Fish Pondering

Published: 28th November 2009

Some will argue that aquaculture may well be the future of the seafood industry in Australia. Its
cost effective production enables a quality product grown to a high standard of uniform size, colour and continuity of supply. Others will argue the taste is not the same but that's a personal choice. The most popular aquaculture product in Australia is of course, Atlantic Salmon from Tasmania which graces most restaurant menu in some form.

But try something different and something local. Here in this region, we have exceptional aquaculture products in prawns, barramundi,
redclaw, jade perch and eels. Prawn farming has become highly competitive and quality is paramount. In some cases prawns are farmed in pens at sea which enhances a ‘salty’ taste. A good grower of barramundi controls the process to ensure the firmness and cooking characteristics of the fish to be similar to the wild product. These plate-sized ‘barra’ are great for baking or barbecue.

If you are health conscious for Omega-3; Jade Perch is an outstanding cholesterol free table fish. It has been found by CSIRO scientists to have extremely high omega-3 fatty acid content, said to be approximately 6 times higher than that of Atlantic salmon. It also boasts an exceptional recovery rate of white flesh to body weight making it value for money.

Eels that swim up and down the eastern seaboard find their way into estuaries and on to freshwater creeks and ponds and are now farmed in this region. Popular with the Asian market, it is a worthy consideration for a special treat.

Redclaw is our own freshwater crayfish and makes a wonderful alternative to seafood. It’s light and sweet flavours enhance a many number of dishes from salads to pasta and risotto.

So think outside the normal shopping basket and try some of our regions great aquaculture products.

Acknowledging Local Chefs

Published: 21st November, 2009

Over the years we have seen a number of celebrity chefs grace our region with special cooking classes, luncheons, lavish dinners and demonstrations. …and it’s wonderful to engage and an honour to taste the stunning foods they prepare.

Whilst we welcome these chefs as highly professional artisans who bring fresh ideas and skills that flow onto local foodies and chefs, it is worth acknowledging that we also have some very good chefs in this region. Some who if they were in a major city could be labelled ‘celebrity’ given the right promotional break?

For instance, in Cairns notably Craig Squire of Ochre Restaurant who was asked to audition for the position as a MasterChef judge. From Palm Cove two brilliant chefs are Nick Holloway of NuNu and Philip Mitchell of Sebel Reef House, and at Port Douglas there is Bill Conway at Salsa Bar & Grill and Patrick Spencer of Harrisons Restaurant. The Tablelands is fortunate to have Jason Chuck at Eden House Restaurant at Yungaburra and new kids in the kitchen in Cairns are Leon Walker at Wink and Richard Falkiner at North Food & Wine.

All outstanding chefs who have in common, their passion for all things local and fresh and their creative culinary skills to produce innovative menus that showcase our regional food and offer tourists a true tropical food experience.

Tis the Season

Published: 14th November, 2009

We are truly blessed to have such a diverse range of tropical fruits grown in Tropical North Queensland, and with the imminent ‘wet’ upon us; November signifies the start of the exotic fruit season. Already local lychees, star apples, sapodillas, rollinas, and pomelos are making their entrance into the markets.

The mangoes you see at present are from the Northern Territory; as their season commenced in October. Traditionally at the Brisbane Markets, the first tray of mangoes is auctioned for charity, and this year a tray of 12 mangoes sold for $45,000. But have not fear, wait a week or two and you’ll see our local mangoes start to appear in our shops, on the side of the road and in our markets, at a lot cheaper price!

Nearly four years has passed since Cyclone Larry swept through and destroyed many of the fruit trees in its path. The good news is that farmers are reporting heavy flowering at present and an expected early crop and ‘bumper’ season for rambutans, mangosteens and other exotics. Already small amounts of these fruits are trickling into the market from Cooktown and Mossman and as the season moves in a southerly trend, there should be an abundance of fruit following over the next month or two.