A sweet summer bounty
> Enjoy the delicious array of juicy fresh stone fruits at Tesco’s Taste Australia promotion
JUST in time for Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year, you can now savour sweet juicy Australian cherries, besides a variety of fresh stone fruit, brought to you by Tesco under the recentlylaunched Taste Australia promotion coordinated by the State Government of Victoria (Australia).
Since it’s summer in Australia now, the Victorian government’s collaboration with Austrade and Hort Innovation Australia ensures the nation’s cherries, peaches, apricots, nectarines, and plums are picked at their peak.
During the recent Taste Australia launch in Tesco Kepong Village Mall, Trade & Investment Victoria Southeast Asia deputy commissioner Amelia Fyfield said: “Lots of sunshine, a clean and green natural environment, rich soil, and blue skies are the reasons why Australian stone fruits taste better, are greener, cleaner, and safer.”
She added that due to the proximity of Malaysia and Australia, it’s just a short trip to transport the cherries and summer fruits over to the markets here.
The Australian summer health nuggets also make the perfect centrepiece for the coming celebrations, owing to their vibrant shades of red and orange, as demonstrated through three recipes by nutritionist Marissa Parry.
Parry dished out some inspiring recipes utilising the luscious Australian produce, showing guests how to whip up a bowl of cherry and summer fruit smoothie, a refreshing summer salad, and an icy fruit salad popsicle.
“The popsicle was actually inspired by my children, especially my son,” she said about the cool treat, which showcased morsels of cherries, peaches, and nectarines, frozen in coconut water.
“He loves fruits, so that was really fun to experiment with, because usually I just blend fruits together to make a popsicle.
“It’s best to taste them at their freshest, while at the same time [being able] to enjoy the nutritional benefits of cherries and stone fruits which are not just tasty, but rich in vitamins and potassium, while being low in fat, calories, and sugar.”
Additionally, the Australian summer coincides with two key festivities in February, which means that cherries and other stone fruits would be lovely when presented as gifts.
According to Tesco Malaysia CEO Paul Ritchie, Australia produces some of the best-tasting fresh produce.
He added: “It’s great that these summer fruits will be available throughout the festive season, as golden fruits symbolises good fortune”.
He added: “With Chinese New Year around the corner, a basket of Australian cherries and summer fruits would make a great gift ... their round shape and colour are said to symbolise prosperity and bring the recipient good fortune throughout the year.”
The Australian cherries will be available at Tesco stores nationwide until late February, while the Australian peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots can be enjoyed until May.