For this week’s episode of #TeamGellibean, Nino and I, together with our team, got to visit the home of Australian Ambassador, Amanda Gorley for the Taste Australia launch. During our time in her home, we also were able to chit chat with her In-House Chef Edwin Ferrer and Chef Wade Watson of Bondi & Bourke.
This entire evening was full of good food, laughter, pleasant conversation, and great wine, all hailing from the land down under.
I really love the fact that I have been given so many opportunities to share through this blog. Sometimes, I find myself saying little prayers of thanks for the brands that I get to partner with, because I never thought that my world would open up as much as it has, simply by sharing our journey in parenting Gellibean.
I have shared before just how much I love Australian oranges and all the many benefits to this delicious sweet citrus that can be eaten straight from the peel, or even incorporated into a salad that I love to serve at home with roasted beets.
But, on this particular evening, the focus was Australian Table Grapes in all their glory. Now, we have enjoyed grapes in our home ever since. Gelli loves them in her lunchbox and while watching a little tv. I love putting them out on cheese boards and smoothie bowls. They are an easy snack to take a long for road trips, and when they might be a little bit past their prime, I throw them in the freezer to add to our shakes in the morning.
Here are some fun facts you might not know:
- The four most popular are Thompson Seedless, Menindee Seedless, Crimson Seedless and Red Globe.
- The sweet and juicy Thompson Seedless is Australia’s current favourite. (Crimson Seedless is my personal fav)
- Thompson Seedless: small to medium yellow-green oblong shaped grape with a soft berry skin, firm juicy pulp, and a sweet flavour. Available from January to May.
- Menindee Seedless: light green to yellow oval-shaped grape with deliciously sweet, firm flesh and no seeds. Available from November to February.
- Crimson Seedless: light red, oval-shaped grape with a thick skin, firm crisp flesh and a sweet neutral juicy flavour. Available from February to May.
- Red Globe: pinkish-red grape that is very large, round and seeded. The berries have a crisp skin, fleshy pulp, and a very sweet taste. Available from December to May.
How do you choose the best table grapes from Australia?
- Table grapes are picked by hand to avoid bruising and to ensure the best selection.
- When buying grapes, reach for firm, plump clusters that are securely attached to their stems – which should be green, not brown.
- Table grapes develop natural sugars as they ripen on the vine, but they do not become any sweeter once picked. So always choose grapes that are ready to eat.
- When stored correctly in an airtight plastic container, grapes will stay fresh for up to a few weeks if refrigerated at very cool temperatures. Serve grapes slightly chilled to enhance their natural crispness.
So, as you can see this evening was a fun filled opportunity for everyone who came to celebrate Australian product with Taste Australia. I’m already looking forward to creating some new (new to me) recipes that will compliment and maybe even highlight these delicious snappy fresh fruit that we all love.
Hope you enjoy this week’s episode!
Australian Grapes are found in:
