The flavours of Tasmania are diverse and rich in both land and sea produce. Its idyllic temperatures and fertile lands offer optimal conditions for local fruits and veggies, as well as dairy production. Here, providers are both the growers and producers, making farmers’ markets, roadside stalls, and farm gates the perfect places to find fresh fruits and vegetables, and more produce. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Tony Lomas.
In Tasmania, homegrown flavours are easy to come by--simply head to a village market to choose your fresh vegetables, or stop by a roadside stall for a sweet juicy apple or a delightful handful of cherries. Visit the berry farms and pick what you like (we won’t tell anyone if you sneak a few in your mouth while you’re there), and if you’re craving fresh, quality seafood, a marine farm is your next pit stop.
Are you a cheese fiend? Feast on Tasmania’s exquisite dairy products and award-winning cheeses like bries and blues, camemberts and cheddar in either local markets or specialist cheese stores.
If your inner farmer wants to come out to play, it’s possible to take up residence in one of Tassie’s many farms, meet the growers, experience life on a ranch and learn about sustainable farming. You will even be invited to stay until the next morning. So get ready to get up-close and personal with sheep, cut and burn wood to keep you warm, and learn all about the simple life of living in and from nature during a farmstay in Tas. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Rick Eaves.
The flavours of Tasmania are seemingly endless--from its mouthwatering smoked salmon, colourful berries, chilli-infused honey and even its native seaweed. Not only are these flavours diverse and tasty, but also authentically Tasmanian.
The warm east coast climate, with its unpolluted, rich soils, combined with its clean ocean and air, create the perfect storm for Tasmania’s produce to grow in abundance--be it in the form of juicy fruits, dairy products, or the best of land and sea produce.
Inspired to cook your own fresh and delicious east coast bounty? Then make sure to keep your eyes and ears open when meeting the gardeners and farmers to get the best hands-on advice.
For many years, Tasmania was the “Apple Isle,” having made its name in the worldwide produce industry as a major apple producer. Apples still grow in abundance, particularly in southern Tasmania. But it doesn’t end with apples! Here are some other tasty homegrown goodies you simply can’t leave Tas without sampling:
Tasmania has an aquacultural advantage with its pollution-free waters and idyllic temperature for raising top-quality salmon. Due to its rich texture and flavour, Tasmania’s Atlantic salmon tastes amazing grilled, baked, roasted, fried or steamed with different flavours. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett.
Tasmania is the world’s largest supplier of wild abalone, which is renowned for its meaty texture and distinguishable flavour. In fact, the Tasmanian abalone industry accounts for 25% of the total global production. Between 2014-15, the abalone contributed a $67 million AUD to Tassie’s export earnings. Image thanks to Tourism Australia & Ellenor Argyropoulos.
Rainfall in the valleys of western Tasmania is measured in metres per annum rather than inches or centimetres--and you know what that means: the area sees more than its fair share of downpours. These just happen to be ideal conditions for the Leatherwood tree, whose flower pollen is the key ingredient for the area’s local bee population to create some superb combs dripping with some of the world’s tastiest, all-natural musky and rich honey. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Nick Osborne.
In June 1999, the first-ever black truffle was discovered in the north of Tasmania. Ever since, international chefs in search of the highly sought-after fungus have been turning to Tas, .
Organic farming means working with nature and not against it, and that means no fertilisers, GMOs or additives. In Tasmania, the local organic industry is expanding largely but steadily due to responsible consumerism, and that’s particularly easy to implement as the climate and fertile soils grace Tasmania with the opportunity to invest in organic farming. Tasmanian locals are blessed with an impressive variety of organic products from salads, fruits, vegetables, cheese, herbs, cream, milk, eggs, wine, honey, lamb, chicken, beef, potatoes, olives, carrots, beans, and even down to seeds. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that cheesemakers in Tasmania are getting worldwide recognition for their renowned cheddars from Pyengana Cheese and award-winning soft white cheeses from Richmond’s Wicked Cheese factory. The cleanliness of the environment and ideal climate are factors that work to their advantage. Tasmanian cheeses vary from hard to soft, with blues, bries, cheddars, and camemberts, as well as goat and sheep milk. Image thanks to Wai Nang Poon.
For the most part, Tasmania’s cattle are grass-fed and raised in pastures free of chemicals. That means local beef is as clean and authentic as it can get. Sample a Wagyu steak or burger--one of the state’s specialities.
Being the gems of Tasmania, let’s delve more into farm gates. These are regions visitors can drive into, visit the area’s various farms to try out some local produce, or even drop into a roadside stall for a juicy apricot or refreshing berries.
The picturesque Tamar Valley offers the ideal climate to tour around, especially with its vineyards. The area is best-known for its cherries, apples, and stone fruit--or fruits with big seeds on the inside (such as peaches, mangos, plums and lychees). Farms to look out for while in the Tamar Valley include Aviemore Farm, Hillwood Farmgate, Cherry Top Farmstay, or the Top-Qual Calthorpe Orchard roadside stall. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Ilona Schneider.
There are plenty of farm gates to check out down south in Coal River. With an agrarian landscape, this area has ideal conditions for growing and raising produce. The cool weather and rich soils also make for some high-quality wines to go with your farm-to-table meals. The Coal River Farm makes its own cheese and chocolates, in addition to the customary from-the-ground goods, and is well worth a visit.
Stretching from Hobart’s southern suburbs alongside the gorgeous Derwent River down to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, a visit to the Channel Region is a must for anyone interested in Tasmania’s native produce. And no experience to this region is complete without a visit to the ever-famous Bruny Island--known for its diverse national parks and wildlife. This region is best known for its cheeses, meats, and fruits, all of which can be taste tested in local restaurants and cafes. Top farms to visit include the Bruny Island Berry Farm, True Blue Berries, and Platinum Ridge Tas.
The Huon Valley is synonymous with picture-perfect waterways and world heritage wilderness. Visitors to the region will discover some of Tasmania’s freshest land and sea produce, including shellfish, salmon, wines, apples, cherries, and berries. Popular farms to visit include Woodstock Orchards, Griggs Grower Direct Apples & Cherries, The Green Cherry Shed, Longley Organic Farm, Lucaston Park Orchards...just to scratch the surface. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Adrian Cook.
Tasmania definitely paints a colourful, fruitful, and delicious picture, leaving little wonder that it’s favoured amongst food connoisseurs worldwide. But even the blossoming foodie can enjoy the tastes of Tasmania, with its distinguishable flavours and high-quality, fresh ingredients that make every bite, meal and feast from this island really hit the spot.
