People are increasingly interested in the provenance of their food – how it’s made and where it comes from. A scenic drive through the Daintree Rainforest showcases just how raw and wild the fertile ground is for exquisite and exotic produce. Following the path of origin, back to the producers on the Daintree Food Trail, it is important to support local farmers and appreciate simple, handcrafted food.
Kimchi and Kombucha are both handcrafted with a little touch of TLC in Penelope’s commercial kitchen in Port Douglas. Known as the ‘Kefir Queen’, Penelope loves to share the benefits of Kombucha and Kimchi with locals and visitors to the far north as well as connecting with like-minded individuals who thrive on the plant-based lifestyle. The ingredients she uses are locally grown and are handcrafted without the use of processing equipment. Penelope creates nutrient-dense products which are free from dairy, gluten, refined sugar and preservatives.
Another example of low food miles is at Hook a Barra at Wonga were gourmet flavours can be reeled in. Hook a Barra sustainably produce Queensland’s most famous fish on their 3-hectare farm. With 60% of barramundi in Australia being imported, Mark Hober from the farm, explains the importance of having barramundi sourced from locally produced areas.
From bananas to baked goods, the Daintree Food Trail really does showcase it all. Farm stores like Scomazzon’s bring it all together offering pastries and fresh fruit and vege all in the one place. The delicious local produce is also embraced at the Daintree Ecolodge’s restaurant, Jalaymba. Think braised Innisfail palm heart with Cape York lilly pilly lemon dressing or Coral Trout with chilli jam, and crunchy rainforest salad… Bon Appetite!
For an extended stay in the Daintree and a rainforest escape that’s just as gourmet, the Daintree Ecolodge’s treehouses are nestled amongst the canopy – immersing you in the breathtaking rainforest.
Make the most of the upcoming People’s long weekend and why not head North? More inspiration can be found on Queensland.com
