[Sydney Organic Expo]

On arrival I was given a free show bag including Green & Black’s dark chocolate with orange and spices. I won’t say it was the highlight, but free chocolate comes pretty near the top of the list! Here’s my top 5 products of the day.

1. LANDTASIA ORGANIC FOODS

This was without a doubt the best meat stand of the Expo. Not only because they were cooking their delicious meat and the smell permeated for metres, but they were a very friendly bunch too! Their gorgeous farm in the Southern Tablelands of NSW is home to some very happy animals and it’s very obvious in the taste.

You can buy a whole cow that they butcher for you and vacuum pack into portions. So convenient. My chef friend Mario and I almost ordered one on the spot we were so excited. But alas, I took a deep breath and remembered I should probably consult Hubby Bear before such a huge purchase!

2. BARAMBAH ORGANICS

Mmmmm dairy. We all know how much I love it. This company makes the best single cream I’ve ever tasted and the girls kindly gave me a few freebies in exchange for a photo. Thanks ladies!

I tasted and took away their ‘Crow’s Ash’, a creamy brie rolled in ash to impart a smokey flavour; amazing! As well as a tub of Labna which is a type of yoghurt cheese marinated in olive oil. My Lebanese grandmother used to make this and hers will always be the best, but the Barambah one was good too.

3. LAKELANDS OLIVES

I was so excited to chat to these guys because good olive oil is a thing of true beauty. I met my match in Danielle as we bounced recipe ideas off each other for their delicious infused oils; ginger, mandarin and basil. I bought a bottle of the mandarin and cannot wait to try it out with scallops, prawns and as Danielle suggests, asparagus. Come on Spring!

I also tried their green olives marinated in chilli and bought a pack right away. They’re really firm, peppery and perfectly fresh and I’m still deciding what to do with them (other than eating them while cooking dinner!)

4. RAW ORGANIC CHOCOLATE

Sugar free, gluten free, dairy free and not heated above 45C - can it taste nice?
Yes! It’s extremely moreish, actually. I tried the version with goji berries and I could feel the serotonin flooding my brain immediately - really complex and smooth on the tongue.

I also tasted their chocolate coconut butter and deemed it ‘Nutella for adults’. I’d love it blended with Baileys, ice and milk for a creamy indulgent dessert drink.

5. ORGANIX AND GOODIES RANGE FOR KIDS

I was helping my friend out at this stand and it was absolutely flooded with parents looking for healthy and organic snacks for their children. This range is imported from the UK and all the products have no added sugar, salt or preservatives.

The snacks are made especially for kids, but they’re great for big kids too, if you know what I mean! I loved the blackcurrant muesli bars and gingerbread men. They’re perfect for that 4 pm slump when you don’t want to reach for the tim tams, but want something low in salt and sugar.

Happy eating, Christie