Q: Which other locally sourced produce lines should I be looking out for at the moment?
While it may still be only September, I am already shifting towards alfresco dining (where possible) and adjusting my palate to the lighter, fresher flavours that go hand in hand with the rising mercury and my annual Spring health kick. I know I’m not alone and this week I wanted to share not only our range of fresh produce lines perfect for the next wave of salads and sides, but also show some support for our local growers and profile top quality produce that SG&S is currently sourcing from Greater Sydney/NSW based growers.
SALAD LEAF LINES:
LOCAL PRODUCT: Hydroponic Mix
There are a number of reasons to enjoy hydro lettuce, probably the most obvious being it is free of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. It may not technically be classified as organic but many consider it pretty close. Essentially a mesclun mix made up of ¾ leaf sizes (rocket, baby spinach etc) it’s a great base for any salad.
Source: Sydney/NSW
Supply: good supply, all leaf lines performing well
LOCAL PRODUCT: Oak Lettuce (Red/Green)
For further information on Oak Lettuce characteristics and availability, please refer to our past blog on leaf lines- A Touch of Frost
Source: mostly NSW, however product is also sourced from VIC when required
Supply: currently performing well- supply, quality and price all good
LOCAL PRODUCT: Cos Lettuce (Standard/Baby)
For more information on Cos Lettuce characteristics and availability, please refer to our past bulletin on leaf lines- A Touch of Frost
Source: NSW
Supply: Both Baby Cos and standard Cos are performing well, standard Cos is good quality and super cheap- making it one of our best buys this week. Meanwhile Baby Cos is fantastic eating
LOCAL PRODUCT: Chicory Leaf
Not to be confused with Witlof/Belgian Endive which is also sometimes referred to as Chicory, this leaf line boasts a stronger bitter flavour than witlof, with production peaking in the warmer months.
Source: NSW
Supply: good quality stock, with supply plentiful and therefore pricing well
LOCAL PRODUCT: Endive
For further information on Endive characteristics and availability, please refer to our past bulletin on leaf lines- A Touch of Frost
Source: NSW
Supply: good quality stock, with supply plentiful and therefore pricing well
SALAD EXTRAS:
LOCAL PRODUCT: Spring Onions aka Salad Onions
Growing up my mother referred to Spring Onions as Salad Onions, their softer flavour and characteristics make the perfect for lighter dishes
Source: NSW
Supply: great buying at the moment, quality is fantastic and supply strong
SIDES:
LOCAL PRODUCT: Dutch Carrots & Baby Dutch Carrots
For more information on Dutch Carrots characteristics and availability, please refer to our past bulletin on baby veg – Life’s Little Treasures
Source: NSW
Supply: lovely sweet carrots arriving at the markets- steady supply and good pricing
LOCAL PRODUCT: Silverbeet
The original Australian Spinach, not only is it great buying at the moment but full of nutrition and flavour
Source: NSW
Supply: One of our best buys this week Silverbeet is fantastic quality, great supply and priced accordingly
LOCAL PRODUCT: Cime de Rapa aka Rapini, Broccoli Rapa
A common cooking vegetable in Italy, the slightly bitter florets and leaves of Rapa make it worth adding to the shopping list as it goes beautifully
Source: NSW
Supply: featured on our ‘Something Different’ items this week Rapa is arriving in good quality and is reasonably supplied and priced at the moment
LOCAL PRODUCT: Field Mushrooms
Despite falling outside the usual peak period for mushrooms, most varieties are fantastic eating at the moment. For more information on mushroom characteristics, please refer to our past bulletin – Packed to the Gills
Source: NSW
Supply: Cup mushrooms in particular are fantastic buying and eating right now, however it is always hard to go past a magnificently meaty Portabello!
A: Our local farmers are doing us proud, currently supplying fantastic quality BERRIES- mulberries, blueberries, APPLES, ZUCCHINI FLOWERS- fruit attached, KALE, TUSCAN CABBAGE the list goes on. When it comes to serving up a stunning side you might want to consider our Asian greens which are almost entirely sourced from local farmers – chinese broccoli, bok choi, gai choy, choi sum to name a few. In terms of performance, the market is currently seeing good quality and price for Asian Greens, with the exception of Gai Choy which is in short supply?