The guest speaker for Orbost Probus Club this month was Gabi French, a farmer along with her husband Andrew of Snowy River Station at Corringle.
They settled there to raise cattle on saltwater grasses in 2007.
A couple of years later they experienced
a significant flood which killed off the grass.
A few months later the warmer weather was coming, and they noticed this colourful bush growing. Andrew’s curiosity tempted him to taste the leaves.
The flavour was delightful, this encouraged Andrew to do further research into this plant which grew after the flood.
He discovered a plant called samphire a relative to the pigface family.
It was also a condiment that Henry VIII ate and written about in some of Shakespeare’s writing.
What a discovery.
With excitement and enthusiasm Andrew and Gabi did some market research, especially to the top chefs in the country to see if they would use the samphire in their menus.
This delicious condiment compliments the flavour of so many meals it has been a great success.
When the orders come in it is freshly picked and shipped off.
As their knowledge of marine grass grew, they embarked on growing a lot more varieties
Along with samphire, the snowy river station is growing exquisite marine grass known as Neptune’s beard, beach bananas, sea parsley, seaweed streamers, salt bush and sea spray.
All packed with natural vitamins.
Probus members had the privilege to taste these Corringle delights, enlightened beyond measure.
The flavour of these marine grasses would enhance many meals, including pasta. Stews, salads and soups.
Thank you to Gabi and Andrew for marketing and farming these delicious condiments, another plus for the producers of east Gippsland.
