{"id":40452,"date":"2015-03-30T09:36:25","date_gmt":"2015-03-29T23:36:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/blog\/?p=40452"},"modified":"2018-05-14T07:15:03","modified_gmt":"2018-05-13T21:15:03","slug":"apples-oranges-local-produce-aplenty-in-regional-nsw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/apples-oranges-local-produce-aplenty-in-regional-nsw\/","title":{"rendered":"Apples & Oranges: local produce aplenty in Regional NSW"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best thing about regional Aussie towns is the sense of community support. I love being able to read a restaurant menu and pick out local wine and\u00a0a meal made from produce that was grown and farmed just around the corner. My trip to Orange<\/a> is exactly that: an exploration of local ingredients.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\"Hello\"<\/a>\n

Here are the best local foodie experiences in Orange:<\/p>\n

The Agrestic Grocer<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Agrestic Grocer<\/a> is a local\u2019s favourite and it\u2019s easy to see why: as soon as we arrive we\u2019re greeted not only by friendly staff but also by a store full of beautiful fresh fruit, veggies, and house-made baked goods. My self-control is in check and I skip over the flourless chocolate cake, croissants and friands (*sigh*) and order a raw falafel wrap. Despite the lack of chocolate, sugar and all things naughty, this hits the spot: healthy, fresh and totally yum.<\/p>\n\"Agrestic<\/a>\n\"Agrestic<\/a>\n

After a walk around the shop and admiring the Second Mouse Cheese Company<\/a> cheeses, and other delectable goodies, we head off to do some fruit picking.<\/p>\n

Hillside Orchard<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Because of the cool climate, Orange is the perfect location for growing apples, figs, cherries and all sorts of stone fruit. Everywhere we go, lush healthy orchards speckled with ripe fruit surround us.<\/p>\n

\"Apples<\/a>

Apples galore!<\/p><\/div>\n

We take advantage of the farm prices and stock up on apples – $5.50 for 20 apples! I just wish I\u2019d bought more.<\/p>\n\"Orchard<\/a>\n

Mandagery Creek Venison Farm<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Run by husband and wife duo Tim and Sophie Hansen, Mandagery Creek Venison Farm<\/a> is located just outside Orange. After missing the turn (twice) we finally find the entrance and are greeted by a herd of curious deer on our drive in.<\/p>\n

\"Image<\/a>

Image credit: Sophie Hansen via www.local-lovely.com<\/p><\/div>\n

With a background in journalism, Sophie left her life in Sydney three years ago to work on the Venison Farm that\u2019s been in the Hansen family for generations. Today, she and Tim are making a serious impression on Australian farming culture. They not only farm deer and supply the meat to local restaurants, but they also:<\/p>\n