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22.05.12
Book Review: The Field Guide to Victorian Produce
Locavore: Someone who exclusively (or at least primarily) eats foods from their local or regional foodshed a determined radius from their home (commonly either 100 or 250 miles, depending on location). By eating locally, most locavores hope to create a greater connection between themselves and their food sources, resist industrialized and processed foods, and support their local economy.
Seriously, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. The Field Guide to Victorian Produce is the first in a national series of guidebooks from The Locavore Edition that aims to connect people with their local food producers much like what Farmers’ Markets have been doing, but they take it one step further. This is the little black book of everything locavore... Their aim is to inspire Victorians, interstate and international visitors to look locally and think seasonally so that they can discover the wealth of produce that Victoria has to offer. And inspire me it has...
This book is beautifully presented, with a neat and compact design, printed on coloured paper and containing stunning illustrations, it is beautiful as well as practical. This Guide makes it easy for anyone to access quality produce from their food region, or to enjoy regional food tourism by going direct to the source. The Guide also connects growers to new markets by providing a platform for them to tell their story and sell their goods. It features over 105 grower profiles, 179 producers profiles, 71 provider profiles, as well as farm stays, food trails and is a great resource for farmers’ markets and festivals.
This book is the perfect size for those road trips out to visit farms and producers (it will fit in the glovebox), or to slip into your pocket whilst you explore farmers’ markets. It is the type of book that you could own two copies of, one for the car when you are out and about exploring and one for the kitchen inspiring your next cooking adventure.
It is an excellent companion for any food lover and a valuable resource for any chef, kitchen hand or food-conscious restaurateur.
One of the best things about this book is that the whole project is funded soley by supporters and the success of the book – that way the growers, producers and the farmers are supported for free.
The Field Guide to Victorian Produce brings local growers and producers to the fore so you can become a true locavore. There’s a Field Guide planned for each state, with the next instalment coming for NSW in Spring this year. For more information, check out their website or like them on facebook.
Review by Jess Godfrey - Copyright © 2012 Jess Godfrey – All Rights
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