News about local food producers
PoppySmack, from Warrandyte, sell Asian sauces. You can now buy their products from Farmer Joe’s Market, Eltham and FoodWorks Research as well as the 20 or so other local places listed on our website.
You might have noticed that Poppysmack get mentioned quite a lot in this newsletter. The reason is that Hanh Truong, its owner, emails me whenever she has news. If you are a local food producer (or community garden participant, or whatever), you can also get your organisation mentioned if you email me with your news.
Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?
For the second week running, the most popular link was the picture of the naked female gardeners. Furthermore, the majority of the people who clicked the link were men even though only 20% of the total newsletter readership is male!
It is not often that the same link is the most popular for two weeks in a row. Indeed, it has only happened once(!) before: two years ago when the Eltham Farmers’ Market dog gallery was being created.
Permablitz’s ‘hero of the month’ – garlic
“It is the season for colds and flu so what better way to make it through than chewing down on what you grew: garlic!” Read the full article.
Joke of the week
Customer: “Do you have spaghetti on the menu today?”
Waiter: “No, I cleaned it off.”
Corrections and clarifications
Last week’s description of the Mexican spice for beginners workshop was wrong. Here is what it should have said:
Mexican spice for beginners
What: Ana and Gaby are Mexican Aussies with a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience in cooking Mexican dishes. This workshop will cover Mexican pickles (with or without chilies), 2 salsas and guacamole. Enjoy and learn more as part of a discussion on Mexican food culture, chilies and eating customs.
When: Saturday, 26th May, 10am-12.30pm.
Where: Living & Learning, Panton Hill.
Cost: $63.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
New events
Beekeeping workshop
What: If you are new to keeping bees, this information session will help answer some of the most important questions before you start.
When: Saturday, 2nd June, 10-11am.
Where: Kerrimuir Neighbourhood House, Box Hill North.
Cost: $10.
Bookings: by phone (9899 7660).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Fish farm walkabout at Finns
What: Take a tour of one of Manningham’s little known Aboriginal aquaculture areas on the Yarra, with local historian Jim Poulter and a local Wurundjeri man, Dale. Because Aboriginal technology was often invisible to European eyes, extensive aquaculture areas, like the ones at Finns Reserve and the Warrandyte Township, tended not to be recognised. Jim and Dale will lead a brief excursion along the riverfront at Finns, so that people will be able to see the area with new eyes and a new understanding. Hear about, and see for yourselves, this historic 200 metre long fish trap, eel trap, yabbie nursery and freshwater mussel farm area. Join Reconciliation Manningham for this event in National Reconciliation Week.
When: Saturday, 2nd June, 10-11.30am.
Where: Finns Reserve, Templestowe.
Cost: free.
Bookings: by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Beeswax wraps workshop
What: If you want to stop using plastic cling wrap, then homemade beeswax wraps are a great alternative. Use them to cover food and keep it fresh, plus they’re reusable and can easily be refreshed if the wax starts to wear.
When: Tuesday, 5th June, 1-2pm.
Where: Box Hill South Neighbourhood House.
Cost: $20.
Bookings: by phone (9898 8270) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Herb basket workshop
What: Recycle an old basket into a herb garden. All materials supplied.
When: Thursday, 7th June, 1-3pm.
Where: Box Hill South Neighbourhood House.
Cost: $20.
Bookings: by phone (9898 8270) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Open Cellars of the Artisan Hills
What: Visit any or all of the family-owned wineries in Nillumbik, each with an individual style, where the grapes are hand-picked and hand-crushed by family and friends in the traditional style, with wines developed on site. This is a chance to sample exquisite wines from the artisan wine-makers of the western Yarra Valley, at wineries not always open to the public. You will also find excellent food to complement the wine, as well as live music and artworks from local artists at some venues. There is no entry fee, or tasting fee, at any of the venues. The participating wineries include: Buttermans Track, Easthill Estate, Giammarino Wines, Hildebrand Ridge Organic Vineyard, Kings of Kangaroo Ground, Nillumbik Estate, Panton Hill Vineyard & Winery, Punch, Shaws Road Winery, Wedgetail Estate and Yarrambat Estate Vineyard.
When: Saturday, 16th June and Sunday, 17th June, both 11am-5pm.
Where: various around Nillumbik.
Cost: purchase wine and food as you want.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Edible weeds walk
What: What if many of the weeds in our garden were just as edible as the vegetables we tend beside them? What if some of these these free, all-too-easy-to-grow uninvited guests were so nutritionally dense that they are just about the healthiest things you could possibly eat? What if many of them also had medical traditions dating back centuries? Well it’s all true! And if you know what to choose, they also taste great. Join Adam Grubb, co-author of The Weed Forager’s Handbook, for a fascinating walk on the wild side.
When: Sunday, 17th June, 11am-1pm.
Where: Merri Creek Trail.
Cost: $25 ($20 concession).
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Gut health with Lindy Cook
What: Most of us have heard about gut health and maybe know the basics … but what’s all the fuss about? Gut health is not just about digestion; how happy our belly is affects everything, from our mood, brain function, sleep and weight to our allergies and immune system. Making sure we have a thriving gut is important for health. Run by Linda Cook, this session offers practical dietary and lifestyle tips to nourish and support your gut microbiome, thus supporting good health, well being and productivity.
When: Thursday, 21st June, 6.30-7.30pm.
Where: Doncaster Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Mouth watering sweet and savoury preserves
What: What you will learn: how to bottle fruits and vegetables for future use; how to make jams and pickles; and how to select and re-use suitable jars, and how to sterilise them. What you will get: recipes all of the preserves made; small jars of all the preserves prepared on the day; and tastings. Presented by Maria Ciavarella. Learn how to preserve fruit and veggies safely, using a variety of techniques. No preserving background is assumed as you go through techniques on how to prevent food spoilage using bottling, jam making, pickling and dehydrating. As well, there will be a hands-on component which will include making jam with frozen berries, a Middle-Eastern inspired vegetable pickle, and bottled seasonal fruit.
When: Saturday, 23rd June, 9.30am-12.30pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $45.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Green at Kathleen: thrifty gardening
What: This workshop will demonstrate how you can get away with not spending a fortune on your garden by utilising things you may already have and by learning some clever techniques to save money.
When: Saturday, 23rd June, 12.30-1.30pm.
Where: Kathleen Syme Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Blogger Cat Woods explores resources around plant-based living
What: Cat Woods will discuss blogs, websites and library resources dealing with plant-based diets and health.
When: Saturday, 23rd June, 2-3pm.
Where: Fitzroy Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Fruit tree pruning
What: Facilitated by Justin Calverley. Learn the why, when and how of deciduous fruit tree pruning. As well as the theory around pruning, some of this workshop will be spent in the Edendale orchard where there will be hands-on pruning practice. So bring along your secateurs and wear some suitable outdoor boots, clothes and gloves.
When: Sunday, 24th June, 9am-1pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: $65.
Bookings: TryBooking.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Amazake making and cooking
What: Amazake (aka ama koji) is a traditional Japaense fermented energy drink. Rich in digestive enzymes and nutrition, amazake is also a seasoning for cooking. Learn about amazake and enjoy the flavour, beauty and health benefits.
When: 2 times on Friday, 29th June, 10am-12.30pm and again at 2-4.30pm.
Where: Preston.
Cost: $80.
Bookings: by email (hello.cookingwithkoji@gmail.com). In your message, please include your name, contact number, email, requested date and time.
Further information: their website.
Winter kid’s gardening – insect hotels
What: What you will learn: how to make an ‘insect hotel’; how ‘good bugs’ can help you to look after your veggie patch and garden; and how to encourage good bugs in your garden. What you will get: your own insect hotel garden feature. Many insects actually act as ‘garden assistants’, helping to pollinate crops and control pest populations. By nurturing and encouraging these ‘good bugs’, you can make your job as a gardener that much easier and also reduce your use of pesticides and other chemical sprays. In this hands-on class, you will meet some commonly found garden bugs and learn how to make your garden more welcoming to the helpful ones. You and your child will work together to create an ‘insect hotel’ – a piece of wooden garden art that doubles as a hibernation and nesting place for beneficial insects.
When: Tuesday, 3rd July, 10-11.30am.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $30.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Bare-rooted trees
What: Hurstbridge Garden Club. Titch – Flemings on bare-rooted trees
When: Tuesday, 3rd July, 7.15-9.15pm.
Where: Hurstbridge Community Hub.
Cost: $4.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
The environmental chef
What: What you will learn: about the food industry; making environmentally sustainable food choices; and how to prepare your own low-impact lunch. What you will get: lunch; and sustainable recipes. In a world full of amazing indulgent recipes and glossy cooking television programs, Ryan DeCoite, ‘the environmental chef’, will encourage participants to understand where their food comes from as well as creating awareness of what effects food industries have on the ecological environment that sustains us. Learn about the food industry with practical and interactive examples, create your own environmentally friendly lunch and take home ecologically sustainable recipes and information.
When: Wednesday, 4th July, 10am-3pm.
Where: CERES.
Cost: $55.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Summary of upcoming events
Over the next week
- Ostro: the pleasure of slowing down and cooking with simple ingredients: Wednesday, 16th May, 7.45-8.45pm.
- Miso cooking: Friday, 18th May, 10am-12.30pm.
- GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest: Friday, 18th May 11.30am-4.30pm and 6.30-11.30pm.
- Miso cooking: Friday, 18th May, 2-4.30pm.
- Ramadan Iftar dinner: Friday, 18th May, starting 4.45pm.
- Cooking master class: Friday, 18th May, 7-9pm.
- Olive magic: Saturday, 19th May, 9.30am-12.30pm.
- How to grow bananas in Brunswick: Saturday, 19th May, 10-11am.
- Minimising food waste workshop: Saturday, 19th May, 10am-midday.
- Fruit tree grafting workshop: Saturday, 19th May, 10am-midday.
- Turkish cooking class: Saturday, 19th May, 10am-midday.
- Miso paste making: Saturday, 19th May, 10am-12.30pm.
- Sourdough bread making workshop: Saturday, 19th May, 10am-1pm.
- Introduction to permaculture (two sessions): Saturday, 19th May and Sunday, 20th May, both 10am-4pm.
- GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest: Saturday, 19th May 11.30am-4.30pm and 6.30-11.30pm.
- Miso paste making: Saturday, 19th May, 2-4.30pm.
- Nuka duke – rice bran pickling: Sunday, 20th May, 10am-midday.
- GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest: Sunday, 20th May 11.30am-4.30pm.
- Nuka duke – rice bran pickling: Sunday, 20th May, 2-4pm.
- Mooroolbark Growers & Weeders present – “preparing your garden for Winter”: Tuesday, 22nd May, 2-3pm.
- Plant-based midweek cooking class: Tuesday, 22nd May, 6.30-8.30pm.
- Thermomix – use it beyond the kitchen: Wednesday, 23rd May, 7.30-9.30pm.
Over the next month
- Native herbs for the kitchen and garden: Thursday, 24th May, 6.30-9pm.
- Gardening for the bees: Thursday, 24th May, 7-8.30pm.
- Cooking master class: Thursday, 24th May, 7-9pm.
- Shio koji making and cooking: Friday, 25th May, 10am-12.30pm.
- Shio koji making and cooking: Friday, 25th May, 2-4.30pm.
- Beekeeping workshop: Saturday, 26th May, 9-11am.
- Composting 101 with Audrey: Saturday, 26th May, 10-11am.
- Mexican spice for beginners: Saturday, 26th May, 10am-12.30pm.
- Miso paste making: Saturday, 26th May, 10am-12.30pm.
- Edible weeds walk: Saturday, 26th May, 11am-1pm.
- Homemade marketplace: Saturday, 26th May, midday-4pm.
- Thai street food: Saturday, 26th May, 12.20-1.20pm.
- Darebin Bake Off: Saturday, 26th May, 1-2pm.
- Meet the makers: Saturday, 26th May, 1-4pm.
- Salami demonstration: Saturday, 26th May, 1.15-2.15pm.
- Beeswax food wraps: Saturday, 26th May, 2-3pm.
- Native bee hotel: Saturday, 26th May, 2-3pm.
- Miso paste making: Saturday, 26th May, 2-4.30pm.
- Spätzle workshop: Saturday, 26th May, 2.15-3.15pm.
- Raspberry winemaking demonstration: Saturday, 26th May, 3-4pm.
- Set up and maintain a worm farm: Saturday, 26th May, 3-4pm.
- Kitchen medicine with Lisa Hodge: Sunday, 27th May, 10am-3pm.
- Melbourne Italian Wine & Food Festival: Sunday, 27th May, 10am-6.30pm.
- Gardening throughout the year and chilli pickling: Sunday, 27th May, midday-3pm.
- Healthy lives plant-based cooking: Sunday, 27th May, midday-4pm.
- Mushrooms are our future!: Sunday, 27th May, 2-3.30pm.
- Pizzaly woodfired pizza demonstration and tasting: Sunday, 27th May, 3.30-5.30pm.
- Tibetan momo making: Sunday, 27th May, 4-5.30pm.
- A vegan Mexican feast with Juanita: Sunday, 27th May, 4.45-6.30pm.
- Kimchi mania: Monday, 28th May, 6-9pm.
- Introduction to homemade winemaking: Tuesday, 29th May, 6-7pm.
- Yoko Nakazawa – Zen cooking: Tuesday, 29th May, 6.30-8pm.
- Pulp fiction – what to do with leftover pulp?: Tuesday, 29th May, 7-8.30pm.
- Introduction to homebrewing: Wednesday, 30th May, 6-7pm.
- Kaye Roberts-Palmer – save our citrus: Wednesday, 30th May, 6.30-7.30pm.
- Modern Scottish masterclass: Wednesday, 30th May, 6.30-9pm.
- Paul West – whole cookery: Thursday, 31st May, 6.30-8pm.
- Bush foods & herbs for courtyards & balconies: Thursday, 31st May, 6.30-9pm.
- Fun ferments: Thursday, 31st May, 7-8pm.
- Cooking master class: Thursday, 31st May, 7-9pm.
- Tasting traditional beer styles brewed local: Friday, 1st June, 6-6.45pm.
- Tasting traditional beer styles brewed local: Friday, 1st June, 7-7.45pm.
- Tasting traditional beer styles brewed local: Friday, 1st June, 8-8.45pm.
- Winter fruit tree maintenance: Saturday, 2nd June, 9.30am-12.30pm.
- Beekeeping workshop: Saturday, 2nd June, 10-11am.
- Fish farm walkabout at Finns: Saturday, 2nd June, 10-11.30am.
- RetroSuburbia – Aussie Street with David Holmgren: Saturday, 2nd June, 10-11.30am.
- Olive preserving mediterranean style: Saturday, 2nd June, 2-4pm.
- The art of vegan momos: Saturday, 2nd June, 3-6pm.
- Ask Costa – gardening forum hosted by Costa Georgiadis: Sunday, 3rd June, 9.45am-1.30pm.
- Alphington Farmers’ Market tour and cooking demonstration: Sunday, 3rd June, 10-11.30am.
- The Plummery – garden tour and tasting: Sunday, 3rd June, 10-11.30am.
- Pizzaly woodfired pizza demonstration and tasting: Sunday, 3rd June, 3.30-5.30pm.
- Flavours and Stories from Iran, Iraq and Syria: Sunday, 3rd June, 4-8pm.
- Market on Kulin Nation (indigenous market): Sunday, 3rd June, 4-8pm.
- Hobby beekeeping: Tuesday, 5th June, 10.30-11.30am.
- Beeswax wraps workshop: Tuesday, 5th June, 1-2pm.
- Herb basket workshop: Thursday, 7th June, 1-3pm.
- Plant-based midweek cooking class: Thursday, 7th June, 6.30-8.30pm.
- Social Food Project – sustainable food practices: Thursday, 7th June, 7-8.30pm.
- DIY water-wise wicking beds: Sunday, 9th June, 10am-midday.
- Pantry 101 with The Kitchen Whizz: Wednesday, 13th June, 6.30-8pm.
- Miso paste making: Friday, 15th June, 10am-12.30pm.
- Miso paste making: Friday, 15th June, 2-4.30pm.
- Miso paste making: Saturday, 16th June, 10am-12.30pm.
- Food for thought – cake making and decorating: Saturday, 16th June, 10.30am-1pm.
- Open Cellars of the Artisan Hills: Saturday, 16th June, 11am-5pm.
- Miso paste making: Saturday, 16th June, 2-4.30pm.
- Edible weeds walk: Sunday, 17th June, 11am-1pm.
- Open Cellars of the Artisan Hills: Sunday, 17th June, 11am-5pm.