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SEQ Fresh Produce Update - NOVEMBER

In November, South East Queensland (SEQ) experiences the transition from spring to summer, which brings a bounty of fresh produce perfect for enjoying in the warmer months. The region's subtropical climate means a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs are in season, including tropical, subtropical, and cool-weather crops. Here’s a summary of what you can expect to find in the markets and farm gates across SEQ in November:


Fresh Produce Available in November in South East Queensland

Fruits:

  1. Mangoes

    • This is the beginning of mango season in SEQ, with Queensland’s signature tropical fruit hitting its peak in November. Expect to find the Kensington Pride and R2E2 varieties, which are sweet, juicy, and perfect for eating fresh or incorporating into dishes.
  2. Pineapples

    • Fresh Queensland pineapples are abundant in November, offering sweet and tangy flavors. Locally grown varieties like Queen and Red Spanish are available and often sold at farmers' markets.
  3. Bananas

    • Cavendish bananas are available year-round, but November sees them in peak condition, with plump and sweet fruit from Queensland farms.
  4. Lychees

    • November marks the beginning of lychee season in SEQ. This tropical fruit is sweet, juicy, and packed with flavor, and it’s often available in markets through the summer months.
  5. Avocados

    • Hass avocados are in season, making them perfect for adding to salads, toast, or dips. The local varieties are creamy and rich.
  6. Papayas (Pawpaw)

    • This tropical fruit is sweet, fragrant, and available in abundance during November, offering a delicious and refreshing addition to fruit salads or smoothies.
  7. Dragon Fruit

    • Dragon fruit, or pitaya, begins its season in November. This vibrant, pink-fleshed fruit is often found in tropical fruit stalls across SEQ.
  8. Passionfruit

    • Passionfruit comes into its own in November, with aromatic, tangy fruit available in abundance. It’s perfect for adding to desserts, salads, or just eating straight from the shell.
  9. Citrus Fruits

    • Early varieties of lemons, limes, and oranges begin appearing in markets in November, offering a refreshing citrus burst. Mandarins and blood oranges start coming into season toward the end of the month.

Vegetables:

  1. Tomatoes

    • Fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes are in abundance in November. Locally grown tomatoes are juicy and perfect for salads, salsas, or cooking.
  2. Capsicums (Bell Peppers)

    • Red, yellow, and green capsicums are in season, adding a vibrant crunch to dishes, salads, and stir-fries.
  3. Cucumbers

    • Crisp and refreshing cucumbers are perfect for summer salads and pickles. Expect locally grown varieties to be widely available.
  4. Zucchini

    • Zucchini is plentiful in November, perfect for grilling, roasting, or incorporating into light summer dishes like frittatas and salads.
  5. Sweet Potatoes

    • Sweet potatoes are in season, offering a slightly sweeter, denser alternative to regular potatoes. They can be roasted, mashed, or made into fries.
  6. Green Beans

    • Green beans come into season during November, offering a crisp, tender texture for steaming, sautéing, or adding to vegetable medleys.
  7. Eggplant

    • Eggplant or aubergines start to become more available in November. They're great for grilling, baking, or using in Mediterranean-style dishes.
  8. Lettuce & Salad Greens

    • Cos, butterhead, and rocket (arugula) lettuce varieties are abundant, perfect for fresh salads. Other leafy greens like spinach and silverbeet also thrive in the mild spring weather.
  9. Carrots

    • Carrots are in season, sweet and tender, ideal for fresh snacking, roasting, or incorporating into soups and stews.


Herbs:

  1. Basil

    • Sweet basil is in full swing in November, perfect for adding fresh flavor to pasta dishes, salads, or making pesto.
  2. Mint

    • Mint is abundant in November, adding a refreshing, aromatic flavor to drinks, desserts, or savory dishes.
  3. Coriander

    • Coriander (cilantro) is in season, ideal for adding to salsas, curries, and fresh salads.
  4. Parsley

    • Flat-leaf parsley and curly parsley are widely available, perfect for garnishing and seasoning dishes.


November Seasonal Tips:

  • Tropical Fruits: November marks the start of the summer fruit season, with mangoes, lychees, and pineapples coming into their peak, offering sweetness and juiciness to the produce list.
  • Salads and Grills: The warmer weather means fresh salads, roasted veggies, and grilling are top choices, with tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and herbs being excellent accompaniments.
  • Fruit for Preserving: November is also the perfect time to make homemade jams and preserves with fruits like passionfruit, strawberries, and citrus, which start coming into season towards the end of the month.


Where to Find These Products:

  • Farmers Markets: Look for local farmers' markets around Brisbane, Noosa, and the Sunshine Coast, such as the Eumundi Markets, Brisbane City Farmers Market, or Brisbane Markets, for fresh, seasonal produce.
  • Farm Stalls & Roadside Vendors: Many local farms in SEQ sell fresh produce directly at farm gates or through regional farm stalls.
  • Supermarkets and Specialty Stores: Many regional and organic stores in SEQ also highlight in-season produce from local farmers, so keep an eye out for what's fresh on the shelves.

November is a fantastic month to explore the abundance of fresh, local produce in South East Queensland, offering a vibrant mix of fruits, vegetables, and herbs to enjoy in your meals.

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