A festival of chilli, garlic and herbs

Autumn signals the start of the chilli harvest and also that its time to think about planting garlic. These two fascinating and hugely popular edible plants are coming together, with a cornucopia of herbs, at the Herb and Chilli Festival. Now into its third year, this two day Festival is part of Victoria’s Food and Wine Festival and will be held over the weekend of 15th and 16th of March.

Chillies come in all shapes and sizes from tiny bird’s eye chillies to long and slender Joe’s Long Cayenne, and one of my favourites, the Bishop’s Crown chilli. Many prefer the eye-watering mouth blasting Jalapeño, Habenaro and a relative new comer, Fatalii. But I love the milder sweeter flavoured types, and Bishop’s Crown is one of these. It’s also known as Chistmas Bell because of its unusual bell-like shape.

Some chillies are annuals but quite a few are perennial and will survive in colder regions if grown in pots and moved to a warm position in winter. Chillies can be picked at any stage, but are hotter when ripe. If you don’t like the intense heat then remove the seeds and just use the flesh. It will still be hot, but not as hot. Chilli plants are great in winter because their bright colours of red, yellow, orange and purple add a vibrant ornamental touch to the garden, or to your deck or courtyard, if grown in a pot.

Fresh Australian grown garlic is still readily available at farmer’s markets and in green grocers and the Australian Garlic Industry Association (their website is here) will have a stand at the Festival with a display of more than 30 different garlic cultivars. Garlic too can be very hot, or mild and sweet, with all the flavours in between. You will be able to look at these common and unusual garlics and ask questions of experienced growers, as well as being able to taste and buy delicious Australian grown garlic.

There will be talks on herbs, garlic, chillies and more over the two days as well as a chilli cook-off, live music and dance, and local wine and beer to taste (including chilli beer!). There will be more than 60 stalls focusing on food of all sorts, and many people will be wearing sombreros! What more could you want?

Book online or pay when you get there.

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th of March 2014 10am – 5.00pm

125 Quayle Rd, Wandin, Vic.   Click here to find out more.