Sunday 31 January 2010

Autumn gold

Wait, what? It's January. But yes, these are new season apples. They are Early Golds from the Borenore Hillside orchard, the largest fruit stall at the EPIC Growers' market, and one that I find consistently reliable. These new ones are so crunchy and juicy - just fabulous! Obviously they are related to Golden Delicious, a supermarket staple which is pretty reliably horrible, unless you are lucky enough to find them fresh in season. Apples are one fruit that I simply won't buy from the supermarket any more.

And there were these large yellow figs. It's always interesting to go to the market after a month away and see what's changed. I was hoping for early figs, and there were some though not very many yet. Plums, peaches, nectarines and berries galore, and rhubarb and melons too. The fruit was amazing and I may have over-bought. The most notable veggies were beetroot and cauliflower, but I didn't need any. Next week, perhaps.

I've eaten the figs, and made some slightly dodgy muffins with fresh blueberries (too much baking soda, oops). Tonight we've eaten steak and salad, made with another market purchase, a Homeleigh Grove apple vinaigrette. This is made with their fruity olive oil and a light, sweet cider vinegar. It's a nice simple one; I like it. Tomorrow's breakfast may feature fresh blackberries with yoghurt and granola. Sounds like a good start to a Monday.

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3 comments:

Frenchie said...

Dear Canberra cook,

aye aye to your comment about supermarket apples, and hear hear to boosting local producers by going to the farmers' markets. The apple deals in Fyshwick are quite good also. I've been following your blog for a while, and just wanted to say it's a very pleasant read.
Sincere regards,

- Frenchie.

Cath said...

Thank you.

By the way, I probably should have added that these Early Gold apples are quite tart. If you have a sweet tooth, you might not like them as much as I do.

BJ said...

I am surprised but happy to report that I am getting quite respectable pink lady apples from the local Coles. still waxed, but for someone who has no time to find a farmer's market or organic grocer, I must concede that they're pretty good.

cherries from the hole-in-the-wall superette over the road are huge, juicy black flavour bombs. what a pity that (as it seems) Canberra has had to survive on cardboard fruit and veg for so long.