Backyard Bounty all-Tasmanian Vegie box: 4th September

It’s the first week of spring, and whilst the fruit and veg available won’t really reflect this for a while longer, there’s still plenty of opportunities in this week’s box to create light, healthy dishes that go with the bright, sunny days. Crisp apples and radish pair naturally with cos lettuce in a simple lightly dressed salad, but also match up nicely with the crunch of shredded raw celeriac or cabbage and a mayo-based dressing. Quinoa, tossed with basil, spring onion and roast pumpkin is heartier fare whilst still feeling virtuous, and Dutch Cream potatoes are a waxy type, ideal for putting together a potato salad for a lazy weekend barbecue. Spinach and kale, in my opinion, are generally better cooked, but make a great foundation for meat-free dishes like palak paneer or spanakopita, and cauliflower is excellent for filling hungry tummies without opting for stodge, especially when teamed with middle-eastern and Indian flavours.