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Local farmers make Master Chef
Local farmers make MasterChef
If you saw the MasterChef episode last week, which was filmed at The Old Diary Maleny, you may have noticed that one of the five “iconic Sunshine Coast ingredients” featured was Peachester’s own Hum Honey.
Hum Honey, the cold pressed honey success story founded by Peachester local Leisa Sams, was crowned best new product at the 2018 Fine Food Australia awards and the champion regional food at the 2018 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show.
But did you know that three of the other four iconic ingredients came from our local area too?
The finger limes were from Green Valley Fingerlimes in Beerwah, the macadamias from Suncoast Gold Macadamias with local farms supplying the nuts, and the pineapples came from a Tropical Pines farm supplier, of which there are plenty in Glasshouse Country.
Green Valley Fingerlimes is owned and operated by well known local Jade King, who also runs an agronomy consultancy and educational farm (Green Valley Farm), and teaches agriculture at the Glasshouse Christian College.
Jade’s champagne red finger limes shone like ruby beads when revealed on the show.
Jade was humbled to have her fruit featured on the show.
“It was unexpected but it’s a great compliment to be chosen as one of the Sunshine Coast’s iconic ingredients,” Jade said.
“We’re so lucky to have so much great produce here and across the coast, and the support and exposure the show has given us is really appreciated.”
Leisa was similarly overawed with the accolade.
“The selection was a great representation of our quality produce,” Leisa said.
“With the support of Sunshine Coast Council, Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism Queensland, we were fortunate to have the show come to our area.
“The collaboration between producers and these organisations, and groups such as Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), have proven so beneficial over the years, that it’s a fantastic reflection of the strength of these partnerships.”
