Balnarring Preserves (#059)

Balnarring Preserves

 

We (Matthew & Melissa) are the current custodians of a beautiful 1885 homestead along with garden and undercover orchard on 9 acres in Balnarring. We have over approx. 200 roses, lavender, Australian natives, 12 large raised vegetable beds as well as over 50 fruit trees all cide-free.  Having an abundance of fruit and vegetables is a wonderful thing, as it not only provides nourishment for oneself, but also allows for the opportunity to be able to share with others. 

We wanted to be able to capture the freshness and goodness on offer, along with being able to enjoy it all-year-round.  We found for example, when we grew cucumbers we ended up with 100’s of them for 3 months and then nothing for 9 months.  Preserving food used to be an essential skill for households and communities to ensure a steady supply of food throughout the year.  With refrigeration, busy lifestyles and the increased reliance on convenience foods, traditional preserving methods have declined. 

Our mothers came and stayed with us on the farm and we asked them to teach us how to make jams, chutney, relish, sauces, etc using preserving methods such as canning, freezing, drying, fermenting and salting.  We learnt from the best!  Now, we want to be able to share our produce and our learnings with others.  Our preserves are seasonal based upon what is growing well on the farm.  We also like to enjoy life and we have some fun with our produce and label names ie: ‘’Settle Down Rose Petal’’ for our Rose Cordial and ‘’Sunshine in a Jar for Melbournians’’, for our Apricot jam.

Some of our produce consists of:

  • Cordials:  Rose Cordial, Lemonade, Pink Grapefruit, Lemon & Lime, Blackberry, Quince
  • Jams: Plum, Apricot, Quince, Marmalade, Fig, Blackberry, Apple & Pear
  • Pickles: Bread and Butter, Zucchini
  • Sauces: Apple, Worcestershire, Blackberry, Quince, Tomato
  • Chutneys & Relish: Plum & Ginger, Beetroot, Tomato,
  • Quince Paste and Jelly

 

Farmgate Stall at the front gate is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

For more information don’t hesitate to call

Farmgate: Yes

Markets: Bittern, Red Hill, Mornington (various local)

Stockists: Farmgate sales (Email or call Melissa if you are interested in stocking our produce)

13 Turners Road, Balnarring 3926 VIC, Australia

Mobile – 0417 941 879

Email – melissa@balnarringpreserves.com.au

Website: www.balnarringpreserves.com.au