Market fresh Report - Week Ending February 1st

Limes are plentiful and affordable, with bulk specials often available at your local greengrocer. TIP: To get the most juice, roll the lime on the benchtop before cutting. Use in dressings, marinades or refreshing salads like coriander, mint and lime chicken noodle salad.

North Queensland lychees are in season. Premium small-seed varieties are highly sought after for their sweet flesh and high flesh-to-seed ratio.

Cherry season is winding down, so snap up premium Tasmanian and late season Victorian cherries

Valencia oranges are sweet, juicy and excellent for juicing. Locally grown fruit is great value. Add orange segments to salads or enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed juice for a vitamin C boost.

Cucumbers are refreshing and hydrating thanks to their high-water content. Lebanese cucumbers are crisp and ideal for salads, while telegraph cucumbers are great for slicing and sandwiches.

Potatoes remain a family favourite and versatile in every kitchen. Brushed, Desiree and washed varieties are of the best value when purchased in a 5 kg bag

Sweet, plump figs are in season and delicious eaten fresh. Sweet, plump figs are in season and delicious eaten fresh

Mangoes remain plentiful, with R2E2, Honeygold and Calypso varieties the most abundant. Mangoes contain low-GI carbohydrates, providing slow-release energy, making them a great option for breakfast, creamy mango and passionfruit pops, snacks or smoothies.

Juicy red and yellow plums from Shepparton and Forbes are in peak season now, with a great range available. Queen Garnets stand out for their deep purple flesh and antioxidant-rich goodness

Fresh corn is naturally sweet and a truly delicious eating experience. Corn on the cob is quick to cook: simmer for 4–5 minutes, microwave for 3–4 minutes per cob, or grill on the barbecue in its husk for around 6-8 minutes.

Eggplant is versatile and widely used in cuisines around the world. It’s excellent pan-fried, grilled or roasted. Slice, coat in flour or breadcrumbs, and pan-fry until golden. Eggplant is excellent value

When it comes to fresh herbs and leafy greens, high humidity is having a short-term impact on quality. Leafy greens, like spinach, coriander and rocket should be purchased and used with on the same day as they are currently not storing well.

Add new season grapes to your list, they’re plentiful and superb quality right now. Varieties like Menindee, Flame, Thompson, Ivory, Sweet Globe, Cotton Candy and Autumn Crisp are in season

Peaches and nectarines continue to offer excellent value and flavour,. Enjoy them fresh, grilled on the barbecue, or sliced into salads and breakfast bowls.

Originally from Spain, Piel de Sapo melons are football-shaped with crisp, juicy white to pale green flesh and a sweet flavour. Serve sliced with prosciutto or jamón for a classic pairing, or combine with feta, mint and lime for a refreshing summer salad

Zucchini is a summer barbecue favourite. Slice thickly and thread onto skewers with chicken and mushrooms, or grill simply with olive oil and herbs

Cauliflower is a quiet all-rounder: mild, versatile, and brilliant at soaking up bold flavours without stealing the spotlight. For a summery dish, toss cauliflower florets on the grill with olive oil and lemon, then finish on the serving plate with parsley, feta and a drizzle of chilli and honey for sunshine on a plate.

Red capsicum prices have dropped. Use capsicum in salads, roasting trays, pasta dishes or dips such as roasted capsicum and feta.