Five seasonal recipes using local produce available now

Perth households can prepare five straightforward winter dishes this month that rely on citrus, broccoli, carrots and cauliflower sourced from farms in the state's southwest.

July marks peak availability for these items as cooler weather slows growth cycles and concentrates flavours in oranges and mandarins from the Gingin district and broccoli heads from Manjimup paddocks. Shoppers report steady supply at weekend stalls despite recent rainfall in the wheatbelt that delayed some harvests by a week.

Buyers at Fremantle Markets on South Terrace and the Subiaco Sunday market on Rokeby Road find the items priced between $2 and $4 per kilogram, with several stalls stocking produce from the same growers who supply the Swan Valley distribution hub. City of Perth community garden coordinators in East Perth have also begun sharing simple preparation tips tied to their weekly produce boxes.

Market data released on 10 July showed cauliflower trading at $3 a head, down 50 cents from the prior week, while a 2025 Department of Health survey found 62 percent of Perth adults increased vegetable intake when recipes highlighted items in season.

Five winter recipes to try this week

Orange and fennel salad combines sliced mandarins with shaved fennel from local plots and a splash of olive oil. Carrot and ginger soup simmers local carrots with fresh ginger root for 25 minutes before blending. Broccoli and almond stir-fry uses steamed florets tossed with toasted almonds from the southwest. Cauliflower mash replaces potato with steamed cauliflower blended smooth and seasoned with garlic. Citrus-glazed beet salad roasts beets then dresses them with reduced orange juice from Gingin suppliers.

Residents can test one recipe each evening after a Saturday Kings Park parkrun or a Swan River cycle loop, adjusting portions to match daily activity levels. Those seeking personalised adjustments should consult a local medical professional.