Sweet and Savoury: Fruit Harvest at Eucalypt Retreat

At Eucalypt Retreat, our orchard is brimming with an abundance of fresh fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. From zesty lemons to juicy figs, the fruits we grow offer a delightful way to enhance your culinary creations. In this blog, we'll explore some delicious ways to incorporate our orchard's bounty into your meals, showcasing the versatility and flavour of each fruit.

Seasonal Availability of Orchard Fruits

Understanding when our fruits are in season can help you make the most of their peak flavours. Here's a handy guide to the seasonal availability of our orchard fruits in Eucalypt Retreat in Conjola.

Apple pie

Oranges

Lemons

Sweet and Savoury Fruit Dishes

Oranges

Oranges are a staple in many kitchens, known for their vibrant flavour and health benefits.

Sweet Uses:

• Orange Cake: Bake a moist orange cake using fresh orange juice and zest.

• Marmalade: Make homemade marmalade to spread on toast or scones.

• Desserts: Use orange segments in fruit salads, parfaits, and as a garnish for cakes and pastries.

Savoury Uses:

• Salads: Add orange segments to salads for a refreshing twist.

• Marinades: Use orange juice in marinades for chicken or pork.

• Sauces: Create a citrus glaze for seafood or roasted vegetables.

Pears

Pears offer a subtle sweetness and a juicy texture that pairs well with both sweet and savoury dishes.

Sweet Uses:

• Pear Tart: Bake a pear tart with a flaky crust and almond filling.

• Poached Pears: Poach pears in red wine or spiced syrup for an elegant dessert.

• Smoothies: Blend pears into smoothies for natural sweetness.
  

Savoury Uses:

• Salads: Combine sliced pears with blue cheese and walnuts in a salad.

• Roasted Pears: Roast pears with root vegetables for a unique side dish.

• Chutneys: Make pear chutney to serve with cheese and meats.

Apples

Apples are incredibly versatile and can be used in countless recipes.

Sweet Uses:

• Apple Pie: A classic apple pie with a buttery crust and spiced filling.

• Apple Crisp: Bake an apple crisp with a crunchy oat topping.

• Juices: Freshly pressed apple juice or cider.

Savoury Uses:

• Stuffings: Add apples to stuffing mixes for poultry.

• Pork Dishes: Pair apples with pork chops or sausages.

• Salads: Add diced apples to salads for a sweet crunch.

Mulberries

Mulberries are a lesser-known fruit with a rich, sweet flavour.

Sweet Uses:

• Mulberry Jam: Make homemade jam to enjoy with toast or pastries.

• Baking: Use mulberries in muffins, cakes, and pies.

• Ice Cream: Add mulberries to homemade ice cream or sorbet.

Savoury Uses:

• Sauces: Create a mulberry sauce to serve with duck or game meats.

• Salads: Sprinkle mulberries in salads for a sweet addition.

• Marinades: Incorporate mulberries into marinades for meats.

Lemons

Lemons add a bright, zesty flavour to many dishes.

Sweet Uses:

• Lemon Tart: A classic lemon tart with a buttery crust.

• Lemonade: Fresh homemade lemonade.

• Cakes: Add lemon zest and juice to cakes and muffins.

Savoury Uses:

• Dressings: Use lemon juice in salad dressings and marinades.

• Seafood: Pair lemon with fish and seafood dishes.

• Vegetables: Drizzle lemon juice over roasted or steamed vegetables.

Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit offers a tangy sweetness and a vibrant green colour.

Sweet Uses:

• Fruit Salads: Add kiwi to fruit salads for a pop of colour and flavour.

• Desserts: Use kiwi as a topping for pavlovas and tarts.

• Smoothies: Blend kiwi into smoothies for a tropical taste.

Savoury Uses:

• Salsa: Make a kiwi salsa to serve with grilled chicken or fish.

• Salads: Combine kiwi with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette.

• Garnishes: Use kiwi slices as a garnish for savoury dishes.

Figs

Figs are rich and sweet, perfect for a variety of recipes.

Sweet Uses:

• Fig Tart: Make a fig tart with a buttery crust and honey glaze.

• Preserves: Create fig preserves to enjoy with cheese and bread.

• Desserts: Use figs in cakes, cookies, and pastries.

Savoury Uses:

• Salads: Add fresh figs to salads with goat cheese and nuts.

• Pizza: Top pizzas with figs, prosciutto, and arugula.

• Meats: Pair figs with roasted meats like duck or pork.

Mango

Mangoes are a tropical delight with a sweet, juicy flavour.

Sweet Uses:

• Mango Sorbet: Make refreshing mango sorbet.

• Fruit Salad: Add mango to fruit salads for a tropical twist.

• Desserts: Use mango in cakes, puddings, and parfaits.

Savoury Uses:

• Salsas: Make mango salsa for fish or chicken.

• Salads: Add mango to salads with avocado and shrimp.

• Curries: Use mango in Thai or Indian curries for sweetness.

The fruits from our orchard at Eucalypt Retreat provide a wealth of culinary possibilities, from sweet treats to savoury delights. We invite you to explore these fruits during your stay and discover the joy of cooking with fresh, home-grown produce.

Book your stay at Eucalypt Retreat today and experience the flavours of our orchard. Happy cooking!