Indulgence and the festive season often go hand in hand, but why not kick off your new year healthy eating regime now by tucking into fresh, Australian grown fruit and vegetables?Fruits such as pineapples, watermelons, nectarines, peaches, plums, grapes and cherries are now in their peak seasons and are great tasting, versatile and full of much needed nutrients.

Spruce up your salads with different varieties of lettuce, Asian Greens, snow peas, beans, and red onion, accompanied with fresh local supply of asparagus, spinach, radish and brightly coloured varieties of witlof. And don’t forget to add an avo!Queensland’s peak horticulture body Growcom said the quality of the summer season’s produce was impressive.“Christmas shoppers can look to add variety to their table with the great quality of Australian fruit and vegetables,” said Growcom Chief Executive Officer Jan Davis.“Consumer friendly Queensland hybrid pineapples which have been especially bred for their lower acidity, high sweetness and convenience can be easily identified by there missing crowns and are a great summer fruit.“Melons and mini seedless watermelons are set to be big favourites this year because of the exceptional colour and flavour they add to the Christmas table.

“Grapes are also expecting a great season with a plentiful supply and high quality fruit arriving in stores. They are also the perfect way to add a festive touch to fruit salads – use both red and green grapes for the best effect.“Mangoes, lychees, papaws and bananas are also in the peak of their Australian seasons and add a tropical touch to Christmas.” Ms Davis also said summer fruits and vegetables provide a welcome burst of nutrition in between festivities, and provide much needed health benefits. “Supplementing heavy meals this summer with freshly squeezed vegetable juices can give your body the lift you need to keep active during the busy holiday season,” Ms Davis said.

“Sweet corn will be in season to place on the BBQ, as will ample supply of northern grown tomatoes, capsicum, zucchinis and a suite of other fresh vegies.”