It has, of course, won international recognition for the famous black truffle but the Southern Forests story is so much bigger than any single ingredient. From sun-kissed cherries and creamy avocadoes to organic walnuts and exciting cool-climate wines, this is yet another corner of the State with something to savour every season.
The Southern Forests Food Council represents more than 100 growers, uniting them under the respected Genuinely Southern Forests Western Australia brand. When you see that label, you know you are getting something special and authentic.
Here are just a few reasons why we love this ravishing region.
Taste the Southern Forests: Quick Guide
Cherry and other orchards
Ask Western Australians what food comes to mind when you mention the Southern Forests, and many will say cherries. The region’s cool nights and warm days produce some of the finest cherries in the country. Plump, glossy and full of flavour, they arrive just in time to take centre stage at the Christmas table. They also make a marvellous ice-cream. (See Cheers to cherries for more on the gorgeous globes).
Newton Orchards has been growing fruit in the Southern Forests for more than 90 years, building a reputation for quality over four generations. Their orchards boast beautiful cherries, as well as pears and apples, including the lunchbox favourite Bravo. They also produce a range of apple ciders, juices and spirits under the Cloudy South and On the Shoulders of Giants labels – extending the life of this stunning produce long past picking season.
Just outside Manjimup, NewLeaf Orchard cold-presses fresh fruit – never concentrate – into sparkling juices and vinegars. The range spans Pink Lady, Grany Smith, Fuji, apple and andstrawberry, and apple lemonade. With no additives, the clean, fruity flavour packs a real punch.
Green goodies – avocadoes and kiwifruit
The combination of high rainfall, well-drained soils and a reliably mild climate makes the Southern Forests the perfect place to grow avocadoes. One family has spent more than three decades proving how good they can be.
Russell and Jenny Delroy first planted avocado trees on 5ha near Pemberton in 1988. This has grown to more than 340ha and an impressive 190,000 avocado trees. Delroy Orchards have even developed their own brand of avocado – Delcado, a natural blend of the family name and the fruit – and have invested in cutting-edge technology to ensure complete control of their produce, from picking through to packing, storage and transport. Add to a summer lobster and mango salad, spread on toast, or wrap into a sandwich or omelette for a healthy and flavoursome meal.
Their other green goodies are also quickly snapped up. The kiwifruit is another reminder of how well cool-climate fruit does in the Southern Forests. These berries – yes, they are botanically berries, though they might not resemble the more familiar ones – not only taste superb but are packed with vitamin C, dietary fibre and other antioxidants. Halve and eat straight from their convenient ‘jacket’, chop and add to a fruit salad, or decorate the top of pavlova. So many ways to savour these little green jewels.
Cool-climate wines
When we’re talking cool climate, it’s hard to go past the region’s wine. Pemberton and Manjimup may not get the same attention as Margaret River but those in the know understand that the Southern Forests produces some of the State’s most elegant and restrained cool-climate wines. The high altitude, ancient forests and reliable cool temperatures are particularly good for pinot noir and chardonnay.
Pemberley of Pemberton is one Southern Forests producer doing different things beautifully. The Radomiljac family has farmed the property since the 1970s, establishing a vineyard in 1995 that has since grown to 75ha producing 15 different wine varieties, including rosé, off dry riesling, pinot noir and chardonnay. They also grow potatoes, so if you visit the cellar door you could leave with a case of wine and bag of Royal Blues – how good is that. Truffles are their most recent crop. With the first slice of ‘black gold’ produced in 2022, the family is hoping to be able to produce them commercially soon. (We recommend keeping an eye on their events calendar, too, as they have a heap of foodie experiences that are really worth building a weekend around).
Then there is Below & Above, a family estate whose name says it all – below the ground truffles, nurtured in cool soils near Manjimup, and above the ground small-batch pinot noir, chardonnay and merlot just outside Pemberton. Produced using regenerative viticulture practices and organic fertilisers that respect the pristine environment, their wines are known for their elegance and restraint. The cryo-dried Truffle Pétale is a wonderful addition to the pantry, with just 5g delivering the same punch as 25g of fresh truffle.
Tall timber honey
The towering jarrah, karri and marri trees that define this landscape flower with a real intensity – and the honey that results from the busy bees working the blooms is truly something special. Jarrah honey, in particular, has earned an international reputation for its remarkable bioactive properties. Low Gi, rich in antioxidants and antibacterial compounds, it’s as good for you as it is delicious. (See Sweet as: All about honey for a deeper dive into this divine ingredient.)
Forest Fresh is a family business with an impressive beekeeping heritage that dates back more than 100 years. They source premium pure, raw and natural honey from the best beekeepers in the Southern Forests. Their head scientist ensures every batch meets strict quality criteria and the range, from jarrah honey at different activity levels to the Happy Quokka Honey blend, can be delivered to your door. It is, as they like to say, liquid gold, whether simply spread on toast or added to a favourite dish. Pair it with quince and walnuts, or make a banana honeybread, for starters.
Nuts about walnuts
Southern Forests producers have a knack for taking something beloved elsewhere in the world and growing it at a standard that makes others take notice. Truffles are one example. Walnuts are another.
Omega Walnuts is the only large-scale walnut grower in Western Australia. After extensive research, the Williams family planted their first walnut trees in Nannup 15 years ago. The property is now Australia’s largest certified organic walnut farm. They also manage 20,000 trees across 55ha in Manjimup, where the Omega Premium walnuts are grown, processed and packaged.
Crunchy, sweet and creamy, these wonderful walnuts are available in both premium and certified organic varieties online and through a range of outlets in the region, as well as Perth. Toss them through a salad, fold them in a cake or simply scoff them by the handful, and thank us later.
It is clear the Southern Forests is a generous and delicious provider. Whether you are loading up on cherries in December, picking up a pinot from a cellar door, or tasting creamy avocadoes where they were grown, the flavours will stay with you long after you leave those towering timbers behind.
We love all of Western Australia’s remarkable regions. Read Five reasons we love the South West’s produce, Five reasons we love Great Southern food, and Five reasons we love the Wheatbelt’s produce. And stay tuned as we continue to spread the love across the State.