The
Good Life
Bush food research by SCU
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Northern Rivers’ Pocket Herbs – a cutting edge producer of specialist edible plants in Burringbar Valley – has entered into a research partnership with Southern Cross University to determine the nutritional (and anti-nutritional) content of native bush foods. Up to 20 bush food varieties will be selected and their propagation optimised in greenhouse conditions. The year-long $95,000 study is jointly funded by the federal government’s Entrepreneurs Program – Innovation Connections grant and Pocket Herbs. Southern Cross Plant Science, based at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus, will be providing research leadership. ‘The selected plants and seeds will be germinated and propagated at Pocket Herbs’ creator Iain Reynolds with Southern Cross University’s Profesboth a Pocket Herbs greenhouse and in Southern Cross Plant Science sor Bronwyn Barkla, Pocket’s assistant manager Ian Collier and SCU’s horticulturist Alicia Hidden at Pocket Herbs Burringbar discussing saltbush, one of facilities for biosecurity reasons,’ the 20 plants in the joint study. said Pocket Herbs co-owner and horticulturist Iain Reynolds. ‘Southern Cross Plant Science will develop protocols for the selected varieties to achieve opti- who in turn supply to chefs, restaurants, and cafes. ‘We mum yields and quality using existing greenhouse growth grow in a sustainable manner utilising little water (our tables and irrigation, analysing the nutritional profile for system recycles water) and have over 42kW of solar power a decided set of plant macro- and micronutrients and installed,’ said Mr Reynolds. antioxidants, as well as anti-nutrients (oxalates).’ ‘Our crops are grown in a controlled greenhouse environPeter Hardwick, a Northern Rivers wild plant researcher ment using sustainable agricultural practices. These and professional forager, said that Pocket Herbs’ continued practices involve soil-less growing techniques and the coldevelopment of quality micro-product was a welcome first lection and re-use of rainwater. No fungicides or chemical in Australia. pesticides are used.’ ‘Succulent wild vegetables have become very popular in Associate Professor Bronwyn Barkla, director of Southern high-end restaurants, and it’s time to really start producing Cross Plant Science, said she was excited to be involved in these crops more consistently and in larger volumes. the project. ‘Many of the plants selected are naturally salttolerant species. One of our objectives is to determine what ‘Horticultural production provides a reliable supply and quality which the marketplace needs. But we need to know the protocols for optimal salt treatment during growth to produce a deliciously salty salad leaf for the consumer,’ she what the optimum conditions are for these as crops, and I said. am looking forward to assisting Pocket Herbs and SCU in this research.’ Darren Robertson TAFE ambassador with Pocket Herbs’ Pocket Herbs supplies to wholesalers and local providores, assistant manager Ian Collie.
Good Taste
Eating Out Guide
BALLINA
BYRON BAY
Ballina RSL Club 1 Grant St, Ballina 6681 9500 www.ballinarsl.com.au Open 7 Days Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
Wharf Bar & Restaurant
Open 7.30am daily, till late every night Coffee, breakfast, lunch & dinner, functions & weddings. 12-24 Fawcett St, Ballina 6686 5259 / 6685 6011
Mothers Day Lunch Sunday 12 May Spinnakers, Level One 3 Courses from 12pm Adult $62.90, 12/U $20, U/5 Free Entertainment: Dan Clark
TAKEAWAY ONE STOP SHOP Feed your family with a choice of pizza, pezzo pockets, burgers or fish & chips. OPEN 7 DAYS TILL 8.30pm counter orders only www.WharfBarBallina.com.au
BYRON BAY
Legend Pizza Open 7 days 9am till after midnight Shop 1 Woolworths Plaza 90-96 Jonson Street 6685 5700 www.legendpizza.com.au
30 The Byron Shire Echo lëƷ ǯǽ ǩǧǨǰ
FRESH PIZZA BYRON STYLE Check us out on
facebook.com/byron.legendpizza Scan code for our menu! BYO Home delivery 7 days Established 1992
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Trattoria Basiloco Open 7 days for Dinner starting 5.30pm See menu, book a table, or order takeaway at www.basilo.co 30 Lawson St, Byron Bay 6680 8818
Wood-fired pizzas & real Italian cuisine with a Sardinian twist Famous for seafood, meats and pasta dishes. We do special events functions.
Barrio Eatery & Bar
A 5-minute drive from Byron Bay, Barrio brings together the local community Mon–Sat 7am–9pm in a relaxed environment for all-day dining. Wood1 Porter Street, fired oven, charcoal grill, veges, meat, fish, salads, North Byron natural wines, local beers, cocktails and St Ali coffee. No reservations. Bookings Eat in or take-away over 8 email: gather@ www.barriobyronbay.com.au barriobyronbay.com.au @barriobyronbay
The Rocks @ Aquarius Breakfast/Lunch 7 days from 7am 16 Lawson St, Byron Bay 6685 7663 – Menus at therocksbyronbay.com.au
CHILLED VIBE IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING Join us at The Rocks on Lawson for lots of summer bites! We have a range of fresh, locally sourced breakfast and lunch at affordable prices. Enliven the senses with a Byron Bay Coffee or super healthy smoothie! Enjoy an Ice-cold beer, wine, or hand-crafted cocktail with your meal! Cosy indoor seating and a beautiful outdoor dining space available. $5 SCHOONERS AND $12 COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK
North Coast news daily in Echonetdaily www.echo.net.au