Delivering a slice of life

By Mitch Gaynor

THE incredible local support for pineapple farmers was on delicious display last weekend with the QCWA Beerwah branch holding its pineapple cooking competition. Community groups have rallied with grassroots campaigns to help highlight the plight of the pineapple industry which this season has faced the prospect of dumping tonnes of produce due to early flowering.

In response the QCWA launched a pineapple cooking competition and on Friday received dozens of entries from across the hinterland with Sunshine Coast Foodie Martin Duncan faced with the daunting but delectable task of judging. QCWA Beerwah’s Debbie Ives said it was inspiring to see the community get behind farmers with a range of pineappleinspired cakes, slices, jams and preserves. “We thought it was really important to get behind the farmers who have really been the backbone of our region for generations,” Debbie said.

“It was especially nice to see a bunch of children’s entries as well.”

“Congratulations to our winners!”

Judging was based on the pineapple product’s flavour, appearance, texture and aroma, and how these qualities come together as a whole.

Martin said he judged entries based on:

Flavour: How pleasant are the taste and aftertaste of the product?

Appearance: Is the product aesthetically appealing?

Texture: How is the consistency and mouthfeel?

He said there were some difficult decisions but ultimately the pineapples were the winners.

“We’ve got so many amazing farmers out there busting a gut and getting no reward this season,” Martin said.

“This sort of community initiative is hugely important in showing they’ve got our support and that we recognise they have given so much to not only the Sunshine Coast, but the nation, over so many years.”

“Thanks to everyone who entered as well as the QCWA who as always go above and beyond with their support for local causes.”

Baking Competition results:

Pineapple Cake:

1st Simone Taylor

2nd Dianne Tonkin-Taylor

Other Cake/Slice:

1st Denise Law

2nd Helen Johnsen

Preserves:

1st Helen Johnsen

2nd Taya Miller

Childrens Entry;

1st Sloan McPherson

2nd Lailah Farlow.