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
WINTER HARVEST
Q: Can you really buy Artichoke brandy?
Recently a fellow food lover lamented that Winter was a “boring time of year for fruit and veg, there just isn’t much to get excited about”. I can understand the sentiment, at this time of year the markets are brimming with root vegetables, cabbages, apples, pears- all wonderfully delicious and versatile but somehow less exotic and alluring than Summer’s bounty. So, in a bulletin designed to kickstart your love affair with winter produce- we are profiling ‘5 Winter lines’ that the team at SG&S are excited about this year and sharing delicious recipes that showcase the delightful potential of these fantastic Winter finds. In the words of Pietro Aretino, “Let us love the winter, for it is the Spring of genius”.
WINTER FLAVOURS:
CITRUS:
The winter citrus season is upon us. Mandarins are at the markets and fantastic eating, as are navel oranges. All signs point to a bumper crop this year.
Supply: Mainly QLD and NSW
Mandarins: while available from March – November, these are at their best May – October
Navel Oranges: the winter orange these are available Jun, July and Aug
Blood Oranges: available Jun – late August
ARTICHOKES:
While we are still early in the season; globes, baby globes and Jerusalem artichokes are currently available at the markets. They wont be at their nutty best for a few more weeks, but are still a wonderful addition to the menu.
Supply: Mainly NSW and VIC
Baby globe artichokes: good local stock arriving at the markets- at their best Jun- Aug
Globe Artichokes: still early but available. Peak product will be at the markets from June - Sept
Jerusalem Artichokes: already available, at their best from June – Sept
USA CHERRIES:
The USA cherry season is always welcome, as it helps us survive the long wait until the Australian season starts up again in November. Expect more lush Bing fruit and creamy Rainiers again this year
Supply: California, Washington and Oregon
Early fruit will be available from next week, with the season traditionally spanning Jun – Aug
TURNIPS/SWEDES:
While many believe them to be old-fashioned and dull, in our minds the delicious Tassie Swedes and local Turnips currently at the markets are vintage gourmet. Their peppery flavour and creamy texture, in addition to their nutritional value and affordability makes turnips and swedes a winter favourite at SG&S.
Supply: Turnips – NSW/VIC, Swedes - TAS
Despite being available all year, the cold weather works wonders for these root veges, meaning turnips, baby turnips and swedes are at their best May – Oct
TRUFFLES:
While the Australian Truffle industry is relatively young, producers are unearthing spectacular, premium grade truffles from sites across WA and TAS (with small numbers harvested in NSW/ACT and VIC). In fact, last year around 3 tonnes of this noble, perfumed fungus was grown and sold in Australian markets. We can only hope that 2012 sees another bountiful harvest.
Supply: WA and TAS
Following a wonderful season in 2011, 2012 is looking to be just as promising for Australian Truffles with fresh, aromatic truffles expected to be in good supply from early June to August
Other items of note for Winter: Star Apple (Jun- Nov), brassicas (in particular cauliflower) are predicted to be top performers this season due to the cold weather. Beans (broad and borlotti) are also expected to have a great winter with main supply now starting.
A: Yes. Known as Rossler it is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented and distilled Jerusalem Artichokes. This nutty-sweet brew has been produced in Baden, Germany since the 1800s and to this day 90% of all Jerusalem Artichokes harvested in the area are dedicated to producing this brandy like spirit.
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
BUYER'S GUIDE: 24th Apr - 30th Apr
Thankfully the wet has not had the expected negative affect on quality and supply this week, so the markets are performing much as they have for the last fortnight. Main items to watch out for are Melons (quality and price on all lines) and Tomatoes (just the quality- not at their best).
Fruit:
Clean slate and plenty to chose from. Stonefruit is O V E R. Imported Mexican Mangoes are on market this week as are the last of the late variety Brooks Mangoes. Blueberries are up in price, with supply shortening. As for the rest clear sailing!
Vegetables:
Just a few items to watch. Asparagus (price), Butter beans (quality and price), Yellow Capsicums & Gold Squash (price), Sweet Corn (price- as we move from local to QLD supply) and Cauliflowers (quality not a problem, just hold in price again this week). As for the rest, it's good to go.
BEST BUYS:
Fruit:
Bethonga Pineapple (QLD) * Grapes - red seedless (VIC)* Mandarin (QLD) * Oranges - juicing No2 (NSW) * Strawberries - medium (VIC)
Vegetables:
Baby Dutch Carrot (NSW) * Broccoli (VIC) * Celery (VIC) * Leek - large (VIC) * Kipfler Potatoes (QLD)
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
Fruit:
Corella Pears (NSW) * Feijoa (NSW) * Mangosteen (QLD) * Papaya - green/cooking (QLD) * Quince (QLD)
Vegetables:
Baby Globe Artichokes (NSW) * Baby Gold Beetroot (NSW) * Roman Beans- aka Continental (NSW) * Savoy Cabbage (NSW) * Tuscan Cabbage (NSW)
NOT THIS WEEK:
Short Supply:
Bella Rossa Tomatoes * Longans
Not Available:
Broad Beans * Nectarines * Rambutan
FULL OF BEANS
Q: What does the term ‘Three Sisters’ have to do with beans?
After a difficult start due to wet weather conditions, the winter bean season will be kicking into gear over the next few weeks. So to help you get the most of out these nutritious, tasty pods we’re spilling the beans (pardon the pun) on what to watch out for this season.
Beans have played a powerful role in the development of civilisation as we know it, due to their simple cultivation, high protein/amino-acid content and ability to rejuvenate the soil in which they grow. Beans are loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein which is highly valuable to those who have limited meat in their diet or choose to forego it altogether.
Fresh beans varieties can be divided into two categories: edible pods and edible seeds. The beans eaten ‘pod and all’ are picked immature and crisp, while shell beans (those we eat for their seeds) are picked when the pods are swollen (but still not fully mature) so the seeds are meaty but tender. If the beans are allowed to fully mature, the resulting seeds are classified as ‘dried’ beans, which require different preparation methods to their fresh counterparts.
Beyond these distinctions, when buying edible pod varieties such as green beans (or baby green beans), it is important to differentiate between hand and machine picked pods. Machine-picked beans are more cost-effective, however the manner in which they are harvested can cause damage or bruising that blackens when cooked. Therefore if the appearance of the beans is important for the dish, opt for hand-picked, they may be a little more expensive but they are much less likely to display these kinds of flaws. The tough string which gave these beans their ‘string bean’ mantle has now been all but made redundant due to selective breeding of non-string varieties, however some flatter varieties do still need to have the string removed.
Getting the most out of fresh beans can be difficult, with some bean varieties having multiple names, or even worse the same name being applied to completely different beans. Here’s our guide to the beans we’re buying this Autumn/Winter season.
EDIBLE PODS:
GREEN BEANS: aka French beans, snap beans, string beans, common beans, haricot vert
What: most common fresh bean in Australia, these are crisp and juicy with barely noticeable seeds
Availability: all year, best May – Jul and Sept-Oct
Appearance: can be flat or round but all have approximately finger length crisp pods. Most commonly green with small light green seeds inside, however they are also available in pale yellow or purple varieties
Selection: choose beans that are firm, crisp with no soft spots or obvious damage -avoid those with obvious seed bumps, as this means they are over-mature
Storage: store in a plastic bag in refrigerator, unwashed
Prep: trim stem end, cook uncovered in lots of water to stop the colour darkening
Best for: stir-fry, blanch and serve as a side-dish or in a salad
BABY GREEN BEANS:
What: small, very immature green beans, slightly more expensive but offer a wonderful crisp, sweet bean flavour
Availability: all year, best May – Jul and Sept-Oct
Appearance: can be flat or round but all have approximately finger length crisp pods.
Selection: choose beans that are firm, crisp with no soft spots or obvious damage
Storage: store in a plastic bag in refrigerator, unwashed
Prep: trim stem end, cook uncovered in lots of water to stop the colour darkening
Best for: interchangeable with green beans, just more delicate in appearance
SNAKE BEANS: aka yard long bean, Chinese long bean
What: long, thin green bean very popular in Asian, Middle Eastern cuisines – eaten fresh or cooked
Availability: all year, best Dec-May
Appearance: very long, thin olive-green pod that bends and constricts as it matures
Selection: firm, slender beans with minimal external damage i.e. bruising or yellowing
Storage: best fresh so buy as required, store in plastic bag in refrigerator
Prep: trim stem- end, snake beans are stringless so chop and cook as desired
Best for: Asian and Iraqi cuisine- best stir-fried or braised, otherwise use much like a green bean once chopped (soups, curries, salads)
ROMAN BEANS: aka Continental bean, Italian Flat
What: a large flat bean that is used while immature and crisp
Availability: all year
Appearance: long, flat pale green pod that is slightly curved.
Selection: bright, firm beans with no signs of bruising or discolouration – should snap when broken
Storage: store in a plastic bag in refrigerator, unwashed
Prep: trim stem end, cook uncovered in lots of water to stop the colour darkening
Best for: used interchangeably with green beans however the flat pod and larger seeds offers a very different texture
BUTTER BEANS: aka yellow wax pole beans
What: the yellow green bean
Availability: Dec - Jun
Appearance: yellow pod with slight ridging on the sides, houses small white-pale yellow seeds
Selection: look for crisp, firm pods that are bright in colour
Storage: store in a plastic bag in refrigerator, unwashed
Prep: trim stem end, cook uncovered in lots of water to stop the colour darkening
Best for: adding colour and crisp, juicy texture to a dish
EDIBLE SEEDS:
BROAD BEANS: aka Lima Beans (dried), Fava Beans (mature)
What: thick bean – grown mainly for the delicious seed, however can be eaten fresh when immature
Availability: Jun – Dec – there are some early season broad beans on the market now but in short supply
Appearance: leathery, round pod with a distinctly pointed tip – changes from green to black-brown as it matures. Seed is large and flat contained within a cotton-like lining
Selection: look for moist, firm beans. Smaller pods mean the beans inside will be smaller but also more delicate of flavour
Storage: store in a plastic bag in refrigerator, unwashed
Pod vs Seed: seed – though when immature and crisp (under 12cm) they are sometimes prepared like a green bean
Prep: double shell for best possible flavour: shell seed, then blanch, drain, rinse and peel off the tough outer skin
Best for: used widely in all manner of ways; in pastas, casseroles, soups, side-dishes, roasting, purees, dips, salads,
BORLOTTI BEANS: aka cranberry beans
What: variety of kidney bean with a delicious creamy texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavour
Availability: all year, best Mar - May
Appearance: beige pod with purple marbling. Seed is speckled in the same colours as the pod, however they turn light brown when cooked
Selection: fresh, crisp pods that are full and brightly coloured- avoid any with signs of wilting or dampness
Storage: buy as required and store in a plastic bag in refrigerator, unwashed. To prolong life, shell, blanch, drain and freeze in airtight container/bag
Prep: shell and cook gently to prevent its skin from splitting
Best for: Italian and Portuguese cuisines- soups, stews, casseroles and salads
A: Broad beans are the only beans native to Europe, all other bean varieties were introduced following the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus. It was observed that the indigenous people grew corn (maize), beans and squash together in a system later known as the ‘Three Sisters’. This was sustainable farming at its best!! The corn provided shelter for the squash and a trellis for the bean vines, the beans returned nitrogen to the soil crucial for the growth of the corn and the thick vines and coarse leaves of the squash deterred predators from trampling or eating the crop. Simply brilliant.