matching across the range... except for Tomatoes, which we will see back in play within the next 2 weeks.
FRUIT:
No real shorts at all, Rockmelons, Strawberries and Raspberries still holding up in price, but no problems with supply. Plenty to choose from including the imports- USA Cherries, Mexican Mangoes and NZ Gold Kiwi. Also, we will see the first of the USA grapes by middle of next month and with the change in import requirements, they will be cheaper and better quality than in the past! Aussie Blood Oranges will be available beginning of June.
VEGIES:
Just a couple on the upper end of price, but no problems with supply: Broccoli, Red Capsicums (quality), Cucumbers, and Tomatoes (quality and price)!! All the colours are there, the quality is sound and priced to suit.
The cooler weather is affecting the edible flowers supply and limiting the range. On an exciting note, we should see the first of the Aussie Truffles by the second week of June if not earlier and the word is we could be in for our best season (quality wise) to date!!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Avocado (QLD) * Beurre Bosc Pears (VIC) * Cherries (imported) * Grape - red seedless (VIC) * Watermelon - seedless (QLD)
Vegetable: Button Mushrooms (NSW) * Carrot - med/lge (TAS) * Cocktail Chat Potatoes (SA) * Green Beans (QLD) * Heirloom Tomatoes
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Gold Kiwifruit (Imp- NZ) * Tangello (QLD)
Vegetable: Baby Turnip (NSW) * Borlotti Bean (QLD) * French Radish (NSW) * Hawaiian Sweet Potato (QLD) * Morel Mushroom- fresh (Imp) * Porcini Mushroom- fresh (Imp) * Purple Dutch Carrot (NSW) * Red Witlof (VIC)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Chestnut Mushroom * Raspberries (expensive ) * Yellow Oyster Mushrooms
Not Available: Blood Oranges * Purple Asparagus
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 15th - 21st May
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Asian Celery * Gai Choy * Shiso Leaf * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Kachay * Tamarind
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Buddha Hands * Cumquats * Figs * Loquats * Tamarillo (gold)*
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Green Mangoes * Longan * Lychee * Red Pomelos * Rambutan
BUYER'S GUIDE: 15th - 21st May
Tomato Agent's dream as prices go through the roof!!
Supply is short but the abnormally high figure is driven by the Market Agents not the farmer. Ever since we grew accustomed to crazy prices for fresh produce after the first QLD cyclone, the market agents are quick to jump- especially Tomato Agents!! In short, tomatoes are available this week but are over the top in price!
As for the rest of the market, very little change. Some slight increases matched by an equal amount of decreases.
FRUIT:
One to watch again this week is Strawberries- which are still holding ground but will come back over the next few weeks.
Rockmelons are still up in price but quality is good- plenty to cover for them this week. Both Watermelons are down in price, as are Honeydews.
Apples, Pears, Kiwifruit & Gold Kiwi, imported Dates, Mandarins, imported Mangoes, New Season Navel Oranges, Pineapples, Dragonfruit & Pomegranates! Go the Fruit!
VEGIES:
Red Light on Tomatoes where possible!
Other ones to watch: Rocket will be available, supply is down, price is up- same with good Lebanese Cucumbers! Sub Gold Squash for Yellow Zucchinis. Baby Caps (Red and Vine Sweet) are NA, the rest is clear.
Artichokes, Cauliflowers, Beetroot, Brussels Sprouts, Chinese Cabbage, Celery, Celeriac, Chillies, Eggplant, Leeks, Mushrooms, Peas, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini- all good to go.
News: USA Cherries by the end of the week!!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Avocado (QLD) * Gold Kiwifruit (imported) * Mangoes (imported) * Navel Oranges - lge (SA) * Watermelon - seedless (QLD)
Vegetable: Celery (VIC) * Fresh Green Peas (VIC) * Leek - lge (VIC) * Portabello Mushrooms (NSW) * Red Spanish Onion (SA)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Golden Delicious Apples (VIC) * Cumquats (QLD) * Feijoas (NSW) * Guava (QLD) * Pomegranate (VIC) * Quince (QLD)
Vegetable: Honeycomb - full frame (QLD) * Jap Pumpkins (QLD) * Red Witlof (VIC) * Slippery Jack Mushrooms (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Raspberries (expensive ) * Wild Rocket
Not Available: Baby Red Capsicum * Blood Oranges * Yellow Zucchini
BUYER'S GUIDE: 8th May - 14th May
The cooler weather and the changeover of growing areas is affecting some products (these will hold throughout winter or come back into play once the QLD season switches on in 3 to 4 weeks time).
Main products affected:
Figs: Price on the move and supply slowing as the season comes to an end. SGS will have supply right throughout winter, just watch the cost from June onwards
Grapes: Quality Seedless White and Coloured on the move up in price
Honeydew: QLD season has commenced and it is expected price, quality and supply will hold as is for the winter
Rockmelon: QLD season has commenced, price will hold till the season get into full swing in the next 3 to 4 weeks
Strawberries: Limited supplies at present- eating quality just okay and price right up there. Will change with the QLD Season commencing early June
Tomatoes: QLD- Bowen season about 3 weeks away, expect market to stay high till then
Watermelons: Quality is better in the small size melons for both varieties, price back this week
FRUIT:
Honeydews, Rockmelons & Strawberries the 3 main products to watch out for- price and quality.
Prime Products are Apples, Pears, Citrus, Hass Avocados, Bananas, Pineapples, Kiwifruit, Imported Dates, Dragonfruit, Pomegranates, Pomelos & Quince.
VEGIES:
Tomatoes, Gold Squash, Red Witlof, Gourmet Rocket & Spinach are the mains ones to watch this week- quality, supply and price. Rocket will be short due to poor weather down south.
Prime Products are Artichokes, Beans - Broad, Borlotti, Continental & Green, Broccolini, Cauliflowers, Celery, Eggplant, Cos and Iceberg Lettuce, Button Mushrooms, Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini.
News from WA: Bumper Truffle crop expect this coming season, peaking in July!
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Bethonga Pineapple (QLD) * Californian Dates (Import) * Granny Smith Apples- med (VIC) * Kiwifruit- bulk buy (VIC) * Mandarin (QLD)
Vegetable: Baby Broccoli (VIC) * Button Mushrooms (NSW) * Celeriac (NSW) * Silverbeet (NSW)- Sweet Potato - lge (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Feijoas (NSW) * Longans (Import) * Mangoes (Import) * Pears - Beuure Bosc (VIC) * Pears - Honey(VIC)
Vegetable: Baby Dutch Carrot (NSW) * Baby Globe Artichoke (NSW) * Habanero Chili- HOT (NSW) * Honeycomb - full frame (QLD) * Portabello Mushroom (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Red Witlof
Not Available: Baby Red Capsicum * Green Mangoes * Oyster Mushroom- Pink * Oyster Mushroom- Yellow
BUYER'S GUIDE: 1st May - 7th May
It is a good market this week due to supply still outweighing demand for most of the main lines.
PROBLEMS: Rockmelons * Honeydews * Strawberries * Watermelons * Roma Tomatoes
SOLUTIONS: Bananas * Grapes * Kiwifruit * Mandarins * Pineapples * Tomatoes (small)
We are starting to see an increase in Winter lines at the markets and if the weather holds we should have a great winter 'fresh produce' wise. Also worth a mention, as of last week, 90% of Australia's growing regions are classified drought free. Amen!
FRUIT:
Everything except stonefruit, melons (all) and straweberries are in good supply, good eating and well priced.
Apples, Pears, Avocadoes, New Season Navel Oranges, Mandarins, Pineapples, Quinces, Pomegranates and imported mangoes are the picks of the week.
VEGETABLES:
Just Roma Tomatoes, Cherry Truss and Shiso Leaf are the main ones to watch out for this week, otherwise it's a green light from Artichokes to Zucchinis.
Beetroot, Broccoli, Cauliflowers, Continental Cucumbers, Leeks, Sweet Potatoes, Swedes, Butternut Pumpkin and Zucchini are the veggie picks.
NB: New Season Australian Truffles will be available early June. Let the fun begin.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit: Bethonga Pineapple * Delicious Apples -med (VIC) * Grapefruit - Marsh (QLD) * Mandarin (QLD) * Pomegranate (NSW)
Vegetable: Beetroot - large (TAS) * Celeriac (NSW) * Leek - large (VIC) * Sweet Potato - large (QLD) * Zucchini - green (VIC)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit: Mango (Imported) * Mangosteen (Imported) * Papaya- green/cooking (QLD) * Quince (QLD)
Vegetable: Baby Globe Atichokes (NSW) * Baby Purple Carrots (NSW) * Roman (continental) Beans (NSW) * Red Witlof (VIC) * Tomato- Bella Rossa (NSW) * Tomato - Heirloom Mix (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply: Cherry Truss Tomatoes * Longan
Not Available: Broad Bean * Rambutan * Shiso Leaf
LIFE'S LITTLE TREASURES
Q: What is the difference between a baby leek and a pencil leek?
Often in winter, we find pleasure in the oversized; big coats, big coffees, big portions. But bigger isn’t always better, in fact this week we are paying homage to a range of fresh veggies that are desirable because they are small.
Baby vegetable lines have been on the increase in popularity for a number of years. Not only are they more delicate in appearance, but they also tend to have a milder (or sweeter) flavour than their large scale brethren. Versatile and delicious, they are a fantastic addition to the menu as they are both practical and inspirational. So downsize with pleasure and enjoy our range of baby veges this winter:
BABY BEETROOT:
Availability: best May – Nov
Appearance: small purple beetroot with long green and purple leaves similar in texture to spinach
Preparation: use leafy stalks like spinach/silverbeet or purple tuber as per regular beetroot
Flavour: sweeter, more delicate flavour than regular beetroot
Big deal: beyond its more delicate appearance, baby beets are more tender and have a finer texture than regular beetroot
BABY GOLD BEETROOT:
Availability: best May – Nov
Appearance: yellow coloured baby beetroot
Preparation: use leafy stalks like spinach/silverbeet or purple tuber as per regular beetroot- steam or roast to get the most out of their flavour and texture
Flavour: creamy beetroot flavour, though they are earthier and not as sweet red varieties
Big deal: offers a wonderful contrast of colour, more tender and has a finer texture than regular beetroot
BELLA ROSSA CAPSICUM: aka baby red capsicum
Availability: all year
Appearance: small, round, red capsicum- approx 1/3rd of the size of regular capsicum
Preparation: roast, bake, stir-fry, casseroles, salads
Flavour: sweet, crunchy
Big deal: thinner skin than regular caps and perfect for single serve use
BABY CAPSICUM: Vine Sweet
Availability: all year
Appearance: elongated thin caps (approx 6cm)- red, orange or yellow
Preparation: minimal prep needed, use raw in salads or use in casseroles, stews, stir-fries
Flavour: crunchy, sweet and juicy
Big deal: ripened on the vine, full of moist, sweet flavour. Vibrant colour and holds shape well when cooked
DUTCH CARROTS: aka baby carrots
Availability: best Mar - Aug
Appearance: small purple, white, yellow or orange carrots, still attached to the green leaves & sold in bunches
Preparation: perfect for baking, roasting, raw – even for pickling/brining
Flavour: sweet (purple are even sweeter)
Big deal: very tender, dutch carrots are perfect for serving whole as a side dish
GOLFBALL CARROTS:
Availability: Mar - Aug
Appearance: small, orange round ball-shaped carrots with leaves still attached
Preparation: perfect for all types of cooking and roasting
Flavour: sweet, crisp
Big deal: look fantastic on the plate and are fantastic for cooking
CONTINENTAL EGGPLANT: aka baby eggplant, oriental eggplant
Availability: all year- best Jan - Jul
Appearance: thin, long eggplants varying in colour from light green to purple
Preparation: stew, fry, bake or grill
Flavour: moist and succulent, not as acidic as full size eggplant
Big deal: cooks quickly, has a much thinner skin than regular eggplant
BABY FENNEL:
Availability: Mar – Sept
Appearance: small fennel bulbs
Preparation: both leaves and base are edible. Fantastic in Mediterranean dishes, they are compatible with sweet and salty flavours. Think salads, soups, casseroles, fish dishes
Flavour: slightly richer aniseed flavour than regular fennel. Leaves are stronger, base is sweeter and less pungent
Big deal: beautiful flavour coupled with a more delicate appearance on the plate
PENCIL LEEKS:
Availability: Mar - Oct
Appearance: pencil thin, small leeks (different to baby leek which are thicker)
Preparation: often used as a steamed side-dish or chopped into a salad in place of salads onions
Flavour: milder leek flavour
Big deal: more delicate appearance and flavour than large leeks and therefore perfect as a side-dish or salad ingredient
BABY TURNIP:
Availability: May - Oct
Appearance: small white or purple top turnips (approx 5cm)
Preparation: great for salads, roasting, in casseroles, stews etc – or slice into stir-fry
Flavour: can be eaten raw as not as strong as regular turnip- sweet and peppery
Big deal: milder flavour, not as bitter as full grown counterpart
A: It really does come down to a matter of millimeters. Pencil leeks are literally ‘pencil thin’ (approx 7-8mm in diameter), while baby leeks are a touch broader (average 11-15mm in diameter). While it may seem inconsequential, both pencil leeks and baby leeks boast a sweet, subtle onion flavour, this kind of distinction can make all the difference in achieving the desired aesthetic and balance of flavours on the plate.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 24th Apr - 30th Apr
Some movement on Asian and Exotic produce lines, with early Mexican Mangoes arriving at the markets as well as short supply on some exotic fruits:
Asian Vegetables: Short Supply
Asian Celery * Gai Choy * Water Spinach
Asian Vegetables: Not Available
Kachay * Tamarind
Exotic Fruits: Short Supply
Longan * Mango * Mangosteen * Tamarillo (gold)* Tamarillo (red)
Exotic Fruits: Not Available
Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Cumquats * Green Mangoes * Loquats * Lychee * Red Pomellos * Rambutan