4 Autumn Produce For Your Events Catering Menu

Autumn is just around the corner and wherever you may be in Australia, you're probably starting to feel the cooler temperature and misty mornings. The trees are starting to change their colours, as well as the grass turning into emerald green. Except for the romantic atmosphere, the country also boasts of big events and festivals during this season. But one of the most looked forward in Australian autumn is the numerous fresh and healthy produce which some are only found in the country.

If you're planning an event or gathering this coming autumn, you can still do it outdoors or indoors, anywhere that you prefer. As for the menu, an autumnal feast of soups, stews, pies and risottos will be perfect for your catering Melbourne menu. To fully enjoy this time of plenty, here are some fresh produce of autumn that you can highlight in many of your chosen dishes.

Quince

Also known as golden apples, quinces are in season from March to May but in some regions, they last up until July. One of the most popular ways to use quince is to make it into a paste which can be used for a huge variety of recipes. But more than that, this old-fashioned fruit can also be a natural sweetener perfect for desserts such as tarts, cakes, and other pastries like pies and bread. On the other hand, the quince paste is also used for marinating any kind of meat before baking, frying or grilling it. Its naturally sweet flavour makes it very flexible for any kind of dish. Since it is in season, make sure to include quinces in any of your event menus.

Grapes

The season of fresh grapes is quite longer than the other autumnal produce. It runs for six to seven months which starts in November but peaks from February to March and ends in May. Like the other popular fruits in autumn, grapes are also a versatile ingredient for various dishes. It can be made as fresh juice or be skewed in between chicken and veggies, can be made into a jam, can be juiced to be a salsa for any meat, can be in a salad, and can also be topped into a cheesecake. Dating back to history, grapes are considered one of the oldest edible plants and have been around since 5000BC. They are also healthy and perfect for your event menu.

Apples

Aussie apple-picking season starts in February and ends in June. Those are long months which might make the picked apples ripe right away. But, according to apple growers, good storage and refrigeration can control the atmosphere and slow ripening of the fruit. With this, you can enjoy the freshness and health benefits of apples within the year. Like the first two fruits mentioned, apples are also versatile, are mostly eaten raw and even healthier when consumed with their skin. They are used around the world for all kinds of recipes from baked goods, salads, sauces and even up to stews. Both regular cooks and top star chefs love apples to be a part of their meals every once in a while, especially when it's in season.

Persimmons

Considered as Australia's most exotic fruit, persimmons are in season from late February to mid-June and at their peak between March and May. In the country, there are two types of persimmon, one is the 'soft' type which has a slightly flattened top and the other is the 'crunchy' type that has a pointed top and is heart-shaped. The soft type can be easily scooped with a spoon and eaten raw but the crunchy one should be eaten like an apple. Its exceptionally sweet flesh makes it perfect to be made as salsa or be mixed into any type of salad. Persimmon is a good source of vitamins A and C which are both perfect for strengthening your immune system. Although it can be mixed with any kind of dish like the other fruits, persimmons are becoming more popular as a natural sweetener for desserts such as cakes, puddings and fruit salads.

Australia is lucky to be gifted with a huge variety of seasonal fruits and other fresh produce. So if you're planning any kind of event this autumn, make sure to take advantage of the fresh produce that the season brings and give your caterer a few ideas for your preferred dishes.