From rain affecting crops to some fruit and vegetables unavailable or not in season right now, there are probably a couple of favourite things we’re all missing from the supermarket shelves at the moment. Even if you can find what you’re looking for, it’s likely to be expensive and poorer quality. However, if you can look for what’s in season, you’ll be rewarded with quality produce.
We hope some of the below ideas inspire you to get cooking (as well as where to buy your healthy and delicious fruit and veggies)!
What’s in season in August?
While continuing rain over the east coast might lead to a few shortages, generally at the end of August you’re going to be able to indulge in oranges, kiwifruit, lemons, limes, pineapple, rhubarb and strawberries (plus so much more). J And to add to the evening meal, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and celery will all be in season, as well as some of the traditional winter favourites like sweet potatoes, leeks, parsnips, pumpkin and silverbeet. Just be aware that ground crops like strawberries and rhubarb might be unavailable as farmers haven’t been able to replant in many locations because the ground is so wet. Check the Sydney Markets website to check what they have at Flemington before you venture out to our Inner West produce markets so you’ll have a better idea of what’s available and you can start planning your menus.
One of the good things about staples like sweet potatoes and pumpkin is that they store well, so you can load up when you see them and know they will last a while if kept in a cool, dark space in the pantry.
Four Inner West farmers’ markets
It’s time to venture out to fill up your fruit and veggie basket, and the best place to do that is a local farmers’ market.
Located in Lilyfield, at Orange Grove Public School on the corner of Perry Street and Balmain Road, the Orange Grove Market is held every Saturday and is for those searching for a fresh produce market where the whole family can have fun.
With possibly the largest turnover of any fruit and veggie market in Australia, this market is popular, so make sure you get in early, otherwise you might miss out on the market favourites! The vendors specialise in certified organic and farm-fresh produce, and other stalls have homewares, plants, flowers and handicrafts for sale. For a delicious treat, try the bacon and egg rolls or Flour and Stone lamingtons while the kids burn off some energy on the grassy playground and jumping castle.
2. Hillview Produce & Artisan Market
Hillview Farms is dedicated to providing Sydneysiders with fresh organic produce direct from the farm. The Leichhardt warehouse is open 7 days a week, but they also have a produce and artisan market five days a week (8 am to 4 pm Tuesday to Friday and 8 am to 2 pm on Saturday).
Here you can meet the Hillview Farms family, as well as local farmers and producers selling fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and other artisanal goods. You’re welcome to bring the dog and if you’re a first-time visitor, don’t forget to grab a free takeaway coffee.
Hillview Farms, one of the Inner West’s favourite markets, is at 159 Allen Street, Leichhardt.
3. Marrickville Farmers Market
Open all day every Sunday, the Marrickville Organic Food and Farmers Market is another Inner West market for the family, located at 142 Addison Road, Marrickville.
From fresh, in-season produce to food stalls selling incredible homemade baked goods, you’ll find something to love. Make sure you bring cash for the pony rides and jumping castle.
Open every first and third Sunday morning of the month, Flour Mill Markets is the Inner West’s newest market, located at 18 Flour Ml Way, Summer Hill.
Boasting an entirely plastic-free ethos, here you can pick up everything from flowers to free-range meat, sustainable seafood, artisanal homewares and accessories, and all the cheese ‒ so much cheese!
Two hearty pumpkin soups
From savoury to spicy, pumpkin is an extremely versatile vegetable. Here are two pumpkin soup recipes to choose from, depending on your preference (or why not try both). You can use either butternut or Queensland blue for these recipes, or a combination of both. The Queensland blue will give you more colour while the butternut pumpkin has a creamier texture.
Classic Pumpkin + Carrot Soup
1 x medium-sized pumpkin, peeled and diced into chunks
1 x onion, sliced
1 x large carrot, diced
2 x garlic cloves
3 x cups of chicken or vegetable stock (broth is another option too)
Place everything in a large pot and bring to the boil, then allow it to simmer until the pumpkin is soft. Allow to cool and then use a blender or food processor to mix until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.
If you don’t have a pot big enough to fit everything in, simply reduce the recipe by half.
Chilli Pumpkin Soup
1 x medium sized pumpkin ‒ peeled and diced into chunks
1 x carrot, diced or sliced
4 x cups of vegetable or chicken stock or broth
1 x red chilli with the seeds removed
1 x tsp of ginger (powdered or crushed fresh)
¾ of a cup of coconut cream
Splash of oil
Put oil in a large pot on a medium heat and cook the pumpkin and carrot, stirring often, until lightly browned. Add stock, chilli and ginger, and simmer for around 20 minutes (or until the vegetables are soft). Remove from heat and blend with a stick blender, then return to the stove and stir in coconut cream until it boils. Season with salt and pepper ‒ and enjoy!
Can we help with your Inner West home?
Whether you’re ready to sell or need help to rent your investment property, we have the experience and local knowledge to make your property journey easier.
Looking for help selling your home or renting your investment property? Our team at Belle Property Balmain support homeowners across Balmain, Balmain East, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation discussion or property appraisal.
