• October 15

    Best Spices to Fight Gut Inflammation

    Yellow,Turmeric,Latte,Drink.,Golden,Milk,With,Cinnamon,,Turmeric,,Ginger

    If you’re looking to boost gut health and reduce inflammation, you’re on the right track. Gut health affects your overall well-being, and things like diet, stress and lifestyle all play a role. It can feel overwhelming, but starting small is key. To help you get going, here are some great spices to support your gut and kickstart your journey to better health.

    1. Turmeric
    If you love yellow curry, you’re probably having turmeric. This spice contains curcumin, a strong anti-inflammatory that works almost as well as some medicines. It’s also an antioxidant, which helps protect your cells from damage and boosts healthy gut bacteria. Try adding turmeric to turmeric lattes, soups, stews, stir-fries, or sprinkle it on roast veggies. You can even mix it into scrambled eggs or rice dishes.

    2. Ginger
    Ginger is a delicious spice that’s great for your gut, especially your stomach and intestines. It’s commonly used to settle an upset stomach or help with nausea. Add ginger to smoothies, teas, soups, or use it to flavour chicken, fish, or veggie stir-fries. You can also grate it into salad dressings or juices.

    3. Cinnamon
    Cinnamon is a comforting spice often found in baking, porridge and yoghurt. It contains cinnamaldehyde, which helps reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar and improve gut health. Sprinkle cinnamon on porridge, add it to smoothies, teas, coffee, or use it in cakes and muffins. It’s also great on roasted sweet potatoes or in a warm bowl of rice pudding.

    4. Fennel Seeds
    Fennel seeds have been used for ages to help with digestion and can reduce bloating. Add fennel seeds to salads, roast veggies, or sauces, or brew a fennel tea. You can also sprinkle them on roasted meats or mix them into bread dough.

    These spices can support gut health and reduce inflammation. Plus, eating a variety of nutritious food, reducing added sugars, managing stress, and getting good sleep can also help keep your gut happy.

  • September 16

    Creative Kitchen Activities for School Breaks

    Kid At,Kitchen, School Holidays

    As the school holidays roll around, it’s a fantastic opportunity for families to slow down, unwind, and savour some quality time together. However, with more free time on your hands, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of convenience foods, takeaway meals, and sugary snacks. To keep the holidays healthy, fun, and educational, why not get your kids involved in the kitchen? Here’s how:

    1. Plan Meals Together: Kick off the holidays by sitting down with your kids to plan the week’s meals. This not only gets them excited about food but also helps teach them about balanced eating and the importance of nutrition.

    2. Make Shopping an Adventure: Turn your grocery trips into a fun outing by bringing the kids along. Show them how to select fresh fruits, veggies, and lean meats, turning a task into a learning experience.

    3. Cook with a Smile: Make cooking a lively activity by playing some music, wearing aprons, and letting your kids experiment with various ingredients and flavours. This turns meal prep into a creative and enjoyable experience rather than a chore.

    4. Healthy Sweet Treats: Kids love sweets, especially during the holidays. Instead of store-bought sugary snacks, try baking healthier versions of their favourites. This way, they can still indulge in delicious treats without all the additives.

    5. Snack Station: To curb those holiday cravings, set up a snack station in the fridge or pantry stocked with healthy options. Think pre-cut fruit, veggie sticks with hummus, wholegrain crackers, and yoghurt. It’s a great way to keep them satisfied with nutritious choices.

    The school holidays can certainly be a time for indulgence, but by incorporating home cooking into your routine and involving your kids in the process, you’ll make the holidays both healthy and enjoyable for the whole family.

    Shop Brisbane’s freshest ingredients in-store or online.

     

  • August 15

    Baked Berry Yoghurt

    Baker-berry-yogurt-tubs-800x520

    Once you have tried our version of a berry yoghurt, we guarantee you won’t be wanting any flavoured yoghurts again. Baking the berries release their natural juices along with enhancing their flavour. The added spices along with the sweetness of the maple syrup is what takes the berries to the next level!


    Prep time : 20 minutes

    Serves : 16

    Ingredients :
    Method :
    1. Preheat an oven to 180 degrees.
    2. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Ensure the baking paper comes up the sides of the tray to capture all the juices from the berries.
    3. In a bowl combine all ingredients EXCEPT the yogurt, toss the berries with a spoon so that they are covered with the, lemon vanilla, syrup and spices.
    4. Place the berries on to the tray and bake in the oven for 15 – 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking time so they don’t burn. Take them out prior if you think they are done, this will be when there is plenty of juice and the berries are soft and slightly roasted.
    5. Once cooked, set aside to cool. Break the berries up slightly with the blunt side of a wooden spoon. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
    6. To make your berry yoghurt, serve approximately one third of a cup of yoghurt with 1 tablespoon of the baked berries, gently stir through.

    Recipe note: The baked berries are extremely versatile. Serve on top of porridge, bircher muesli, chia puddings, custard, or as a topping for a cake. Be as creative as you like!

    This recipe by A Better Choice !

    Shop for your ingredients in-store or online.

  • May 27

    Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup

    Creamy-Mushroom-Soup-1-sm-800x520

    This richly flavoured mushroom soup comes together quickly for a warm and comforting dish. This winter put your trust in mushrooms with Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup. It’s tasty, plant-based, and fresh. It’s a win-win all around.


    Prep/ cook time : 30 minutes

    Serves : 2

    Ingredients :
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 4 ½ cups (365g) Swiss Brown mushrooms chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 yellow onion, diced
    • 1 tbsp plain flour
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 2 ¾ cups vegetable broth
    • ½ cup full fat coconut milk
    Method :
    1. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil. Add the mushrooms, garlic, and onion and cook over medium high until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are translucent (approximately 10 minutes). Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir until all the flour is absorbed.
    2. Add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper and vegetable stock. Stir, making sure to scrape up the brown bits on the bottom on the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 5 minutes.
    3. Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully ladle roughly 1/2 of the soup into a blender and puree until smooth (make sure your blender has a vented lid to allow steam to escape).
    4. Place the soup pot back on the element and then pour in the puree and coconut milk. Stir until heated. Serve with garnish of choice.

    Special equipment | blender with vented lid – alternatively a stick blender can be used.

    Notes | if you prefer not to use coconut milk, replace with cream in equal measure.

    This recipe by A Better Choice !

    Shop for your ingredients in-store or online.

  • May 8

    5 Breakfast Recipes Mum Will Love

    mother day breakfast ideas

    Make Mother’s Day special this year with these simple recipe ideas that Mum will love! 

    Mother’s Day is a special day to give thanks to Mum for always caring for us, whether we are young or old. While traditional gifts of flowers, chocolates or books are wonderful gifts for Mum, we wholeheartedly believe that food is a love language! So we’ve put together a list of our top 5 favourite breakfast recipes to cook for Mum to share your love! 

    Using the very best fresh Fruit and Veg makes all the difference in whipping up a meal Mum will love! 

    1. Spinach and Cheese Breakfast Pockets

    These breakfast pockets are the perfect way to start the day! They are super simple to make, and while they are best fresh, they can be made the day before and warmed up in the oven in the morning for a low-maintenance breakfast to start the day right!

    2. Sweet Potato & Kale Frittata

    Our Sweet Potato Kale Frittata is a perfect no-fuss, nutrition-packed breakfast (or lunch, or dinner!). This dish is so versatile, and that’s why we love it! 

    3. Green Shakshuka

    Yes, you read that right! We made a twist on a classic shakshuka because we love all things green! This dish will leave you scraping the pan! This is the perfect dish for sharing to start your Sunday morning with the family right! Packed with Avocado, Spinach and Coriander, we promise this one will be a 

    4. Caramelised Banana French Toast 

    French toast is a classic that we can’t go past for a Sunday breakfast to satisfy your sweet tooth! We can never go wrong with cinnamon, Bananas and fresh Berries, so head to your Local Fruit and Veg shop to get some fresh fruit to whip this one up for Mum! 

    5. Green Eggs and Ham 

    How many times did Mum read Dr Seuss to you? Get her back with this recipe that takes its name from the popular children’s book for a tasty breakfast with a bit of a laugh, too! We used Baby Spinach to make these delicious green eggs, for a healthy boost of your daily vitamins to get the day started! 

    How will you be treating Mum this Mother’s Day? Head to your local Fruit and Veg Shop to shop for your fresh produce, as well as your fresh flowers and other goodies! 

     

  • April 9

    Autumn Breakfast Ideas

    French,Toast,With,Blueberries,,Raspberries,,Maple,Syrup,,Morning,Breakfast.

     

    With the weather cooling down, it’s getting harder and harder to get out of bed. Here are four breakfast ideas that will have you excited to wake up and start cooking!

    1. French Toast

    Nothing says warm and toasty, like French toast. Add some maple syrup and fresh berries and you’ve got the perfect breakfast that will have you more than ready to conquer the day ahead!

    1. Porridge

    Include dates, cinnamon and cardamom for a warm, hearty breakfast. Satisfying and filling – what more could you want in a brekkie?

    1. Crepes with orange and passionfruit

    This combination will keep your immunity system strong during the change in weather, as well as giving your taste buds something to write home about. Passionfruit and oranges are in season during Autumn which means they are at their best!

    1. Pumpkin Spice Pancakes:

    Whip up a batch of fluffy pumpkin spice pancakes using pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Serve them with maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious Autumn treat.

    Hopefully this helps make the cold mornings a lot more bearable!

  • March 7

    Simple ways to combat food waste at home

    Food waste is a major contributing factor to rising carbon emissions. 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted in Australia every year, and Australian households account for a majority of this.

    Here’s a few staggering stats:

    • Food waste costs the economy around $36.6 billion or $2,000 to $2,500 per household per year.
    • 70% of the 7.6 million tonnes of food wasted in Australia every year is edible.
    • Australian households throw away around one in five bags of groceries, equal to around 312kg per person.
    • Global food waste is responsible for approximately 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions
    • Almost half of all fruit and vegetables produced are wasted.
    • Reducing food waste is the 3rd most effective way to address climate change.
    • There is enough food produced in the world to feed everyone.
    • 1 in 6 adults go hungry regularly in Australia

    Is food waste something you’re trying to be more conscious of at home? There are a few quick and easy things you can do to do your bit to combat food waste.

    1. Meal Plan

    By planning your meals ahead of time, you can be sure to only buy what you need so nothing goes to waste. Make a list of recipes you plan on making for the week, and plan your grocery shop ahead of time so you know exactly what you need to buy and how much. Not only will this save unessecary waste, but it will also help your wallet!

    2. Store Food Properly

    The most commonly wasted household food is fresh fruit and vegetables. Fresh fruit and vegetables can perish quickly if not stored correctly, so it’s important to learn how to properly store your food to help it last longer and save it from the bin! Here is a guide from Sustainability Victoria for the best ways to store fruit and vegetables. Simple things like wrapping herbs in a wet towel before refrigerating, knowing what to store on a counter or in the fridge can be helpful to save your fresh fruit and vegetables.

    3. Use it up

    So you’ve stored your fruit and vegetables correctly, but they’re inevitably reaching the end of their life in the fridge or counter. Be proactive with the stock of fruit and vegetable on hand, and plan a meal to use up these items, or find a way to use them in your meal plans. This could mean extending the life of your fruit or veg by pickling or preserving into jams or sauces, or add them to tonight’s pasta, roast or casserole.

    4. Start Home Compost

    Options for home composting are more accessible than ever, whether you live in an apartment or have more space. You could also look into composting options in your local community, these could include rubbish collection services or community gardens. Not only does composting help reduce the amount of food waste in landfill, but it will also be beneficial for your own home garden, or you could gift your compost to friends with more of a green thumb.

    5. Get creative with leftovers

    Bored of your leftovers? Re-create them into something more delicious! Have a spaghetti sauce leftover? Turn it into tacos! Have some leftover roast veggies? Turn them into a delicious frittata! There are so many ways to make a creative spin on your leftovers to prolong the life of your meals and food to prevent it from going in the bin.

    Make the most of your fruit and vegetables from your local fruit and veg shop this week and every week and make a mindful effort to reduce the amount of food waste in your home to help you, your wallet, your community and the planet.

    If you’re looking for inspiration for your meals this week, take a look through some of our recipes for more ideas to meal plan or use up your fruit and veg!

  • February 16

    Rockmelon Salad

    Rockmelon Salad

    What do you get when you combine the perfectly picked rockmelon with some of this season’s freshest produce? This tasty salad with tomato, cucumber, mint and feta! Not only is it simple to put together, but you can have it as a side dish or bulk it up with some leaves and add prosciutto for a nutritious meal.


    Preparation time : 5 minutes

    Serves : 2

    Ingredients :
    • 1/2 ripe rockmelon
    • 1/2 cucumber of choice
    • 1 vine ripened tomatoes
    • Mixed salad leaves
    • 80g of feta
    • Fresh mint
    • Optional: Prosciutto and Figs

    DRESSING

    • Olive oil
    • Red wine vinegar
    • Half a teaspoon of brown sugar
    Method :
    1. Wash all fresh ingredients.
    2. Cut rockmelon into small segments or cubes, removing seeds and skin.
    3. Slice cucumbers and tomatoes. Combine with salad leaves and mint on a serving platter or bowl.
    4. Add prosciutto and chopped figs.
    5. Sprinkle feta over the top.
    6. Mix your dressing ingredients in a bowl or dish. Drizzle over the top when ready to eat.

    This recipe by A Better Choice !

    Shop for your ingredients in-store or online.

  • September 4

    A Guide To Gut Health

    Gut healthy foods

    Gut health has become increasingly important in recent years, with research showing the gut plays a critical role in breaking down the foods we consume so our bodies can absorb the nutrients needed to support our body’s functions. Gut health also has a significant impact on our mental health, immunity, weight management and more.

    This means it’s vital that we support our gut by promoting the growth of good bacteria by eating a well-balanced and varied diet, as well as trying to reduce stress, exercise regularly and maintain healthy sleep patterns.

    Read on to find out more about your gut health below!

    • The benefits of a healthy gut

    Our gut is filled with microorganisms and digestive enzymes that live inside our intestines that work to nourish our bodies by absorbing nutrients from our food into our bloodstream whilst also removing any unnecessary waste.

    Maintaining a healthy gut is important as increased levels of good bacteria in our gut can help to reduce depression and anxiety, support our immune function, ease the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as Coeliac and Crohn’s disease, as well as assist in the regulation of our appetite and metabolism to support a healthy body weight!

    • Signs your gut is unhealthy

     An unhealthy gut typically happens when you have a diet that is high in sugar and processed foods, causing the bad bacteria to outweigh the good bacteria. This can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms from bloating, nausea, vomiting and indigestion through to increased stress, anxiety and weight gain. An unhealthy gut can also lead to autoimmune diseases, colitis, diverticulitis and other chronic health issues that can have a significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing.      

    • How to have a healthy gut

    If you’ve been experiencing any of the above symptoms, or simply want to look after your gut health, it’s important to start by consuming the right foods. A diet filled will fresh produce, fibre, probiotic-rich foods and fermented foods will help keep your gut feeling great! Fresh produce such as bananas, celery, onions and green vegetables are essential, combined with plenty of wholegrains, rye, lentils, natural yoghurt and nuts and seeds! These foods promote good bacteria in your gut so your mind and body can function at their best. Keep sugars and processed foods to a minimum where possible and ensure you are eating around 25-30g of fibre each day.

    In addition to eating a healthy, balanced diet, it’s important to reduce stress levels by meditating or practicing relaxation breathing techniques, as well as exercising for at least 30 minutes each day. Research has shown that stress, even if it’s short lived, can disrupt the microorganisms in the intestines which in turn can throw your gut health off-balance.

    Support your gut health head over to Zone Fresh & shop our range of fresh produce today.

    Source : A better choice

  • July 6

    5 fruit & veg faves to help solve the headache of school lunch boxes

    School,Lunchboxes,With,Various,Healthy,

    Trying to decide what to put in the school lunch boxes is a daily headache for most parents, let alone finding a plastic container and matching lid in the morning rush.

    Gone are the days, when a simple Vegemite sandwich and apple would pass muster.  Nowadays, with food allergies on the rise and nutrition advice coming at us from all angles, many parents feel the pressure to create chef-standard school lunches that tick all the boxes for being healthy, fun and tasty.

    With the average child spending 13 years at school, that’s an awful lot of school lunches that need to be created, but thankfully, with a little planning and a trip to Zone Fresh, you can help your children be ‘top of the grade’ when it comes to a healthy and delicious packed lunch.

    • Marvellous mandarins

    How good and tasty are imperial mandarins right now? Originating in Australia, imperial mandarins are easy to peel, travel well, contain very few seeds and have a sweet refreshing flavour that most kids love. Make sure you look for mandarins that have a glossy skin and fine texture. Fruit should feel heavy for its size which indicates good juice content. The puffy appearance and feel is a normal feature of the fruit.

    • An apple a day  

    As the old saying goes: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are Australia’s second-most popular fruit – and with 12 varieties grown here – there are plenty to choose from. Aussie farmers grow a whopping 1.6 billion apples each year, and we eat 200 million kilos a year.

    If you have fussy eaters you can always try grating apples and making delicious apple and cinnamon muffins, but most children love the crunchy, sweet flavour of apples and they make a great after school snack too.

    • Banana bender  

    Nutritionists describe bananas as a complete meal for a reason. Packed with potassium, fibre and a host of vitamins as well as folic acid, bananas are a low GI snack that will help keep young brains ticking over well past morning tea, and into the afternoon.

    Bananas are convenient, rich and sweet, but if your children screw up their noses at the idea of a banana in the lunchbox, you can always try hiding them inside banana choc chip muffins or a loaf of raspberry and banana bread. Oh, and make sure you save a slice for Mum or Dad.

    • Munch and Crunch on carrot and celery

    Kids love their treats, and they know how to nag for them! But studies show more than 9 out of 10 Aussie children don’t eat the recommended daily serves of vegetables.

    Getting children used to eating veggie sticks in their lunch box can help boost the daily vegetable quota. Carrots and celery sticks make an easy fuss-free morning tea snack.

    If they need some encouragement, add a tasty healthy dip. Apparently, children need to try new fruits and vegetables up to eight or nine times before they are liked or accepted. So, keep trying and hopefully the daily lunch box battle will become a little easier.

    Find yummy new treats and healthy food for your little ones in-store or shop online.

  • February 1

    Cauliflower, Zucchini & Halloumi Fritters

    Cauliflower, Zucchini & Halloumi Fritters

    This quick and easy recipe is a great way to add in more veggies into your life, and the best part? They’re so easy to make and even the kids will love them!

    _______________________________________________________________________________________________

    Ingredients :
    Method :
    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine Cauliflower, Zucchini and Halloumi and toss to combine. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs together to combine. 
    2. Add eggs into the vegetable mixture. Stir to combine. 
    3. Add flour into wet mixture and stir to combine. Mixture should resemble thick pancake batter. 
    4. Add 1 Tbsp of oil to a warm frypan on medium heat.  Add mixture in even portions to the frypan to cook, flipping when each side is browned. Work in batches until all the batter is cooked. 
    5. Serve warm with a side salad of your choice.

    This recipe by A Better Choice !

    Shop for your ingredients in-store or online.

  • November 30

    A Guide in Choosing Fresh Flowers Online

    We live in a world filled with online delivery websites and smartphone apps to have everything from meals and groceries to even prescription medicines delivered straight to your door at the touch of a button. So, you’d be forgiven for thinking that finding fresh flowers online would be easy.

    In many ways it is! That is if you know how to find legitimate sellers and choose the right florist. And we’re here to help you do just that!

     

    The advantages of online flower delivery

    1. Convenience

    As with all online delivery, buying fresh flowers online saves you the time and energy normally required to visit the florist and pick them up yourself.

    2. Choice

    Instead of having to settle for whatever flowers are in stock, buying flowers online allows you to pick from a wide range of species and have the florist source them from their suppliers for you.

    3. Price

    Even with delivery fees, the price of ordering flowers online in Australia can be truly affordable. Especially considering the savings in time and effort.

    4. Transport

    Delivered flowers are transported in specially adapted vehicles that ensure the flora is kept fresh, beautiful and healthy during transit. 

    5. Deliver elsewhere

    If you’re ordering flowers as a gift for someone, delivery services allow you to have the flowers sent straight there without you having to drop them off yourself.

     

    Drawbacks of ordering flowers online

    1. No bargains

    Flowers, unlike many other products, don’t sit on the florist’s shelves for weeks. 

    With in-store purchasing, you can luck out by getting great bargains on perishing goods.

    2. Generic service

    While some people might like the generic service involved in hitting a button and having goods delivered to your door, if you like the personalised touch and service of a friendly florist, flower delivery online might not be for you. 

    3. Timing

    Some flower delivery orders online have to be submitted before a certain time to be eligible for same- or next-day delivery. Others only deliver within certain windows. If the timing is a problem for you, you may need to look at alternatives to online flower delivery. 

     

    What to consider when buying plants and flowers online

    Unfortunately, as with many industries, online customers can find themselves purchasing flowers online from illegitimate or unreliable sellers. Sometimes the delivery doesn’t take place at all, while at other times the flowers arrive withered or on the verge of death. There are some online florists that have incurred a reputation for botched bouquets, late deliveries or incorrect orders. 

    Here are a few tips and things to consider when buying flowers online to help you sort the legit sellers from the dodgy and make your entire experience better.

     

    Check the customer reviews

    Social proof is critical. Have a read of past customer reviews and testimonials whether on Google or social media. Look past personal gripes and see if they are reflective of the type of service and quality of the fresh flowers. 

    Read the return policies

    Legitimate and customer-centric florists will often offer return policies if your delivered flowers are not what was expected or ordered. Make sure to check the terms and conditions before ordering fresh flowers online.

    Read the descriptions

    Often people are short of time, hence why they opt for flower delivery online. Nevertheless, if you’ve never used the seller before, take the time to read the descriptions and/or labels on the flowers you are ordering. Missing, generic, copied and pasted, or inaccurate descriptions can be a tell-tale sign of something weird going on.

    Check the delivery information

    If you’re ordering flowers online then delivery is probably very important for you. Instead of going through the motions of getting your order sorted only to find that the delivery options aren’t suitable to your needs or aren’t available full stop, check their offerings first. For example, some florists take online orders but only offer pick-up services.

    Look out for stock images of flowers

    Not every online flower seller that uses stock images is dodgy, but you can be more certain that the florist with their own original images is the real deal. If there are original photos of bouquets and flower arrangements put together by the florist, that’s a good sign.

    Opt for local florists

    Apart from the support you’re providing a local business, choosing a locally owned and/or managed florist can help you enjoy peace of mind that you’re getting what you paid for. It’s also easier to build up a relationship with them, even online, as they will start to remember you and provide personal and personable service. 

    Remember you get what you pay for

    Price is always a pain point for customers and there’s nothing to say that you shouldn’t go for the best deal available. Unfortunately, fresh flower sellers online who are spruiking unbelievably low prices (delivery included) might just be too good to be true. This isn’t necessarily the case, but just be weary to do your good diligence and that, most likely, you get what you paid for.

    When in doubt, choose the popular flowers

    Not everyone is a florist or even flower enthusiast. If you choose to go the online flower delivery option–which is fine–chances are you won’t have the ability to discuss different flowers and options with an expert. You can read every description and research the different types, but at the end of the day how do you know? When in doubt, consider one of the following popular and classic flower types: 

    • Rose
    • Gerbera
    • Tulip
    • Lily
    • Calla lily
    • Orchid

     

    What is the best site to order flowers?

    Of course, we’d recommend Zone Fresh! Why? We’re a local Windsor florist with a reputation for putting together elegant and colourful flower arrangements. 

    Even our orders for fresh flowers online are handpicked by our florists in our store and transported carefully to your door. 

    With an unrivalled range of plants and flowers and an uncompromising dedication to beautiful flowers and customer service, we’re here to bring a smile to your–or your loved one’s–day! Find out more here or order your fresh flowers today. 

  • November 16

    Why are Fresh Products the Best Choice?

    At Zone Fresh, we focus on next-day delivery of fresh products and local produce to customers in and around Brisbane. From farm to table is one of our mantras because we believe that eating good food and supporting our local farmers are the foundations of a healthy and vibrant community.

     

    What are fresh products?

    Fresh products are a range of foods that have not been preserved. This means they need to leave the farm and be on your table within hours or days of being picked, laid or bottled to prevent them from spoiling. Some fresh produce, such as cheese, doesn’t have this tight deadline but for many other clean and fresh products, delivery must be completed quickly.

     

    Why are fresh products the best choice?

    If you’re used to eating highly processed foods then you’ll be amazed at the difference when you eat nature fresh products. That’s because produce that’s fresh from the farm tastes so much better than processed foods. These products are also more sustainable because eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and less meat and highly processed foods reduces your carbon footprint and helps to save the planet. It’s also been shown that a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables improves your cognitive function and helps you think better!

    • Taste better: Clean and fresh products taste much better than highly processed foods. Check out our One Pan Egg Veg Brunch recipe!
    • More sustainable: Eating more fruit and vegetables and less meat reduces your carbon footprint.
    • Improves cognitive function: If you want to keep thinking clearly then increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet.

     

    What are the benefits of eating farm fresh products?

    When you eat a diet high in farm fresh products, such as fruits and vegetables, you’re doing your body a big favour! That’s because fresh produce doesn’t contain any toxic preservatives and is full of nutrients and antioxidants. All of this goodness boosts your immunity and helps you live longer. 

    Fresh fruit and vegetables also contain all of these nutrients and antioxidants in convenient packages, such as apples, oranges, cabbages, and so on. Not forgetting that you’re helping local farmers and your community when you eat nature’s fresh products.

    • No preservatives.
    • More nutrients.
    • Boosts immunity.
    • Helps you live longer.
    • Helps local farmers.
    • Convenience.

     

    What are the benefits of fresh fruit?

    There are lots of benefits of fresh fruit from boosting your immune system to making your muscles stronger and slowing the aging process. Here are five benefits of eating fresh fruit every day.

    1. Boosts immune system: Packed with nutrients and minerals, such as vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, vitamin C and folic acid, eating fruit helps boost your immune system. This keeps you healthy and helps to prevent you from catching a cold or the flu and aids the healing process.
    2. Stronger muscles: Snacking on fruits rich in potassium and antioxidants helps your muscles recover faster from exercise, reduces muscle cramps during exercise and makes your body stronger.
    3. Live longer: With plenty of antioxidants to fight free radicals, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Examples of fresh foods that are high in antioxidants include blueberries, strawberries, artichokes, goji berries, raspberries, kale, red cabbage, pinto beans, beetroot and spinach.
    4. Strengthens bones: Fruits that are loaded with vitamin C can help prevent osteoporosis. These include oranges, apples, bananas and pineapples. Don’t forget dark green leafy vegetables as well, because these provide you with calcium that also aids bone health.
    5. Keeps you regular: One of the benefits of fresh fruit is that it keeps you regular! That’s because of all the natural fibre that’s in fresh fruit. This fibre also helps reduce your cholesterol levels, which keeps you healthier for longer!

     

    Can I buy fresh dairy products near me?

    Are you wondering if you can buy fresh dairy products near me? Well, Zone Fresh delivers all over Brisbane and the surrounding areas, so simply check our list of delivery locations and you can start enjoying clean and fresh products every day! 

    We deliver all your favourite fresh dairy products directly to your home. These include a selection of fabulous cheeses, as well as butter, eggs, milk, cream and yogurts. Look forward to improving your health with fresh produce every day!

     

    What about fresh frozen food?

    At Zone Fresh, we don’t sell fresh frozen food but you can quickly blanch many of our fresh products and create your own stock of fresh frozen food. All you need to do is wash your fresh produce in cold water to remove any soil then blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes or steam them if you prefer. Then place individual servings into small containers and pop them into the freezer with a date and the name of the produce clearly marked. Instant frozen fresh food!

    It’s a good idea to purchase plenty of fresh produce when it’s in season and then freeze it so you can enjoy healthy frozen foods all year round.

    So if you’re ready to stock up with farm fresh produce for your family – SHOP ONLINE TODAY

    Free Delivery on orders over $150!

  • September 23

    The Best Place To Store Your Fruit – The Fridge Or The Fruit Bowl?

    The Best Place To Store Your Fruit

    There is nothing worse than your fruit going off right a few days after you buy it. It’s a waste of money, and a waste of food, yet it always seems to be the case with at least one banana or stray grape. The way you’re storing your fruit could be a reason why they’re not lasting to their full potential, so we’re here to tell you the best way to store your fruit to get the longevity you need!

    Bananas
    They should be stored in a cool, dry place. They definitely don’t need to be in the fridge and can survive in the fruit bowl.

    Apples
    Surprisingly, apples should actually be kept in the fridge. They soften ten times faster at room temperature, and will last a lot longer when kept refrigerated.

    Berries
    Being kept in the fridge will make your berries last a lot longer. Bonus points for being kept in the crisper!

    Tomatoes
    Keep these at room temp to help them last as long as possible.

    Mangoes, plums, peaches and pears
    If you’re needing to ripen these fruits, you can keep them at room temperature in a brown paper bag, and then can be refrigerated if you’re wanting them to last longer.

    Pineapple
    You should store pineapples at room temperature, but you should place them upside down for a day or two to help the sweetness spread through the entire fruit!

    Hopefully this will help you in the future, and make sure you’re getting the most out of your fruit!

  • September 18

    Spring Fruits & Veggies

     

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    Spring has sprung! As the weather starts to get warmer, it’s a great time to add some new in-season fruit and vegetables into your daily meals! 

    Here are some of our favourite in-season fruits and vegetables :

    Fruits

    There are so many delicious fruits in season that are perfect to snack on, add to smoothies or work into your favourite salads!  Springtime is all about delicious berries, bananas, apples, mandarins, oranges, lemons and limes so you can add some juicy flavour into your diet! Towards the end of November, Christmas favourites such as melons, passionfruit, mangoes and cherries are starting to come in season as the warm, summery weather approaches.

    Vegetables

    As we embrace the warmer weather it is time to add some much-wanted colour and flavour into your meals, with asparagus, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, cauliflower, spring onions, beetroot and broccoli all in season during spring. Asian greens such as buk choy and pak choy are also in season and are the perfect vegetables to add to your favourite stir fry.

    Make sure you head over to Zone Fresh to shop these fresh and seasonal produce or CLICK HERE to Shop Online.

  • January 14

    Granite Belt Water Relief

     

    We Zone Fresh Gourmet Markets, visited Granite Belt Water Relief this weekend to our pre-Christmas drop-off.
    We would like to say a big thanks to all of you, who helped us donating, sharing and caring.
    We’re counting to have more people joining us on this journey.
    So please, help to spread the message, let’s keep sharing and donating.
    It’s a far way to go still, but together we can make a difference!

    #granitebeltwaterrelief

    How can you help us?

    Donating clean drinking bottled water at our store.

    We are opening our doors to be a collection point and we’re looking for donations of a 12 pack of 600ml or more (which is 7.2L of drinking water minimum).

    Or

    Supporting Granite Belt Water Relief at GoFundMe.

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/granite-belt-water-relief…

    We are raising funds at gf.me/u/wnzm2k to help the community with any other needs they might have in this journey.

    If you would like to know more about Granite Belt Water Relief, please check:
    Granite Belt Water Relief

    Want to help with anything else? Contact us!
    Zone Fresh Gourmet Markets

  • May 29

    Plastic Packaging – we’re making changes

    Recently we’ve received a lot of feedback regarding the use of plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetable items in-store Read More

  • February 14

    Three Tips for Super-Crispy Skin Salmon Fillets

    Nothing beats a perfect medium-cooked fillet of Tasmanian Huon Salmon that’s tender and flaky and deliciously crispy.  
    Read More

  • May 28

    Keeping Cut Flowers Fresh

    We’ve got a great range of fresh cut local flowers in-store at Zone Fresh but keeping cut flowers fresh, fragrant and vibrant requires Read More

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