Interest in local carrots is thriving, according to one of Queensland's major grower and packing companies.
Kalfresh is preparing to hold its annual Carrot Day this weekend, with a booked-out attendance of 750 people set to visit the farm, as part of Scenic Rim Eat Local Week. Media and Promotions manager Alice Gorman says it is in its sixth year, and is an excellent chance to meet the community.
"We park up a few of the tractors and the kids love getting in them," she said. "It started with about 50 people and every year it has grown from there. This year we have had to cap it at 750 pre bookings, and I have 60 on the waiting list. They will come through the factory and see the brushing of the carrots, and then they go out into the paddock and pick their own carrots."
Photo Courtesy: Kalfresh
The company is one of Queensland’s leading vegetable production companies and boasts a state-of-the-art washing and packing facility. It supplies Australia-wide and internationally, with its key lines of carrots, green beans, onions, pumpkins and pre-prepared vegetables. Kalfresh has more than 3000 acres under crop in five growing regions, allowing it to produce all year round.
"We are coming into our peak time now, and we are looking at a pretty good season," Ms Gorman said. "The weather has been good. Although, we had a few challenges early on in the season with the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie, it brought a lot of rain and we had some damage to paddocks to the early carrots and different crops. But it has come back from that."
Kalfresh says its line of pre-packaged carrots "Just Veg" is growing in popularity as an item of convenience snacking, and a way to use "imperfect" produce.
The company is also launching a new Carrot Vodka. Ms Gorman joined with fellow farmer Gen Windley to find another way of reducing waste. The ladies are hoping the vodka can be just as popular as Alice's husband's carrot beer, Wabbit Saison which was launched in 2015.
"It can be made from juice from carrots that are a little wonky," Ms Gorman said. "We are always looking at value adding so we can sell the whole crop."
Photo Courtesy: Kalfresh
The women worked with local winemaker Jason Hannay of Flinders Peak Winery. The Carrot Vodka is produced by distilling Shiraz grapes and infusing carrot flavours through fresh carrots.
"It's from a Shiraz base," Ms Gorman said. "So the Shiraz is taking over slightly but everything is an experiment at this stage to start with. We will probably boost up the carrots in the next batch. But it’s a nice subtle carrot flavour to it, slightly sweet and very pleasant to drink."
Bottles of Carrot Vodka will be available to buy at the Scenic Rim Eat Local Week’s signature event.
For more information:Alice Gorman
Kalfresh
Phone: +61 2 5463 7290