Riverton Harvest Festival

Last Saturday I traveled with Chris and Ulrika out to the Harvest Festival in Riverton. This is an annual event in Riverton (in fact this is their 6th one) and is held to celebrate the home harvest, with workshops, displays and markets. We had enrolled in two workshops - foraging and plants for bees, and our first one started at 9:30am. The hall at Aprima College was a hive of busyness when we arrived as displays and stalls were being set up.

There was plenty for everyone to see, loads of produce for sale and even a festival 'cafe' where we had a yummy lunch.

A yummy lunch.

Display of heritage apples grown in Riverton.

Selection of plants that can be foraged as food.
Some of you may think these are weeds!!!

Our workshops were very informative and although I was familiar with most of the information, it is always good to have it refreshed in your mind.  Since that Saturday I have had my Michael Daly book on foraging in NZ called  "Find it, Eat It' and have tried several new recipes. The latest one is one using elderberries to make panna cotta and chocolate truffles using the left over seeds and skins. Very rich but also very delicious.





The Harvest Festival is spread over two days, with a shared harvest feast. During the evening there is a competition for Champion of the Harvest, the trophy being a beautifully carved wooden apple which I was lucky enough to win it in 2010.  Living a gypsy type life (and not having a real garden)  I have not been able to return to defend my title. Maybe one day.







We completed our day's outing with a walk up to the lookout on More's Reserve and another one around on the Rocks.

A view from the lookout.

The Rocks.