Market stall owners tell you what’s fresh this Christmas period

With Christmas around the corner, the NT News dropped by Rapid Creek Markets to find out what fresh produce you should purchase this festive season. Read the details.

Fresh produce on display at Rapid Creek Market. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Christmas in the Top End is a far cry from the snowy European scenes depicted on screens this time of year.

A tropical Top End Christmas is hot and sticky, or wet and wild — complete with an array of local produce fresh at this time of year.

Sokhak has been selling her produce at Rapid Creek Market for 20 years.

Anie and Sokhak at their Rapid Creek Market stall. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Sokhak grows all of the produce on her farm in Marrakai and said now was a great time to purchase dragon fruit and papaya.

Sokhak’s store boasts a vibrant mix of green vegetables.

“Kang kong, snake beans, okra and cucumber are also fresh right now,” Sokhak said.

Rapid Creek Market. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Jack Paradisis had been up before dawn stocking his stall, Nature’s Best Produce.

“All the stone fruit is in season, so nectarines, peaches, plums and apricots,” Mr Paradisis said.

“Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are also cheap and good at the moment.”

Rapid Creek Market. Picture: Supplied

Mr Paradisis’ stock mostly comes from South Australia.

He also recommended tomatoes, eggplants and Lebanese cucumbers for Christmas feasts.

As for Mr Paradisis’ Christmas plans, meat will be on the menu.

“We’ll be doing the Greek souvla,” Mr Paradisis said.

“Turkey, roasts, ham on the bone — lots of meat.”

Rapid Creek Market. Picture: Supplied

Mr Paradisis reminded consumers to “respect the produce” when shopping.

“A lot of people tend not to understand how to handle fruit,” Mr Paradisis said.

“Avoid squeezing it, poking it, dropping it.”

Swap sticky date for sticky rice this Christmas. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Rebecca from Rapid Creek was happy to get her Christmas shopping started at the market on Sunday.

“There’s so much fresh local produce,” Rebecca said.

“I love coming here every Sunday.”

While the markets only operate on the weekends, those keen to purchase fresh produce can do so at local stores such as MD Fresh Produce Darwin, Parap Fine Foods, Greenies Real Food at Rapid Creek and Nightcliff Supermarket.