The outstanding level of quality of South Australian produce comes as no surprise to the locals, but is also becoming increasingly obvious to the rest of the world. The exceptional variety and quality of the food products which we grow, breed and process here, along with our reputation for clean, safe, seasonal and sustainable food has gained us a growing reputation as a reliable source of great produce. And, while we can get our hands on most locally produced foods here in South Australia with relative ease, chefs, retailers and food service providers in other states and overseas have not always known exactly where to go to source our great offerings. Yesterday I got my hands on a book that is about to change all that.
A comprehensive new industry guide to South Australian produce, including details on when it is in season, where to find it, and suggestions on how to prepare and serve it, has been released this week. Called the “South Australian Food Users’ Guide” it is produced by Food SA with support from Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA). Produced in full colour and beautifully put together by publisher Hardie Grant, this book will provide a valuable resource in terms of information and ideas for food industry professionals both here in Australia and overseas.
This comprehensive guide highlights South Australia’s diverse range of baked goods, dairy, fruit and vegetables, beverages, grains, meat, poultry and seafood and provides information on judging ripeness, nutrition levels, storage and serving. It includes masterclasses on the different varieties of produce, with some stunning photography, food matching charts and a full A-Z listing of South Australian food companies. While it is primarily aimed at food professionals, I suspect this book will probably find its way into the kitchen of any cook who is keen to use the best our state has to offer. It is very use-friendly, with wipe-clean pages and a spiral binding, which is all just as well as I can see this little tome getting a big workout in most places.
It’s quite a thrill to see all the wonderful food that most of us take for granted so beautifully presented in one place. Food SA, PIRSA and Hardie Grant I’d like you all to take a bow – you’ve done us proud.
There is an online copy of the ebook here. If you are a food professional and would like a hard copy contact Food SA.
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Amanda you always make me want to move to South Australia with your posts. Now why doesn’t NSW have something like this? Surely we’ve got one or two things to offer?
I need a Victorian edition !
What a wonderful resource indeed! I wonder if every state has one- and if not why not!
Amanda, how much is it? I had a quick hunt around their website, but tricky on the mobile.
That book sounds very comprehensive and I’m sure it will sell well. SA has so much to offer and so much to be proud of – a book to showcase all there is is a fantastic idea xx
Great news – I have just posted a link to the online ebook of The South Australian Food Users’ Guide folks!
You must be so proud! SA has amazing produce 🙂
I’ve known for years about the quality of South Australian food. When I visited it was confirmed. What a lovely book!
Fabulous idea, we need one for Victoria. SA has some wonderful producers and product to showcase.
That’s a very South Australian thing to do: publish a book that promotes the region’s produce. I’d be surprised if any of the other states had gone to such lengths. South Australians are very proud of their produce, and rightfully so.
What a fabulous book Amanda. The photography does indeed look stunning! I wonder if we have anything similar here in Queensland?