Produce Focus
Produce Focus
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The Sunshine Coast is a Mecca for pestos, many producers having their own take on this versatile condiment that seems to go well with just about anything. A good pesto is such a versatile condiment, its flavour is so fresh and fragrant it instantly ables one to transform the most boring of dishes, especially if it is ready made. Traditionally pestos are made with masses of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan and oil. While purists would argue that this is how it should remain I am quite happy to report that they are far and few in between on the Sunshine Coast – they have made way for the innovative who are merrily experimenting with scrumptious variations on the traditional combination. Pine nuts are being swapped with an assortment of nuts such as almonds, macadamias and bunya nuts while the basil is being replaced by an endless spectrum of herbal and leafy greens, then add chilli, sun-dried tomatoes or even olives and suddenly we have a collision of flavours that can result in a relaxing weekend market experience becoming an anxious dilemma of which pesto to buy. This can lead to the question being asked which pesto is infact the best? After much sampling, experimentation, deliberation and indecision the answer is quite clear – there is no best, just lots of different types of best! However if I can offer a little bias, don’t buy the mass produced manufactured pestos, they are just not as good, buy the local ones that are handmade in small batches, once you try them you won’t look back.
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Pestos to look out for... |
Sue’s Organic Cuisine Lloyds Gourmet Condiments Meze Gourmet Cedar Creek Farm If you would like to find out contact details or where to find the above Pesto producers please see listings on our Preserves page. Also if you have discovered a great local pesto I would love to hear about it. Please email me on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Recipe Ideas... |
Drizzle over salads, steamed vegetables, meats. Combine with freshly cooked pasta for a quick easy meal. Use as a dip for corn chips or fresh crusty bread….is there anything that you can’t do with a good pesto???? |
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Producers are many; all with their own take on what they define as a pesto and here are some of the wonderful combinations to look out for. Farmers markets are a good place to start and of course the Eumundi Markets, but I have noticed that a lot of the local delis are starting to stock locally made pestos as well, some even producing their own which is fabulous. Try b-fresh at Warana, Capers in Buderim, Gourmet and More, Caloundra, North Shore Gourmet and some of the Organic Foods stores. Once you have decided on which pesto to buy you might like to try out some of these recipes: