I love food, and I love cooking, but moreover I love locally produced food. There is a special bonus in locally produced food in that it is usually a lot fresher which generally translates to nutrient rich and full of flavour… and produced with an abundance passion!
There has been a lot of talk lately about the merits of ‘supporting local’ and how to identify what is produced in Australia, or even better, locally, so that you can make that conscious decision and support your local producer.
I don’t have a quick fix answer there, but I hope that I have at least provided one solution in the sourcing local dilemma – and sourcing local has never been easier.
I am a little excited… I have been working hard and I am happy to announce that the NEW Local Harvest – Sunshine Coast + Surrounds Regional Food website is now live!
http://sunshinecoastregionalfood.com.au
The Sunshine Coast and surrounds has an incredible range of producers, growing fruit and vegetables and producing a whole realm of value-adds that has every food and beverage group covered.
They are passionate individuals that work hard, with often little reward other than the fact that they are producing food with quality and integrity, respecting the environment in the process and bringing to the table ethically produced nutrient rich food.
We have grass fed beef cattle, lamb and free-range pork and poultry that are being sold direct to consumers as well as some regionally focused retailers and farmers markets. We have fresh fruit and vegetables sold at markets or through box home delivery services. We have milk, crafted into artisan cheeses, yoghurt and a multitude of ice cream flavours. Then there are the beers, wines, smallgoods, farm fresh free-range eggs, nut growers, creators of condiments and preserves and a whole range of innovators doing something totally different; coconut yoghurt and ice cream, tempeh… even snails!
There is most definitely something for everyone!
Local Harvest – The Sunshine Coast & Surrounds Regional Food Directory has a full list for you to explore, see what is out there and help you seek them out! I am continually adding to the directory and my aim is to keep you informed about our fabulous food and beverage producers of the Sunshine Coast in order to help you, the consumer, make informed and local choices.
http://sunshinecoastregionalfood.com.au
The Directory also includes farms and factories open to the public, as well as cooking schools and workshops so that you can really get involved. Go that step further and get connected with your food source and visit one of the farms and talk to the producer, or do a workshop – food has never tasted better!
So let’s support local by being at least aware of where your produce is coming from, ask the questions, and if there is a choice, choose local… start searching!
… and let’s all be regional foodies!
To find out more about the Sunshine Coast’s regional growers and producers and cooking schools visit:
http://sunshinecoastregionalfood.com.au
This story was written by Petra Frieser – Pebbles + Pomegranate Seeds
