If you aren’t already a produce markets convert by the end of this blog you’ll certainly be inspired to grab your go-green bags and shopping list and head to our local Dilly producers. There’s just something about giving the supermarket giants a miss and selecting farm fresh, organic and unique produce to really enhance the experience of whipping up something delicious in your kitchen.
Why to Choose Your Local Grocer
First things first, the rumour is true. Produce from local markets and grocers are exceptional in terms of freshness, nutritional value and taste. Your typical supermarket apple (while still perfectly fine) has travelled further than the rest of the population at the moment before reaching the shelves. Fruit and veggies from local producers are usually picked at peak ripeness and take a short drive down the road straight from the farm and into your basket.
There are also generally more varieties of seasonal produce found at smaller local producers, you might even discover veggies you’ve never even seen before! Purchasing the produce section of your shopping list from a small grocer, market or farm also means you are supporting the community at a time they need it most.
From organic fruit and vegetables to some of the best quality meat and unique artisan goodies, the Dilly has it all. We’ve tracked down some of the local suppliers you just can’t miss on your next grocery haul (and some even come to you!).
Pheasants Nest Produce
Enjoy entering an aesthetically rustic foodie haven stocked with your fruit and veggie essentials, fresh flowers, baked breads and assorted artisan goods made on site. Pheasants Nest Produce also offer a limited selection of unique produce from small local growers packed with flavour and grown with love (try the quail eggs if you’re lucky enough to catch them). If you’re having ‘one of those weeks’ and are strapped for time, never fear, the team also offer delivery on a selection of mixed fruit and veggie boxes.
Mowbray Park Produce
Discover the difference in taste when you are cooking with handpicked produce straight from the farm to your plate. All produce at Mowbray Park Produce is seasonal and either grown on site or sourced locally in Wollondilly. You’ll also find a selection of organic herbs and condiments such as honey and fresh apple juice.
Dilliro Vegetables
Forget click and collect and get a fresh produce box delivered right to your doorstep. Dilliro Vegetables source seasonal wholesale produce from Australian farmers and put together handpicked mouth-watering fresh boxes with selected or custom ingredients. You can plan your meals ahead or be inspired by what lies in the box. Delivery locations include Wollondilly, Sydney, the Southern Highlands and Canberra (note delivery is only available on set days).
Piccolo Farm
Honestly it doesn’t get more fresh, organic and nutritious than produce from Piccolo Farm. Piccolo specialises in growing organic bio-diverse, spray-free, chemical free – all ‘the frees’ - produce. Their market garden even uses bees to help pollinate and chickens who turn scraps into fresh eggs.
Piccolo Farm offers weekly veggie boxes in Wollondilly, Camden and the Southern Highlands via delivery or pick up. Don’t forget to add in a little special something from their great range of edible flowers online which can be picked and packed the same day (and will take your foodie presentation to a whole new level).
The Dilly is lucky enough to also have a selection of producers you can visit and take a farm tour, taste local goodies or enjoy a ‘pick your own’ experience. Be sure to check out Cedar Creek Orchard, Berrylicious Strawberries, Country Valley Milk, Razorback Ridge Wines and more.
It's Time to Cook
So now you’ve gotten all of your fresh produce… It’s time to hit the kitchen! As the weather has cooled down, fires are being lit and slippers are making their yearly reappearance let us inspire you with a delicious and seasonal family favourite, Roasted Pumpkin Soup (with apple – trust us on this one!).
Recipe credit: Damn Delicious