Foos shows are a great place to go and learn new tricks and taste new foods.
Foos shows are a great place to go and learn new tricks and taste new foods.
Food shows are always great showcases for new products and top chefs and cooks whipping up inspirational dishes. A visit to the Christchurch Food Show ticked all the boxes for me.
I'd read about the health benefits and versatility of coconut oil but at the food show I was givenseveral opportunities to sample it and discuss its attributes.
According to New Zealand oil company Olivado, coconut oil contains an abundance of medium chain fatty acids that are similar to those in breast milk. The oil, which is solid at room temperature, is easily digested and is immediately burned by your liver for energy but without the insulin spike. This boosts your metabolism to help your body use fat rather than store it.
However, it is still high in calories and should, like all fat and oils, be used in moderation. It can take the place of butter in bakes but I prefer to use coconut oil in stir-fries - the flavour adds extra pizzazz. www.olivado.com
I also indulged myself in a yummy selection of moist, 90 per cent fat-free beef salami from the Bay of Plenty's Lasco Smokehouse. They are gluten-, dairy-, soy- and pork-free so I can happily take them anywhere I am asked to "bring a plate" - so many friends appear to have allergies to almost everything.
There are six flavours ranging from the mild Marlborough Garlic to the stingingly hot Kaitaia Fire, which is excellent served with watermelon. www.lascosmokehouse.com
Upper Hutt's Farrah Wraps have just introduced a super-soft variety that appeals to younger children but they are also fantastic rolled around chilli beans, chicken or salmon - use them just as you would flour tortillas.
Farrah's kitchen has produced a neat booklet with innovative uses for their dairy-free, Halal-certified wrap range in tarts, stacks, burritos, roti, pizzas and sausage rolls. The latter really appeal to me. wwwfarrahwraps.co.nz
Finally, the guys from the Selwyn Food & Wine Trail caught my attention.
The area is bounded by the Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers, the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean and is just 20 minutes south of Christchurch.
With more than 35 wineries and artisan food producers to visit, the trail could take several days to complete. Something to look forward to next time. www.selwynfoodandwinetrail. co.nz
The Auckland Food Show is on from July 31 to August 3. www.foodshow.co.nz
