As we head further into Autumn, you’ll be noticing the mornings are cooler and the longer summer days are over. Yet there are still plenty of reasons to enjoy Autumn, especially, if like us, you’re someone who loves fresh, in-season produce. Autumn on the peninsula brings crunchy apples and new season pears. The last of the seasons raspberries, strawberries and tomatoes are followed by pumpkins and autumn vegetables – so much deliciousness!
To celebrate this time of plenty, we are highlighting some of our favourite local farm gates. Take your time to stock up on the abundance of deliciousness that this season has to offer. Remember that these are seasonal businesses so make sure you phone ahead to confirm opening times!
Harts Farm
Down a narrow winding dirt road between Main Ridge and Shoreham is the picturesque Harts Farm. This thriving olive grove, apple cidery and farm gate shop produces award winning extra virgin olive oil. Some of the fruit is also handpicked to produce table olives which are supplied to local restaurants and can be purchased at the Farm Gate. Heritage cider apples grown onsite are used to make Hart’s Farm very own Farm cider. This artisan cider is unfiltered and bottle fermented, creating a very traditional farmhouse type dry cider. Farm produce, such as figs, rhubarb, artichokes, pears and eggs are also available when in season.
Hawkes Farm Gate
This is a family run business that sells produce grown on site, as well as products from local growers. The Hawkes Family have been farming vegetables for 6 generations. Over the years, the farm has specialised in a number of vegetables, including carrots, however in 2007, the family started growing a small area of potatoes at the Boneo farm, and now their potatoes, including Hawkes premium kipflers, are available at many gourmet restaurants on the Peninsula and in Melbourne, as well as available to you at the Farm Store. The Hawkes Farm Gate store has evolved from a few bags of spuds in a shed with an honesty box, to a staffed shop selling Hawkes potatoes alongside a great variety of other fresh local vegetables. The farm also has small vegetable patch for the kids to scratch around in, with a beautiful old Farmall tractor – great for photos of your trip to the farm!
To complement your fresh fruit and vegetable haul, be sure to visit Peninsula Fresh Seafood for all your fresh seafood including a range of locally caught whole fish together with other shellfish such as oysters, prawns and scallops; artisan cheese maker Main Ridge Dairy for a beautiful range of farmhouse cheeses; and Torello Farm for chemical and preservative free beef products. The Mornington Peninsula is sure to provide all the freshest ingredients for your delicious autumn inspired meal!
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