FRUIT NEWS

August 2011

 

Apples:

• Traditionally called "Pome" fruit, apples are still a main staple of our boxes at this time of the year as the growing season for several varieties are still in full swing
• As the season changes to Spring, apples will keep the Doctor away because it is packed with Vitamin C, Cholesterol reducing Phenols, Folic Acid and Potassium.
• The naturally occurring enzyme Pectin in Apple Juice helps reduce stomach acidity (helping bloating and indigestion) and can also protect the human body from radiation.
• Expect to find any of the following varieties in your boxes for the next month or so - Granny Smith, Fuji, Red Delicious and Galas

 

Mandarins

• We are now into the season of the fabulous Honey-Murcott variety - continuing with a good supply from the growing regions of Gandah, Mundubbra and Emerald in QLD.
• They are super sweet and brightly coloured, have a tighter skin than other varieties which may seem a bit harder to peel but they are worth the effort!

 

Pears

• A wonderful alternative 'Pome' fruit if you need a change from apples.
• Both the larger green white fleshed Packham and russet skinned, creamier textured Berre Bosc varieties are in good supply.
• Cultivated since the ancient times across Asia, Europe and North Africa, the leaves of the Pears were once smoked. This is a practice which continued until the 13th century in England when tobacco was discovered.

 

Pear Fun Fact:

Some pear and apple varieties look similar. Here is one way to tell them apart

1. Fill a barrel with water
2. Apples will float and pears will sink

 

Corella Pears

• A small compact fruit with a red tinge to the skin. They are crunchier, have a firmer texture than larger pears and are beautifully sweet. 
• A perfect anytime snack
• Grown in the Victorian orchards around Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley.

 

Oranges

• Thanks to a bumper season for our Aussie citrus growers this year, we all need to do our bit for the industry and EAT MORE ORANGES!! Not only will the farmers thank us but our health will benefit from the extra Vitamin C hit too.
• Does your Naval oranges have a deeper red blush to their flesh once cut open? These are the fabulous 'Carra-Carra' variety, which are sweet and full of juice. 
• Both varieties will continue into the Spring months. 

 

Storage Tip:

Oranges can last happily in the fruit bowl for at least a week or more and up to 4 weeks if kept in the fridge.

Do not store them near any uncovered meat or dairy products as orange zest vapour could affect these items.

  

Kiwi fruit

• The original 'Chinese Gooseberry' (first grown in Southern China, not New Zealand) season is going will with a supply of the green Hayward variety coming solely from our friends across the ditch.
• Recent evidence suggests that eating Kiwi Fruit (2-3 per day) has a beneficial effect in helping to lower fat levels in blood which could help reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke - great news!