Barossa Farmers Market

KI food gets on the table

The 2011 Regional Food Report published last week by Australian Traveller magazine, lists Ferguson Australia, Charing Cross Produce, Penneshaw Farmers’ Market and Kangaroo Island Source in a total list of 13 best SA food experiences.

“KI is known for its abundant wildlife and dramatic landscapes, but it is also a foodie’s dream,” said Elisabeth Knowles, editor of Australian Traveller.

The magazine profiles each Australian state within two categories: Gourmet Destination and Up-And-Coming Destination and in SA, Kangaroo Island is nominated as the state’s “Up-And-Coming Destination’”alongside the Barossa Valley as our “Gourmet Destination”.

“It is great that local businesses as well as the island have been recognised, because the island doesn’t have the long history of food production of regions such as the Barossa Valley,” Kate Sumner, of KI Source, said.

“We are still growing our industries, but it’s also interesting to realise we can make Kangaroo Island food and wine what we want it to be, because we aren’t working within established traditions,” Kate Sumner, of KI Source.

In addition, the magazine features top chefs’ travel tips, in which 15 of Australia’s most respected chefs reveal the source of their favourite regional produce.

“It will come as no surprise that Australia’s best chefs love fresh, regional produce,” said Elisabeth Knowles.

Jacques Raymond, chef and owner of Cuisine Du Temps restaurant in Melbourne reveals that he sources award winning southern rock lobster from Ferguson Australia.

“It’s a great honour to be singled out,” Debra Ferguson said. “We are the only suppliers of gourmet lobster products, such as sashimi and medallions in our portioned and branded packaging.

Video - Barossa Farmers Markets, Barossa Valley, South Australia ...

The Barossa Farmers Market is held every Saturday from about 7am to 10.30am, depending on when everyone arrives and packs up. It’s held in the Vintners Sheds in the town of Angaston, right in the middle of the Barossa Valley, and it seems like everyone in the Barossa goes, either as a stallholder or customer.

The stalls sell a variety of products, all grown or created nearby. The fresh produce may have been picked that very morning, and you can also buy local cheeses, chocolates, cupcakes, bread, meat and sauces among many other things.

It’s a tradition, at least for the friends we went with, to have breakfast at the market. A centrally located stall sells bacon-and-egg rolls and coffee, and there’s a space in the middle of the market shed which is filled with bench seats and tables. There’s nothing quite like bacon and eggs on a weekend morning, and they always seem to taste better if someone else cooks it for you – though the amazing display of relishes on offer also helped.

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