With the chestnut picking season lasting just over a month (23 March to 28 April) Slow Food Saddleback has organised a visit to Sassafras Nuts on Sunday 7 April.
The owners of this farm have a background in environmental science and ecosystem management and the nut production is focused on low chemical use and soil building practices such as mulching and the use of organic fertilisers. Good Slow Food principles!
Sassafras Nuts is set in idyllic natural surroundings and offers good picnic areas and amenities. But you will need to bring your own picnic chair or blanket, plates, cups, thermos etc as well as your food and drink for morning tea and lunch.
The plan is to gather over a morning tea at 10:30 (see information re car pooling below) in preparation for an explanatory talk about the chestnut and walnut farm.
We’ll then start harvesting chestnuts and our host, Richard, will get the charcoal brassier fired up and will help us with preparing and roasting our chestnuts. You need to pay for the chestnuts that you pick – $7/kg.
We’ll finish the day with a BYO picnic lunch.
Sassafras is located at an elevation of 750 metres and in autumn can be cooler and wetter than the Illawarra region. It is advisable to bring weather proof coats and shoes as well as gloves for picking chestnuts. Pets are not permitted.
Venue: Sassafras Nuts, 4281 Braidwood Road, Sassafras.
About 1 hour from Gerringong, along sealed roads.
Directions: Take the Princes Hwy south to Nowra, turn right into Kalandar St, then Albatross Rd. Turn right into Braidwood Road (which takes you past HMAS Albatross) and proceed to Sassafras (about 45km from Nowra).
Car pooling: Please contact us if you’d like to car pool, and let us know if you can assist with driving, or if you are seeking a lift.
Further information: slowfoodsaddleback2@gmail.com
Barbara Khalifa 0419 498 072
Bookings (essential):https:/www.trybooking.com/ BBNAN
Cost: There is no entry charge.