LOCAL producers are ready to take on the world after returning from the world’s largest food fair in Italy last month.
Representatives from Cooloola Berries, Buchi Kombucha and Kin Kin’s Black Ant Gourmet were part of the Slow Food Australia contingent at the Terra Madre festival where more than half a million foodies from 160 countries explored six kilometres of food stalls, workshops, demonstrations and tasting areas in the streets, squares and parklands of one of Europe’s most stunning cities, Turin.
For Kim and Jason Lewis from Cooloola Berries it was an adventure of a lifetime and their first trip to Europe where they met, spoke and exchanged ideas with likeminded producers from all around the world.
“I was in awe of the historical beauty and significance of the sights we were seeing. I was experiencing things that I only learnt about in school,” Kim said.
Sarah Lantz from Buchi Kombucha was one of five expert panellists who spoke at a sold-out forum, Bacteria as Friends, which was about fermentation and building relationships with bacteria.
“I loved discovering just how passionate the Europeans, especially the Italians, are when it comes to food,” she said.
“In Italy, farmers are revered and there’s this direct conversation between consumers and where their food comes from which is very different from what happens here in Australia.”
The Noosa delegates shared their experiences with Slow Food Noosa members at a special talk on 27 October.
Coming event
Christmas is just around the corner so Slow Food Noosa will this month welcome Ivan from Unreel Seafood as its guest speaker to help with planning the perfect family lunch.
Since 2014 Ivan has been the owner and operator of his mobile retail seafood outlet, Unreel Seafood, as well as a professional charter boat operator and pro-fisherman for more than 25 years.
Anyone who would like to catch Ivan’s tips for a great Christmas seafood feast is welcome to the Slow Food Noosa monthly talk on Thursday 24 November at Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas, Little Hastings Street, Noosa.
The group meets at the resort’s theatrette at 7.45am for an 8am start to listen to Ivan, followed by a full buffet breakfast.
The cost is $28 for Slow Food members and $32 for non-members.
Anyone who would like to attend can visit www.slowfoodnoosa.com for more information.
