Colo River organic citrus in a jar
ENGLISH chef Hugh Fernley Whittingstall writes of oranges: ‘In the middle of our grey winters, when all around is dull and cold, they stand out, unmissable, edible baubles…’ Woollahra conserves-maker Adrienne Carlson transforms our cold months’ citron bounty – much of which comes from Anthony Wallis’s Colo River organic orchard above the Hawkesbury valley – into delicious, tart-sweet marmalades and cordials. ‘My philosophy is to create premium products while minimising environmental impact,’ Adrienne says. ‘I do this by supporting local producers who use sustainable farming methods. All fruit in my products is grown without synthetic chemicals, pesticides or herbicides. I work closely with dedicated growers to source the best quality fruit in the peak of the season.’
Adrienne’s marmalades include a superb cumquat and orange, piquant three fruits with ginger, lime and orange, and ruby grapefruit. Wait for her line in July made with bitter seville oranges from Colo River – the only certified organic fruits of this variety in the country. Unlike most sweet oranges, which originate from the Chinese Citrus x sinensis, sevilles are of the genus known as C. x aurantium sub-species bigarade, endemic in Vietnam but which has long since come into its own in south-western Europe as the key to the finest of marmalades.
Adrienne’s cordials are made with similar attention to provenance and taste. Lines include orange, lemon, lime and orange, ginger, and lemon and ginger. Her cordials are gently pasteurised to eliminate any need for artificial preserving agents. Granny Smith is proud to stock these beautifully-made local conserves. We also have Colo River organic navel oranges in-store in June and July.
Tags: hawkesbury, oranges, seasonal, sydney farms
