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Date: March 2006
Location: Southern Downs, Queensland Australia
You've never really tasted an apple until it comes picked fresh from the tree. Crisp, sweet and crunchy they taste nothing like those we all buy from our local supermarkets.
David Sutton from Hi Value Fruit and Berry Gardens at Thulimbah
opens his orchard to the public each apple season. From late January through to
July, visitors can come to the apple farm and for only $10 pick a box of the most
fabulous apples imaginable.
And they last. "Just keep them in the fridge and they are fine for weeks," said David, who admits he has a preference for mangoes.
That aside he certainly knows how to grow a good apple. There are many varieties to choose from, the old stalwarts of Granny Smiths and Red Delicious, the Hi-Early, a favourite with older customers, Fujis and the Granny Smith look-alikes, Mutsu, which are in season in March, Pink Ladies which ripen by April and others of more obscure origins.
Hi Value also offers additional product at the shed door - real fruit liqueurs, apple juice and apple cider vinegar, jams, toppings and verjuice. And don't worry, if you can't get there you can order over the internet and at select Farmer's Markets.
In recent years, the Granite Belt has become more famous for its wine growing enterprises but fruit and vegetables are still very much a mainstay in the region. According to the Department of Primary Industries, apples alone were estimated to be worth $45 million in 2003. Stone fruit came in at $24 million and vegetables a whopping $50 million. Grapes, before they become wine are worth, $500,000.
Eagle Produce is a third generation working farm. Planted as with stone fruit, John Turrisi turned it over to small crops and now son Alfred is taking the enterprise another step. Cauliflower is the mainstay of the operation, but they also grow three varieties of cabbages and two of lettuce. Approximately 80 per cent of their production is for export.
Alfred's dream takes the form of a huge barn fronting state of the art cold-storage sheds. From Easter it will known as the Giardino (little farm) Caf, in memory of Alfred's Sicilian grandfather and will be the home base for the Eagle Produce "Seed to Salad" tours.
The 90 minute tour transports visitors around the farm in a bus (decorated and named "The Shed") to see the extensive nursery production line firsthand from the hothouses through to the huge dam and the planted paddocks. They will even have the opportunity to feed friendly Angus breed cows from the safety of the bus.
The tour concludes with a tour of the cold storage facility, which has to be seen to be believed. Tea and coffee, home made cheesecake and other snacks await on return to the caf.
Diversification seems to be the secret of everyone's success in this region.
The Bramble Patch at Glen Aplin has certainly shown the success that comes from value adding. Producing delectably sweet strawberries and raspberries, the Bramble Patch welcomes around 30,000 visitors under the bird nets each year.
Visitors to Don and Patsy Stirling's berry heaven can pick berries when they are in season, enjoy a trademark raspberry or strawberry ice cream, and as many do, take home some fine Bramble Patch conserves which are prepared and bottled on the premises. The jams are low in sugar, relying on the natural flavour of the fruits to provide a great product.
If you can't make it to the farm, the delectable selection of goodies is available by mail order via the internet or fax.
Rumbalara Vineyards Estate at Glen Aplin, was one of the first commercial wineries to be established in the Granite Belt and owners Mike and Bobbi Cragg have created a new market for themselves with apple cider. More a wine than a cider, this drop has proved so popular only 200 bottles remain from the first vintage.
When the Cragg's bought the winery 18 months ago they found an old apple press out the back, resorted it to safe, working order and now put it to use producing delicious apple cider from locally sourced pink lady apples.
Start exploring food in this region and opportunities just unfold before your eyes. For instance, a meal at the Vineyard Caf at Ballandean is an absolute treat when it comes to sampling what is available in the area at the time. Janine and her husband Peter run the Vineyard Cottages and Caf, with chef Janine building her menu around what is in season.
"We have a huge fig tree in the garden and when it is in fruit I incorporate that into the menu, likewise when the stone fruits are in season," said Janine when asked for an example.
One of the original restaurants of the region, Vineyard Caf has enjoyed a long and enviable reputation. Located in an old church, which is now incorporated into a larger building, the restaurant is open Friday and Saturday nights and for lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors in the cottages enjoy Janine's meals at their tables each day.
The open sign at the Beverley Vineyard Restaurant, Severnlea, never comes down. In fact it is painted and permanently nailed, although owners Denise and John Arlidge prefer bookings.
Situated in a historic Beverley homestead, John like Janine loves to dabble with the local produce. "The tomatoes are magnificent at the moment," he said, "and I'm using them in almost everything." He went on to talk about the asparagus and fennel that grow wild by the roadside, the figs and of course the stone fruit.
Beverley is famous for its degustation, a magnificent meal consisting of many small and delectable dishes, all of which can be enjoyed with a selection of Whiskey Gully Wines grown on the property.
For more information on the fresh produce, restaurants and food activities on the Granite Belt contact:
The Southern Downs Tourist Association
Tel +61 7 4661 3122
- By Adrienne Costin
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