The iciness of winter is well and truly here in the Blue Mountains. The frosty mornings, the glowing warmth of the fireplace and cosiness of cooking at home, make it the ideal time to embrace what’s in season with one of our produce boxes. It’s a time to get inventive in the kitchen, to refuel the soul with comforting broths, curries, roasts, citrus slices, preserves and a time to try new flavour combinations.

If you’ve been feeling a little bit bored and a little bit over the thinking process of what to cook next, we’ve got some tasty ideas and suggestions to help spice up your recipe repertoire.

Our produce boxes are a snapshot of what is at its prime, and change regularly due to availability and what’s growing. From the humble spud to the exotic looking tomatillo, there is always a variety of different fruit and vegetables to be discovered in our produce boxes.

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*Always fresh, always seasonal - Chloe Grabham*

Let’s take a look at some of the types of produce you may typically find in a box with some interesting ideas on ways to make the most of your wintery fruit and veggies!

Apples- red delicious, pink ladies, granny smiths- you name it, winter apples are so versatile and can be transformed into things like a warming pie, a crunchy crumble, or simply stewed with some spices and a dollop of cream.

For something different? Mix up your next roast pork dish by placing it on a layer of chunky apple pieces with a sprinkle of herbs and spices.

Potatoes- we have a variety of different potatoes, and lets face it, who doesn’t love a good spud! Transform them into golden chips with a side of herbed salt, add them to buff up a rich curry, or grate them up and create an impressive gratin.

For something different? Create a twist on traditional mash by adding some other vegetables into the mix like parsnip, pumpkin or sweet potato. Adding a swirl of pesto works a treat too.

Fennel- fresh, light and perfect friend with fish, fennel is so adaptable and can be roasted, grilled or even served up raw. Add a little lemon juice, sea salt and cracked black pepper and enjoy.

For something different? Grate up some fennel, cabbage and carrot, throw in some caraway seeds, pour a simple vinaigrette on top for a slaw side dish.

Corn- Sweet and juicy-corn on the cob is a classic go to veggie side. Slice it off the cob and add the kernels to salads, curries, tacos, burritos and soups.

For something different? Make corn fritters, and try crumbling some Jannei goats cheese on top, sliced fresh chives or coriander, and a dash of Epicurean Harvest hot sauce.

Kale- Kale chips roasted with a little sea salt and a splash of balsamic vinegar are always a healthy go-to snack. Chopped up raw as a salad with roasted sweet potato, feta, a drizzle of maple syrup and some chopped nuts like pine nuts make for a welcoming winter side.

For something different? Make a hearty Tuscan kale soup with beans, stock, veggies, garlic and lemons.

Beetroot- In all its ruby red glory, beetroot can be devoured raw, roasted, grilled and even in desserts! Beetroot pairs well with flavours like garlic, freshly sliced oranges, honey and peppery horseradish.

For something different? Fry up a little olive oil and garlic and add your beetroot stalks and leaves to create a vibrant side dish. Give it scandinavian flavour by adding some dill and a little dollop of sour cream.

Turnips- Crunchy, peppery and often underrated, Turnips are ideal to add to your next roast, can be braised with a little garlic, caraway seeds, and herbs like parsley and thyme.

For something different? Slice them thinly, add some cream, a splash of white wine, slices of soft white cheese of choice (brie, camembert, gruyere), cracked black pepper and roast until tender.

Carrots- Versatile and full of flavour, carrots can be grated to buff up a bolognese, thinly sliced in stir fries and used to make classics like a carrot cake/muffins.

For something different? Slice the carrots thinly, add some butter, honey, parsley, salt and pepper and bake. The combination of honey and carrots is a crowd pleaser, especially with the young ones.

Zucchini- Sliced and baked into fries as a side, stuffed with spicy mince, or served in a cheesy vegetable quiche, zucchini’s offer a lot when it comes to meal ideas.

For something different? Zucchini cake is a sweet alternative, and adds a healthy element to dessert time. Complemented with walnuts and cinnamon this cake is an allrounder that isn’t too sweet but full of flavour.

Citrus fruit- You will often find a humble orange, mandarin or grapefruit in your Lyttleton produce box. Try making a zesty glaze for chicken pieces with mandarins, garlic and ginger. Orange syrup cake or straight up juiced up is a refreshing way to enjoy it in its purest form.

For something different? Fry up some sausages, fennel seeds, chili, lemon juice and zest, toss through some pasta and add a good sprinkling of parmesan.

Feeling inspired? Why not order one of our produce boxes, available every Thursday for in-store pick up or delivery. There are two sizes to select from: Small $40 and Large $70 (membership discounts also apply) both can be ordered online, or over the phone. Check out our other grocery items too and get creative in the kitchen!

Winter Produce Boxes: What’s Inside and Cooking Ideas