Year of Local – Meet the Producers

“Over the next 10-to-15 minutes whilst the drum continues to turn and adjustments are made to the heat and air-flow settings, the transformation takes place.

“Through the looking glass on the roaster you can observe that initially not much changes as the green coffee dries in the heat of the drum. But after about 5-7 minutes it starts to change colour from green towards brown and develops its flavour.

“When the temperature of the coffee beans gets close to 200 degrees Celsius the built-up pressure in the bean causes what is called ‘first crack’.

by VICTORIA MCGUIN

“If you pay close attention, you can hear this slight popping sound, which starts softly with a few beans and gains volume as more and more beans go through this transformation at the same time. This changes the structure of the bean and marks the final and most delicate phase of flavour development to takes place.

The Maleny Pie Guy

Treat. Your. Self. Real. 'Cos if you're going to treat yourself, do it properly. Real food, made with real local ingredients and real passion. Really!

13 Maple St. MALENY

0479 042 845

HOURS

Open 7 Days: 8:00am - 3:30pm

Maleny

Born out of a family history of farming in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for almost a century, the Barnett family started Montville Coffee in 2000 with the aim of learning about how business can be financially and environmentally sustainable while positively contributing to society.

As the first certified Fairtrade Organic coffee roaster in Queensland, Montville Coffee has continued to champion the benefits to the supply chain of supporting these third-party certifications. (The BCorp and 1% for the Planet certifications have been added more recently.)

Director Kevin Fraikin shared with us how a typical day passes at Montville Coffee.

“At our roastery we begin the day by having a coffee together and taking stock of the customer orders we have in the system.

“Green coffee from the warehouse silos is weighed in the loading trolley, sucked up into the loading hopper above the roaster.

“When the roasting drum has reached the target temperature the gate of the loading hopper opens up and the green coffee beans cascade into the hot roast drum, initially making the sound of rain on a tin roof. As the drum continues to fill with green coffee this sound fades out.

“The beans are then dropped out of the hot roasting drum into the cooling tray where a powerful fan cools down the beans and stops the roasting process. Once the beans are cooled down, they go through a destoning process for quality assurance purposes, after which they are ready to be packed and dispatched.”

Kevin added, “Over the years we have been very privileged to have the opportunity to travel with Fairtrade to some of the origins we purchase our coffees from, to first-hand observe the hard work, resilience, and dedication of the farming cooperatives in those countries.

“During our last visit to Papua New Guinea it was very humbling to have the opportunity to share our roasted single origin coffee from this region with the farmers of this cooperative. Even though they grow the coffee, they actually don't roast and drink it themselves. It was a wonderful moment to see them taste their coffee for the first time.

“The synergy and relationship with Maple Street Co-Op is something we truly cherish. From crop to cup, this long-standing collaboration resonates with our ethos of cultivating sustainable relationships, nurturing communities and crafting a positive future.”

You can buy Montville Coffee at Maple Street Co-op, and find it at many cafes across the hinterland. Maple Street Co-op, 37 Maple St, Maleny, 4552. Ph: 07 5494 2088. Website: maplestreet.coop

by A. TABLEHOPPER

Iam an ‘average joe’ who enjoys good food, not a food critic by profession, so excuse my lack of fancy terminology! I have not been paid to promote anyone – I am simply sharing my opinion on the

Eudlo General Store

end up here, although I reckon a few more plants and pics would cosy it up a bit. There is outdoor seating as well, to watch to the gentle meandering of locals along the street or kids playing in the park over the road – definitely no hustle and bustle here!

You order drinks and food at the counter, and we were welcomed with a smile. Our lunch came within ten minutes, and was made to order, so we would’ve been happy waiting longer if need be.

I had the Salmon and Potato Rosti with dill crème and poached egg, and my companion had the Cauliflower Falafel with herbed tahini and cauliflower tabouleh.

Mine came with ‘julienne’ slices of radish, and a sprinkling of chives, dill and coriander, and the presentation was like a work of art. As for the dill crème, I’ve not had one this good in living memory! Just the right creaminess and gentle dill flavour, which perfectly complemented the fish and egg, and the slightly salty rosti with its crunchy coating was the ‘comfort food’ base to make the whole dish work.

The Cauliflower Falafel was made from scratch and had the right mix of crunchy outer and warm, hearty centre, plus a fresh, green tabouleh bed of goodness, with the herb tahini adding another dimension to the flavours. It looked elegant and inviting, and was just the right portion size to keep you going until dinner!

sauerkraut and Russian mayo on rye) and a homemade granola bowl.

On the counter we also saw pretty impressive freshlybaked pies, plus sweet treats and pastries.

We are spoilt for choice in the hinterland, but this is a welcome addition to my café-worth-a-second-visit list!

Palmwoods

Homegrown Cafe

A must visit for breakfast, lunch or to enjoy the home made baked goods. Serving locally sourced produce and small batch in-house roasted coffee. Café or garden seating. Seasonal dinner first Saturday of the month. FB: “HomeGrownPalmwoods”

4/6 Little Main St. Palmwoods 0458 270 368

HOURS:

Tue - Sat: 7:00am - 2:00pm

Sunday and Monday Closed

Flaxton

– 9-11 ROSEBED STREET,

Eudlo

An impromptu meeting meant I found myself in Eudlo recently and saw that the Eudlo General Store has undergone a transformation. (I know, I’m late to the party, but I’m not in that area much!)

Airy, bright, with wooden floors, Bentwood chairs, and a tempting menu, I was pretty pleased to

Book your at the Barn

$25 per head includes a scrumptious assortment of sweets & savouries, tea or cappuccino OR $30 per head to include champagne.

I found out the chef there, Lanie, is well known in this neck of the woods, having had her own catering business and time as a chef at Homegrown in Palmwoods. Her attention to detail and thoughtful ingredient combinations are certainly all over the menu here, along with the good ol’ ham and cheese toastie, the Eudlo Reuben (corned beef,  Salmon and Potato Rosti

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!!

Kondalilla Restaurant

Situated on the grounds of Kondalilla Eco Resort, Kondalilla Restaurant is a vegetarian and seafood restaurant with vegan options. Visit Kondalilla and enjoy a space of tranquility while you choose from our exquisite menu. Everyone's welcome.

61-101 Kondalilla Falls Rd Flaxton

5445 7650 Ext. 2

Opening hours: Lunch and Dinner

Thursday - Sunday 12pm - 8pm

MARKET GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Crystal Waters Markets 8am - 1pm

Located in the beautiful Conondale valley, this village market creates a unique atmosphere. Under shady trees you'll find delicious food, arts and craft, live music and a children's playground. Stalls available 5435 0111 cwmarkets@crystalwaters.org.au

SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Montville Growers and Makers Market 7:30am - 12pm

Piping hot pancakes, buskers, genuine locally grown food, handmade craft, barista made coffee, under historic fig trees, profits maintain our Village Hall. Stall holder enquires: Liz 0424 042 376

THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Witta Growers Markets 7:30am - 12pm

50+ stalls, this vibrant market has everything from fresh local produce to gourmet food, quality art and craft, live music, hot food and coffee. email: wittamarket@gmail.com

FOURTH SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Mapleton Country Markets 8am - 12pm

Fresh fluffy waffles, sourdoughs, jams and chutneys, honey, pestos, plants, timber, jewellery, arts and crafts. Hot food, coffee van, live music. Ph 0419 726 603 email sales@sunnycoastmedia.com.au email sales@sunnycoastmedia.com.au

Bto the mix, entertaining the crowds in the hour leading up to the arrival of the professional musos at 8.30am.

Then there's breakfast where the market’s loyal patrons love the enthusiastic delivery of the mouthwatering pancake breakfasts, often served by our younger volunteers.

Or they may prefer a barbecued breakfast from the Montville P&C, where kids put their mathematical and money-handling skills to the test. This gives them the early opportunity to develop confidence and skills that will serve them well through life.

Montville Market also endeavour to have free art activities for kids (and the odd adult) on a regular basis, where paints and easels are set up with various themes; 'portrait of self and others', still life, landscape, abstract expressionism, minimalism, conceptual art - whatever their inclination.

If you or your children would like to be more involved you can contact the organisers through the Montville Market Facebook site or email, or just turn up on the day.

The next market is Saturday, September 9, 7.30am to midday, Montville Village Hall and surrounds, Memorial Close, Montville.