The Directory
Discover the wealth of hidden foodie treasures grown and produced throughout the wider Sunshine Coast region. Local Harvest’s aim is to help you to source and locate these wonderful regional products while helping to create awareness and community support for our dedicated food and beverage industries.
You don’t need to be a connoisseur to appreciate good food and the richness of flavour each local product has to offer, nor do you need to be a chef to bring them to the table; you just need to be aware of what there is and where to find it and from there it is easy. I would like to encourage everyone to support these local food and beverage industries as there is no greater reward than eating produce that is fresh, natural and above all, locally produced!
Enjoy!
Fruit
The Sunshine Coast is abundant in exotic fruits varieties, the subtropical climate lending itself to fruits that are not found in other states. There are more the common varieties such as mangos, lychees, pineapples, bananas, figs, custard apples, paw paws and passionfruits…Berries
The popularity of berries is legendary especially the strawberry, a symbolic of love and romance, they are the most ultimate of fruits. In season from April to November, most growers will allow you to pick your own berries straight from the fields…Gingers and Tubers
There is a variety of unusual tubers available on the Sunshine Coast, although most growers are growing them specifically as additions to their own specialised curry pastes and preserves…Vegetables
There is an abundance in the way of vegetables grown on the Sunshine Coast; there are at least a dozen varieties of leafy greens, flavoursome vine-ripened tomatoes, mushrooms alongside some quite unusual choices such as Jeruselum artichokes and Thai eggplant…Herbs
There are a number of herb growers open to the public stocking endless lists of rare and exotic edible, nutritional and medicinal herbs as well as the more traditional herbs. Some herb farms offer tours, or in the least, growing hints and their own extensive knowledge…Olives
Olive growing is a relatively young industry on the Sunshine Coast. However there are some top olive oils being produced as well as assorted processed products…Organic Produce
There is a great awareness for organically grown produce on the Sunshine Coast. More and more growers are opting for chemical free methods. Although there are many growers and producers that are using organic methods there are only a handful that actually have the required certification to label themselves organic…Native Foods
The Native Food Industry is gaining an enormous amount of interest, both locally and internationally and it is currently seeing the growth of quite a unique industry of seeds, fruit, leaves and nuts and value add products…Preserves
Sweet condiments have ventured a long way from the traditional jams once available. Although there are still an amazing array of fragrantly sweet traditional style jams there are also quite an unusual assortment of combinations as well as experimentation with native and exotic fruit varieties…Dried Good and Grain
Handmade pasta, dried fruit and nuts as well as some grain products are sold at many of the local markets…Oils
There are many quality oils being produced, inparticular cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and macadamia nut oil as well as some flavoursome infused oils…Honey
Native flora, citrus blossoms and macadamia blossoms all impart their own delicate flavours to the honey that bees diligently produce. Markets, fruit and vegetable stores, delicatessens and health food stores all stock local honey, raw and in its comb…Confectionery
There is no shortage of confectioners on the Sunshine Coast. Between the fudge, candy makers and chocolate crafters the sweet tooth is amply catered for…Nuts and Snacks
Macadamia nuts would be the Sunshine Coast’s most popular nut, however pecan nuts and Bunya nuts have also emerged into the marketplace. Macadamia nuts are incredibly versatile. Eaten raw or roasted, they are also processed into pastes and a beautifully nutty cholesterol free oil…Baked Goods
Whether it be freshly baked bread, crunchy biscuits or luxurious cakes, the Sunshine Coast boasts an abundance of baked goodies. There is nothing quite like freshly baked bread, especially wood fired bread which is becoming the speciality of many boutique style bakehouses…Dairy
Wonderfully, the Sunshine Coast has gained a number of independent dairies that have managed to pries their products on to Supermarkets and convenience store shelves as well as supplying other industry producers. Along with the milk has come a wonderful array of flavoured yoghurts, milks, cream and ice cream…Seafood
Mooloolaba is the main port of call for trawlers and other fishing vessels bounty laden with prawns, scallops and an abundant variety of fish ready for export or to be sold directly to the public at a number of fresh seafood venues…Meat and Poultry
The Sunshine Coast has a variety of meat and poultry industries. There is quite a beef industry, though what is raising the most eyebrows is the emergence of meats such as venison, emu and goat meats. Poultry in the way of organic ducks and free range turkeys are also nurtured…Beverages
Softdrinks, Syrups, Coffee and tea blends are plentiful. There are some wonderful tea blends ranging from refreshing zesty flavours to native and medicinal blends. There are also a number of organic blends…Beers Wine and Spirits
Local wineries are producing some sensational wines. The beginning of each harvest is usually signified by a string of wine festivals and harvest celebrations providing the perfect platform for each winery to introduce its latest vintage…Farms Vists
As if the Sunshine Coast wasn’t blessed enough with wonderful producers we also have the added bonus of being able to visit some of the most picturesque properties and partake in true ‘paddock to plate’ experiences…Cooking Schools
The Sunshine Coast has a very diverse range of cooking classes. Cooking classes are a great way of refining your cooking skills; there are so many handy little tips and tricks that make something that seems so difficult, suddenly easy…