Seasonal Fresh Produce News & Ideas

Bring pure pleasure to your life with Persimmons

Media Release March 1, 2007

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One of Australia's best kept secrets, fresh Australian sweet persimmons* are
a delicious, crisp and crunchy fruit that is just pure pleasure and are in season from late February to early June. This pretty exterior hides a surprising delight, a unique star pattern in the flesh of the fruit, only visible if cut horizontally.

Persimmons ripen at the same time as their tree erupts into its glorious autumn display of reds, oranges and yellows.
The natural sweetness of persimmons pairs well with both sweet and savoury dishes, as well as a range of nibbles and finger foods. When you're entertaining, impress your guests by adding sliced persimmons to a cheese platter with a wedge of aged cheddar and your favourite variety of blue cheese as well as some shaved prosciutto and crackers or crusty bread. Or for a family meal that is pure pleasure, toss with beef, coriander, basil, shallots and chilli in a wok and add a delicious garlic and lime dressing for a persimmon Thai beef salad.

When choosing persimmons, ensure the green calyx is in place and the fruit is brightly coloured, glossy and firm. They may have some minor blemishes, but this will not affect the quality of the fruit. While firm, persimmons are still very delicate, therefore ensure you handle them carefully to avoid bruising.

Nutritionally, persimmons rate better than many fruits. They are a great source of dietary fibre, contain high levels of vitamins A and C, potassium and beta carotene as well as some calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. They are also fat free, making them a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy as often as you like!

Source
http://www.persimmonsaustralia.com.au/home

Tantalise your tastebuds with the exotic tamarillo.

Just dig a spoon in, eat it raw, or tempt yourself with one of our tasty smoothie, pizza, muffin, dinner or dessert recipes. Juicy and packed with goodness the tamarillo fruit is a very good source of vitamin C, and is low in fat and calories.

Add sliced red, amber, and gold tamarillos to your cheese-boards, salads and decorate your dishes for a distinctive look and flavour. Tamarillos can be poached, fried, grilled, baked or casseroled to add taste and nutrition to every meal.

The banana is of great nutritional value. It's a rare combination of energy value, tussue building elements, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Bananas are a valuable source or vitamin B6, vitamin C and potassium.
Research shows that serotonin and norepinephrine in bananas may naturally help sufferers overcome depression.
Convenience and nutritional value of bananas make them a good post-exercise snack. During long exercises your body loses vitamins and minerals and a banana replaces these nutrients as well as giving you the energy you need.
Bananas are good for babies, too. Bananas are easy to digest because they have no fat and very few babies are allergic to bananas.