wellness
Five Seasonal Recipes Using Local Produce Available Now
Winter citrus, brassicas and root vegetables from the Geelong region feature in these straightforward dishes that support daily nutrition.
How we reported this
Geelong shoppers can pick up winter produce this month for five simple recipes built around citrus, kale, carrots, beetroot and apples now in season across the Bellarine Peninsula.
July marks peak availability for these items at local outlets, giving residents an immediate chance to increase vegetable and fruit intake during the colder months when fresh options from nearby growers remain abundant.
Barwon Health runs regular nutrition sessions at its main campus on Ryrie Street while the weekly produce stalls along the Geelong Waterfront draw crowds each Saturday morning near the Eastern Beach rock pool. Both locations stock items harvested within 30 kilometres of the city centre.
Barwon Health recorded an 11 percent rise in vegetable purchases among program participants between January and June 2026, with average spend on carrots and beetroot holding steady at $1.80 per kilogram at waterfront stalls.
Five recipes built on current local stock
Roast carrot and beetroot salad combines 500 grams of each vegetable tossed in olive oil and roasted at 200 degrees for 35 minutes, finished with a squeeze of local navel orange. Kale and potato soup starts with one bunch of kale wilted into a base of onion, garlic and 400 grams of diced potato simmered for 20 minutes. Citrus and fennel slaw uses two oranges segmented over thinly sliced fennel and dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette. Apple and pear compote simmers three local apples with one pear, cinnamon and a splash of water for 12 minutes to serve over porridge. Broccoli and white bean bake steams 400 grams of broccoli then layers it with cannellini beans and a light cheese topping before a 15-minute grill.
Practical steps for this weekend
Head to the waterfront stalls early on Saturday for the freshest bunches, then prepare two recipes in one session to cover several days of meals. Barwon Health dietitians recommend starting with one new dish per week and tracking energy levels after the Geelong Waterfront parkrun on Sunday mornings. Residents seeking personalised adjustments should contact their local GP or the Barwon Health community nutrition team for guidance tailored to individual needs.