MANGO MAGIC

Q: What does Paisley pattern have to do with Mangoes?

It’s easy to tell when mangoes are in full swing at the Sydney Markets, not only are the luscious yellow fruits clearly in abundance but their sweet, tropical aroma literally takes over the Flemington site, distracting buyers and visitors with early morning visions of cocktails and beach holidays. While we’re a while off that stage yet, the first of the Kensington Pride mangoes from the Northern Territory have arrived at the markets. They are in good supply, good quality and eating at around an 8/10. To get your juices flowing for the peak mango season and its signature aroma, this week we are sharing inspirational recipes and flavour combinations that capture the essence of this nutritional, delicious and iconic fruit.

Mango varieties: For more information on the individual mango varieties and when to expect them, click here.

The Feel Good Factor: A 200 g mango provides up to 3x the RDI of Vit A and Vit C. They are also a rich source of fibre and potassium and provide more of the anti-oxidant beta-carotene than any other fruit

 

Something Light:

Crunchy Jicama and Mango salad with Chile and Lime

Source: Tyler Florence via Lifestyle Food

NB: With Jicama (yam bean) and mango both in season until December, this crunchy combination of flavours is ideal for a Spring salad. To find out more about Jicama, click here

Click here for full recipe

 

Mango salsa and coconut heart salad

Source: Peter Kuravita via SBS Food

NB: This salad offers a wonderful blend of flavours. While coconut hearts can be a little hard to come by, never fear as granny smith apples are offered as a good replacement

Click here for full recipe

 

Tahitian snapper tartare

Source: Robert Oliver via NZ Herald

Click here for full recipe

 

Something Substantial:

Tali Macchi

Source: Alfred Prasad via Great British Chefs

Click here for full recipe

 

Duck and Mango curry, plus lemon and curry leaf rice

Source: Yotam Ottolenghi via Guardian.co.uk

Click here for full recipe

 

Seared Tuna with Mango Salsa (Ca Tu Chien)

Source: Luke Nguyen via SBS Food

Click here for full recipe

 

Something Sweet:

Caramel mille feuille, mango and gold leaf press and crystalised chilli

Source: Frances Atkins via Great British Chefs

Click here for full recipe

 

Young coconut jelly and burnt mango cream with pandanus macaroons

Source: Martin Boetz via Gourmet Traveller

Click here for full recipe

 

Something Refreshing:

Ceylon Sailor

Source: Wayne Collins via BBC Food

Click here for full recipe

 

Mango, ginger and lemongrass cordial

Source: Gourmet Traveller

Click here for full recipe

 

A: The pattern we all know as Paisley (due to the market dominance of the weavers from Paisley, Scotland during the 1800s) was actually created in India where it was inspired by the shape of the mango- which in India is considered to be a divine food of the Gods symbolising love. In Tamil the paisley pattern is called ‘Mankolam’ (mango design), in Punjabi it is called ‘Ambi’ which derives from ‘Amb’ (mango) and in Pakistan it is called the  ‘Carrey ‘ design with the word ‘Carrey’ meaning mango seed in Urdu.


BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 18th - 24th September

Asian Vegetables: Short Supply

Gai Choy * Tamarind * Water Spinach

Asian Vegetables: Not Available

 Asian Celery * Kachay

Exotic Fruits: Short Supply

Banana Buds/Bell

Exotic Fruits: Not Available

Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Dragonfruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Longans * Loquats * Lychee * Persimmon * Pomelos- red * Rambutan *  Tamarillo (gold)


BUYER'S GUIDE: 18th Sept - 24th Sept

MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit

The Buy list: Delicious apples, Pink Lady Apples, Bananas, Blueberries, Grapefruit Ruby, Honeydews, Kiwifruit, Mandarins, Nashi, Beurre Bosc & Packham Pears, Blood Oranges, Navel Oranges, Red Papaya, Pineapples, Rockmelons, Rhubarb, QLD Strawberries, Watermelons: Seedless and Longs.  

The Watch List: Import Grapes (Quality), Figs (PRICE), Lime (Price), Passionfruit (Price). 

Market Insights: NZ Hass Avocadoes are on market, it is early but they are on market and for sale. Bananas- prices easing and quality is on the rise with the warmer weather. The quality of all Melons has increased- good eating and prices have eased. NT Mango season is on- good supply, good quality and eating 8/10. Imported (China) Nashi Pears on market for sale. Early season “Peaches & Nectarines” are on market but nothing special- eating quality, 6/10, on hold as a buy.

MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables

The Buy list: New Season Aussie Asparagus- Thin, Medium & Jumbo, white in 2 weeks. Broad Beans- peaking now and well priced. Hand Picked Green Beans- excellent quality, very tender and priced to suit. Carrots, Celeriac, Chicory, Chinese Cabbage, Eggplant, Fennel Large and Baby, Leeks, Cos, Baby Cos & Iceberg Lettuce, Button Mushrooms, Snow & Snap Peas, Gourmet Salad Lines, Silverbeet, Gold Squash, Rapi, Swedes, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes and Spuds and Onions. 

The Watch List: Red Capsicums (Very short supply, PRICE), Brussels Sprouts (Supply is back on with varying quality), Ouch!!! Tomatoes (PRICE & Supply), Jarrahdale Pumpkin (Price). 

Market Insights: Red Capsicums and tomatoes are in very short supply, quality is sound but pricing....don’t ask! Jarrahdale Pumpkin is in short supply with Jap on the increase as well. Butternut pumpkin holding. Edible flowers are in season, full range available; however notice needed to fill larger orders. Asian leaf veg in good supply, same with locally grown herbs. 

BEST BUYS:

Fruit: Blueberries (NSW) * Mandarin (QLD) * Packham Pears- green (VIC) * Pineapple (QLD) * Seedless Watermelon (NT)

Vegetable: Broad Beans (NSW) * Leek - large (SA) * Portabello Mushroom (SA) * Spring Onions (QLD) * Sweet Potato - large (QLD)  

SOMETHING DIFFERENT:

Fruit: Aussie Mangoes (New Season- NT) * Cumquats (QLD) *  Pomegranate (Imported)

Vegetable: Cime de Rapa (NSW) * Idaho Potato - foil wrapped (SA) * Lettuce- Purslane (NSW) * Lettuce- Rocquette (NSW) * Purple Garlic (Imported) * Sorrel- red vein (VIC)

Other: Edible Flowers (NSW/VIC)

NOT THIS WEEK:

Not Available: Dragon Fruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Beef Oxheart tomatoes * Heirloom tomatoes


LOCAL, LIGHTER PRODUCE

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.

Image: www.letusgrow.com.au

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

Image: www.wiffens.com

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

Image: www.marketfresh.com.au

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

Image: freepik.com

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

Image: www.marketfresh.com.au

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

Image: www.fruitezy.com.au

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

Image: www.wikipedia.com

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

Image: freepik.com

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?


BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 11th - 17th Sept

Asian Vegetables: Short Supply

Gai Choy * Tamarind * Water Spinach

Asian Vegetables: Not Available

 Asian Celery * Kachay

Exotic Fruits: Short Supply

Banana Buds/Bell

Exotic Fruits: Not Available

Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Dragonfruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Longans * Loquats * Lychee * Persimmon * Pomegranate (poor quality) * Pomelos- red * Rambutan *  Tamarillo (gold)


BUYER'S GUIDE: 11th Sept - 17th Sept

MARKET SUMMARY: Fruit

The Buy list: Royal Gala, Golden Delicious & Delicious apples, Bananas, Blueberries, Ruby Grapefruit, Honeydews & Rockmelons AT LAST!!, Kiwifruit, Mandarins, Beurre Bosc Pears, Blood Oranges, Pineapples, Rhubarb  and QLD Strawberries

The Watch List: Imported Grapes (Quality), Figs (PRICE) Lime (Price), Seedless Watermelons (Price & Quality), Passionfruit (Price)

Market Insights: Early Season Australian Grapes are available, quality is sound and eating 8/10. NT Mangoes in good supply, quality is good and eating 7/10. Early season “Peaches & Nectarines” are on market, quality has increased 6/10 but still not in the eating zone and up there in price! The main lines to watch this weeks are; Limes (just price), quality of Seedless and regular Watermelons. Pawpaw, Red Papaya & Passionfruit, supply slowing and price on the move up.

MARKET SUMMARY: Vegetables

The Buy list: New Season Aussie Asparagus & Jumbo, Beetroot, Broccoli, Carrots, Celeriac, Chicory, Chinese Cabbage, Fennel, Leeks, Cos & Iceberg Lettuce, Gourmet Salad Lines, Silverbeet, Gold Squash, Rapi, Swedes, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Green Zucchini, Butternut Pumpkin, Spuds and Onions

The Watch List: Capsicums: (Price), Brussels Sprouts (Supply & Price), Leb Cucumbers (Price), Parsnip (Price), Green Peas (Quality & Price), All Tomatoes (PRICE), Jarrahdale Pumpkin (Price)

Market Insights: Capsicums- supply problems though quality is sound, this will change by the weekend. Brussels Sprouts- limited supply and price is up. Leb Cucumbers- asking high prices for quality gear. Tomatoes are in short supply and look like staying this way for the next 3 weeks. Getting supply of quality and correct size is the main issue. Jarrahdale Pumpkin is in short supply, plenty of Butternut and Jap to cover. New Season Aussie Asparagus is in full swing, good buying and great quality. Zucchini & Edible flowers are in season, full range available however notice is needed to fill larger orders.

Bye Bye Australian Truffle season!!

BEST BUYS:

Fruit: Beurre Bosc Pears (VIC) * Blood Oranges (QLD) * Honeydew Melon (NT) * Rhubarb (NSW) * Rockmelon (QLD/NT)

Vegetable: Chat Potatoes- sml (SA) * Cos Lettuce- large (NSW) * Mesclun Lettuce (QLD) * Silverbeet (NSW) * Sweetcorn (QLD)  

SOMETHING DIFFERENT:

Fruit: Lemon- seedless (QLD) * New Season Mangoes- VIP (NT) * Mulberries (NSW) * Pineapple- rough skin (QLD) * Strawberries - Plate VIP (QLD)

Vegetable: Cime de Rapa (NSW) * Idaho Potato - foil wrapped (SA) * Sorrel- red vein * Vine sweet baby caps (QLD) * Zucchini Flower (NSW)

NOT THIS WEEK:

Poor Quality: Pomegranate

Short Supply & Expensive: Butter Beans- yellow

Not Available: Dragon Fruit * Fuji Fruit * Guava * Beef Oxheart tomatoes * Heirloom tomatoes


PRICKLY CHARACTERS:

Q: Why are some pineapples sold topless?

As far as fresh produce goes, I have always considered pineapples to be relatively straightforward (despite the ongoing debate as to whether they belong on a pizza- or burger for that matter). The pineapple industry in Australia is very QLD centric with top quality fruit being produced from Brisbane to Cooktown, though small amounts produced in Northern NSW and the NT deserve a mention. For many years, Australians buying pineapples lived by the general rule that smooth varieties are larger and juicier, whereas rough leaf fruit are smaller and sweeter. Over the last 15-20 years however this has changed, with cross-breeding of the existing smooth, rough and Hawaiian varieties producing a number of hybrid fruits that offer consumers the best of both worlds. With most pineapple varieties currently performing well at the markets, our bulletin this week is dedicated to the tropics favourite  prickly character.

Before we break it down by variety, here are some insights which are true for all pineapples:

Selection: No matter which variety you buy it is important to note that pineapples may get juicier after harvesting but they don’t sweeter so choose plump fruit that has no bruising/blemishes and boasts a fresh, sweet (but not too sweet) pineapple fragrance.

Nutritional Benefits: pineapples are a fantastic source of Vitamin C with 100gm of some of the hybrid fruits delivering the entire recommended daily intake.  They are also a great source of dietary fibre and a good source of Manganese

 

STANDARD PINEAPPLE: aka Smooth Cayenne

 

Image: www.marketfresh.com.au

 

Availability: All year round, peaks in summer/warmer temperatures

Appearance: smooth with top

Flesh: pale yellow flesh

Flavour: juicy, slightly acidic, not as sweet as rough skin or the new hybrid varieties

Big deal: historically this has bee the canning pineapple – however still fantastic fresh.

 

BETHONGA: aka Bethonga Gold Hybrid/Topless Gold

Image: www.fruitezy.com.au

Availability: all year, best Sept-May

Appearance: smooth, topless, slightly smaller than smooth cayenne

Flesh: richgold colour, less fibrous

Flavour: low acidity makes them more aromatic and sweeter in flavour than smooth cayenne

Big deal: less likely to cause the mouth blisters commonly associated with pineapples

 

BABY PINEAPPLE WITH STEMS:

Image: SGS

Availability: Aug - Mar

Appearance: small pineapple with leaves, still attached to the stem

Flavour: N/A

Best use: display purposes

Big deal: These miniature fruits are beautiful and add a quirky twist to a display/centerpiece.

 

ROUGH SKIN/LEAF: aka Queen

Image: www.marketfresh.com.au

Availability: all year, peaks Dec/Jan

Appearance: rough skin with top on, small fruit

Flesh: gold/yellow flesh that is drier and more fibrous than Smooth Cayenne

Flavour: delicate, mild pineapple flavour that makes it lovely fresh

Big deal: more of a niche product, it keeps well and has a lovely crisp texture

 

AUS JUBILEE:

Image: www.daff.qld.gov.au

Availability: all year, best Nov-Mar

Appearance: smooth yellow skin, small fruit, topless

Flesh: flesh is yellow, firm and crunchy

Flavour: very sweet, strong pineapple aroma with a hint of coconut

Big deal: this variety was born & bred in Australia, therefore it tends to delivers top quality fruit year round- it also has twice the Vit C of the Smooth Cayenne

 

KING OF FRUITS:

Image: www.kingoffruit.com.au

Availability: all year

Appearance: green/yellow smooth skin, topless

Flesh: much darker yellow/gold than smooth cayenne

Flavour: very sweet, low acid

Big deal: hybrid of rough skin and Hawaiian Gold, consistently good performer year round

 

A: This is a trend with the newer hybrid varieties on the market which are often trademarked by commercial partners. The tops of pineapples are removed and replanted, which considering each plant produces 1 pineapple every 2 years is a crucial part of ensuring the increased productivity and commercial availability of these new varieties. The cynics among us might also conclude that it is an effective strategy for trademark companies to protect their brand, as consumers and/or competitors are unable to use cuttings from purchased fruit to produce their own stock.  


BUYER'S GUIDE: Asian/Exotics 4th Sept - 10th Sept

Asian Vegetables: Short Supply

Water Spinach

Asian Vegetables: Not Available

 Asian Celery * Gai Choy * Kachay

Exotic Fruits: Short Supply

Banana Buds/Bell * Fuji Fruit * Persimmon

Exotic Fruits: Not Available

Asian Plum * Buddha Hands * Dragonfruit * Guava * Longans * Loquats * Lychee * Pomegranate (poor quality) * Pomelos- red * Rambutan *  Tamarillo (gold)


BUYER'S GUIDE: 4th Sept - 10th Sept

BEST BUYS:

Fruit: Blood Oranges (QLD) *Mandarin (QLD) * Orange - juicing (NSW) * Pineapple (QLD) * Rockmelon (QLD/NT) * Strawberries- medium (QLD)

Vegetable: Baby Dutch Carrots (NSW) * Beetroot- large (QLD) * Celeriac (VIC) * Fennel Bulb- large (VIC) * Sweetcorn (QLD) * Zucchini (QLD)  

SOMETHING DIFFERENT:

Fruit: New Season Asparagus- medium (VIC) * Honey Pear (VIC) * New Season Mangoes- VIP (NT) * Mulberries (NSW) * Pineapple- rough skin (QLD) 

Vegetable: Cime De Rapa (NSW) * Jalapeno Chilli- green (QLD) * Sorrel- red vein (VIC) * Witlof- white (VIC) * Zucchini Flower- with fruit (NSW)

NOT THIS WEEK:

Expensive: Limes

Poor Quality: Pomegranate

Short Supply & Expensive: Butter Beans- yellow

Not Available: USA Cherries (season over) * Dragon Fruit * Chestnut Mushrooms