With days growing shorter and temperatures becoming cooler, we are reminded that winter is well on its way. Soup is regarded as the quintessential winter food. When we think of a big bowl of warm soup, words like wholesome, comforting and nurturing come to mind.
Vegetables are often the main ingredient for making delicious soups, creamy pumpkin, potato and leek or chicken and vegetable they are all made delicious with the inclusion of nutritious fresh ingredients.
There is a lot to consider when buying fresh produce. Our Sous Chef, Steve Cherry has provided some hints on how to choose the very best. One of the most important things is to try and buy what’s in season and if possible locally sourced. In season fruit and vegetables usually taste better and locally sourced produce supports our local farmers and cuts down on the environmental footprint of your purchase. Frozen vegetables can also be a great alternative to fresh produce, especially if it is out of season. Did you know that frozen vegetables and fruit have the same nutritional value as fresh produce?
“What to look for when shopping for vegetables”
- Avoid fruit and vegetables with visible bruising and broken skins because it is an excellent place for bacteria to hide and spread rapidly to the rest of the fruit or vegetable. Furthermore, damaged produce is less nutritious and less tasty.
- When purchasing an entire pumpkin check to see if it sounds hollow when tapped and feels firm all over.
- Green vegies should be rich in colour and crisp, avoid green vegies that are turning a little yellow or going soft.
- Pick firm potatoes that have no green spots or any sprouts sticking out.
- Carrots should be bright, firm and crunchy, don’t buy them if they’re a little bendy.
- Always check the stems of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages and lettuce for rot, and avoid if you find it.
- Mushrooms should look plump and never be shrivelled or feel slick.
- Leafy greens such as spinach and kale should be fresh and crisp and bought from the refrigerated section”. (https://www.bhg.com.au/how-to-pick-fresh-fruit-and-vegetables)
At Tweed Heads Bowls Club, we pride ourselves on ensuring that only the finest fresh produce is served. For over 23 years we have developed a strong relationship with Tweed Fruit Exchange a local Murwillumbah small business, enabling us to deliver an exceptional range of seasonal produce from paddock to plate. 98% of their fruit and vegetables are grown in Australia. They endeavor to source and supply locally grown produce; however, it is harder to get as there are fewer farms around nowadays, however, 100% of their sweet potatoes, passionfruit and bananas are grown locally and they are delicious.
