Jazz Apple Granola

Ingredients

2 JAZZ™ Apples, cored and diced

1 cup coconut oil, melted

1 cup honey

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp sea salt

1 tbsp vanilla extract

8 cups rolled oats

1 cup almonds

1 cup peanuts

1/2 cup chia seeds

1/2 cup LSA (Linseed, Sunflower and Almond mix)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan-forced) and line 2 large baking trays with baking paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almonds, peanuts, chia seeds, and LSA.

3. Add the sea salt, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, and honey to the bowl and stir well to combine.

4. Add the diced JAZZ™ apples to the mixture and mix until the apples are evenly distributed. (JAZZ™ hold their shape really well in baking.)

5. Spread the mixture evenly over the lined baking trays.

6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until the granola is lightly golden and toasted.

7. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the trays.

8. Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

9. Serve with Greek yogurt and sliced JAZZ™ apples.

Note: If you prefer a sweeter granola, you can increase the amount of honey to 1 1/2 cups or add 1/2 cup of dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins before baking.

In Season For Autumn

WITH FAMILY & AUSTRALIAN OWNED MONTAGUE

Autumn is the perfect time to indulge in the wide world of apples! With so many varieties to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we headed to Montague Orchard, located in Melbourne’s South-East. The ultimate destination for apple enthusiasts. We sat down with their experts to discover the secrets behind their amazing selection of apples that are currently in season. From sweet-tangy JAZZ™ to sweet Ambrosia™, we learnt about each variety’s unique qualities and why they’re worth trying. Get ready to fall in love with the world of apples at Montague!

Ambrosia™

Ambrosia™ apples are one of the most aromatic apples.

An early Autumn season apple that is hand-picked in March and available until October. Ambrosia™ boasts a unique sweet flavour and very low level of acidity. The light melting flesh make them great for a snack or as the core ingredient in an apple crumble.

Kissabel®

An exciting play on the senses is to bite into one and be amazed by the amazing pink streaks on the inside. With a unique flavour which combines sweet with tangy ‘berry’ undertones. A unique apple, only available from April until June.

JAZZ™

Packed with intense flavour, JAZZ™ is one of Australia’s most loved apples. JAZZ™ apples burst with crisp, sweet-tangy flavour that’s always refreshing. They’re the perfect size for on-the-go and hold up well when used in baking and salads. Available year-around.

envy™

The envy™ apple is the sweetest variety in the range, known for its bright red colour and its dense, creamy white flesh. It’s bright white flesh makes it ideal to add to platters as it stays white for longer than most other apples.

What is the orchard experience like at Montague, and what can visitors expect to see and do?

The Orchard at Montague is a picturesque destination situated right next to Lysterfield Park. The property features a delightful on-site restaurant with a spacious outdoor deck that offers stunning views of the orchards, making it an ideal location for events, or simply enjoying a meal. The orchard also has a cafe, fresh produce store, named Bill’s Orchard Gate after Bill Montague, facility & production tours, and a “pick your own fruit” tours, allowing visitors to handpick their own fruit while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Stella’s Kitchen, the on-site restaurant named after the family matriarch, is open six days a week and serves delicious dishes made with fresh produce from the orchard.

Can you talk about any new apple varieties or products that Montague is currently developing or planning to release?

Montague is currently developing and will be releasing an exciting apple called Kissabel®. This unique apple boasts a red or pink flesh, with two distinct varieties - Kissabel® berry and Kissabel® summer. The company plans to release the apple in small quantities this year, with increasing production in subsequent years. If you’re an apple enthusiast, be sure not to miss this opportunity to try out this zesty and visually stunning new apple!

What are the best practices for storing apples at home to ensure maximum freshness and quality?

To ensure maximum freshness and quality, there are a few best practices for storing apples at home. While storing apples in your fruit bowl is convenient, we recommend using them within 5 days. For longer term storage, storing them in your fridge will increase their longevity. When you are ready to eat your apple, we suggest taking it out of the fridge and allowing it to reach room temperature before consuming. This will allow the real flavours to shine through. It’s worth noting that each apple brand has a different shelf life. For instance, JAZZ™ is robust and can last longer than other brands such as Kissabel®, which is best consumed within a week.

If you have apples that are getting soft, they are best used in smoothies and baking. This will help prevent any waste and still allow you to enjoy their sweet flavour.