Ahhh…
can you smell that? It smells pretty
delicious doesn’t it? A blend of crisp chills, sunshine, wood fire and slow
cooking all combined. Yep, it must be Autumn.
What
an excellent time of year it is, especially
in the west. There’s something about this season that makes me want to cook.
Hardcore cook, as in live off the fat o’ the land, tend to the rabbits and get
all Steinbeck in the kitchen.
We are very
lucky in the west to have access to so many great fruit and vegetable grocers
and markets. But with access to all types of fruit and vegetables all year
round in the major supermarkets it can get confusing knowing what is in season
and what has come from a local grower.
Rino from
Vari’s Organics in West Footscray suggests getting to know your local grocer
and asking them questions about where the produce has come from.
He explains
that in Autumn, grapes, strawberries and melons are coming towards the end of
their season and we will start to see apples, pears and persimmons gracing our
grocers. When the cooler months arrive we will start to see the citrus lines
come in.
“We’re
anxiously awaiting the start of the mandarins and navel oranges season. However
biting into a crisp sweet apple is the best at this time of the year. Our
favourite family dish is a homemade hot apple pie.
“It’s
important to buy seasonal fruit and veg because you are then following the
natural growing and planting cycle. Nothing artificial is added when growing
organic fruit and veg, which of course is beneficial to our health and the
environment.
“Less food
miles means less pollution by transportation and organic growing methods ensure
we are taking care of our planet and putting back nutrients into the soil which
in turn benefits future crops and future generations.
“It’s also
important to remember that if you buy local you are supporting local farmers,
ensuring they have a fair go and are not being squeezed out by large farming
organisations predominantly controlled by the supermarkets who then import and
export fresh produce all over the world.”
While I’m a
massive fan of Vari’s Organic produce (we purchase a fruit and veg box every
week for $35 which covers our little family), I’ve become inspired by my
neighbour who dropped two sweet pumpkins along with other garden produce on our
doorstep the other day. There’s something so lovely about picking and eating
food, knowing exactly where it came from. I’ve planted kale, chick peas (I’ve
never grown these before), eggplant, beans and chillis in a newly developed
vegie patch in our front yard (how much more Yarraville can you get). I’m so
excited to swap my vegie goods for my neighbour’s lemons when the season kicks
in.
It
certainly ‘tis the season to get outdoors and explore the local farmer’s
markets or take a sweet trip out to one of the sublime country towns within an
hour of the west. It’s not just the produce drawing me outside, but the
sensational colours of the trees and that delicious smell that winter is on its
way.
Too cold?
Grab a parka and some boots and get chomping.
Looking for
country inspiration? Head to Trentham
SpudFest on Saturday 7 May and celebrate all things potato. More info at www.trenthamspudfest.org.au
Looking to
purchase awesome in season produce? Vari’s Organics puts together delicious
fruit and vegie boxes from $35 and delivers to the inner west or you can make
your seasonal selection in store at 590 Barkly Street, West Footscray. Head to www.varisorganics.com.au
Photos by the ever-so-talented Paul Large.
