Expert reveals bottling secrets

– Dion Teasdale
LOVERS of bottled fruit have descended on Healesville to hear one of the region’s expert reveal her preserving secrets.
Jennifer Upton from Maroondah Orchards was the latest special guest presenter to feature as part of Healesville Library’s monthly Cook’s Kitchen events.
Mrs Upton, who has been bottling and preserving seasonal fruit and vegetables since she was a child, gave a one-hour demonstration in the library earlier this month.
More than 40 people from across the Yarra Valley packed out the library to hear Mrs Upton share her cooking secrets, preserving tips and bottling know-how.
Mrs Upton said it was rewarding to see a full house audience turn up to the event.
“For a while bottling fruit went out of fashion but its very much back in vogue now and that’s great to see,” she said.
“I think it’s popularity comes from people wanting to know what they are eating and wanting to eat fruit they’ve either grown themselves or sourced locally.”
Julie Bailey, Healesville Library manager, said the Cook’s Kitchen series was proving a successful way of engaging with the community.
“We are always thinking of different ways to attract people to the library to show them we are about much more than just books, and having guest speakers like Jennifer is a real draw card,” she said.
“There is a resurgence of interest in bottling and preserving and it’s wonderful to have an expert like Jennifer come in and share her experience and ideas.”
Ms Bailey said The Cook’s Kitchen series would continue at the library until the end of the year with either a guest speaker or a recipe exchange once a month.
“We are hoping to also continue the program into next year. It just makes sense when we live in the Yarra Valley surrounded by excellent fresh produce,” she said.
Bottling workshop participant, Cathie Sheehan from Woori Yallock, encouraged others to get involved.
“The library in Healesville is the most amazing resource and events like this are great. The library is great for kids, but also for the whole family,’ she said.