Taste Australia Malaysia

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It’s the Australian Cherry and Summer Fruits season again!!!

Thanks to the wonderful invitation, I recently went to Tesco Kepong Village Mall for the launch of a host of summer fruits under the Taste Australia campaign. Customers can look forward to fresh, juicy and delicious cherries, peaches, apricots, nectarines and plums stocked up on supermarket shelves.

This national horticulture marketing campaign is coordinated by the State Government of Victoria (Australia) in collaboration with Austrade and Hort Innovation Australia on behalf of the cherry and summer fruit industries. Australia has a solid reputation for its high quality produce, with rigorous food safety measures throughout the supply chain.

Do you know that cherries are considered a superfood on its own while nectarines are long known as the food of the gods? Contains a high amount of potassium, peaches are great for muscle function and is believed to make skin healthier while offering vision supporting nutrients. Apricots support a healthy heart and eye function while aiding in digestion. Plums contain antioxidants which can fight off free radicals and protect the skin.

“Lots of sunshine, a clean and green natural environment, rich soil and blue skies are the reasons why Australian stone fruits taste better, is greener, is cleaner and safer,” said Ms Amelia Fyfield, The State Government of Victoria (Australia) representative. “Cherries and summer fruits are seasonal commodities and are best enjoyed fresh. We produce some of the best fruits in the market thanks to our farmers who bring with them generations of expertise, as well as our strong horticultural innovations which keep us at the top of our game.”

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These sweet and luscious fruits are not just tasty but are nutritious and have countless health benefits. Nutritionist and Health advocate Marissa Parry demonstrated three refreshing recipes at the event using the seasonal fruits to make Breakfast Summer Smoothie Bowl, Fresh Fruit Popsicles and Fresh Summer Salad. The gorgeous explosion of colours was a feast to the eyes and the dishes were a feast to the senses.

Australian Cherries and Summer Fruits Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients (1 to 2 serves)
* 1 Australian peach, frozen
* 2 Australian nectarines, frozen
* 1 cup Australian cherries (pitted)
* Half cup non-dairy milk
* Portions of fruit can vary on your preference

Toppings
* 10 to 12 almonds and pecans
* Granola
* Chia seeds
* Coconut
* Fresh fruit (Australian peaches and cherries)

Method
1. To make the smoothie, blend the fruits and milk in a food processor until smooth.
2. Pour in to a bowl and adorn with toppings.

“Fruit platters, salads and popsicles are just perfect for our Malaysian weather which is akin to summer all year round,” said Marissa. “It’s best to taste them at their freshest while at the same time 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.”

It is also very easy to make the Australian Fruit Salad Popsicle. You just need to slice the fruits (Australian cherries, peaches, cherries, and nectarines) and place in popsicle molds, then pour in the juice (use a light coloured juice) and freeze overnight.

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Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd CEO, Paul Ritchie expressed his excitement at the Taste Australia campaign, “We are delighted to bring the best of Australian cherries and summer fruits at all our stores, and just in time to start the year eating healthy. Australia produces some of the best tasting fresh produce and it’s great that these summer fruits will be available throughout the Chinese New Year festivities as golden fruits symbolizes good fortune,” he said.

A basket of Australian Cherries and Summer fruits would make a delightful gift for the Chinese New Year. The fruit’s round shape and colour are said to symbolize prosperity and bring the recipient good fortune throughout the year. It also symbolizes life and a new beginning.

Cherries, and summer stone fruits – peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots are one of the true joys of summer. You can check out the special promotions at all Tesco outlets. Australian cherries and summer fruits will also be available at leading supermarkets and hypermarkets throughout the season.

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More photos at FOOD Malaysia facebook page, a Malaysian food and lifestyle blogger since 2010

Related Post : “Sweeter When Shared” Summer Fruits Campaign by Taste Australia