Today I got a few items that were on my shopping list that I was given when leaving Darwin. Tasmania is noted for its hardwood trees, the Huon Pine being the most famous, it is one of the slowest growing, and longest living plants in the world. Some mature trees have been estimated to be up to 3,000 years old. Only the North American bristlecone is older. As it contains an oil which inhibits fungi or wood rot it is prized for ship building and cabinet making. No trees can now be cut down so only trees blown down in storms or those previously cut but left , can be used.
Huon Pine. 
Huon Pine and Blackwood bowl
Huon Pine, Blackwood and Myrtle timbers
Other timbers used are the Sassafras that has a strong pattern of light and dark grain, the King Billy Pine which is also very slow growing , Blackwood and Myrtle.
King Billy Pine.
King Billy Pine.
Huon Pine Bowl
Another tree often used for timber work is the Leatherwood which is endemic to Tasmania and has a limited range. It is also famed for its honey which has a distinctive spicy flavour and is very popular when it is available.
Other temptations which are available here are the different jams, mainly berries such as Raspberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Loganberries, Blueberries, Blackcurrants and Gooseberries. Other jams made from apples, quinces and figs were also available. One jam was labelled The Black Death, it was made from Blackberries, chocolate and brandy, high in calories but delicious.
Myrtle cutting board, Leatherwood honey and a Huon Pine honey dipper
Fudge in various flavours are also here, again they are not recommended for those with cholesterol problems but the range offered was tempting.
As well as the normal wines from grapes there were also various apple drinks such as mead, including a Spiced Apple Liquor Mead, apple vodka, apple ale, and other fruit wines.
Then there were the more mundane items such as T Shirts, ear muffs for the cold weather , and the usual touristy items.
As well as the normal wines from grapes there were also various apple drinks such as mead, including a Spiced Apple Liquor Mead, apple vodka, apple ale, and other fruit wines.
Then there were the more mundane items such as T Shirts, ear muffs for the cold weather , and the usual touristy items.
It doesn't show well but the pattern on the black T shirt was Tasmanian Tigers against a mountainous background
Also in this area were a few restaurants, the pie shop is opened 24 hours which is unusual for Hobart and its wide range of pies included the standard meat types but also egg and bacon, cauliflower, pasties and rolls. Plus they had good coffee and plenty of cakes.
Also in this area were a few restaurants, the pie shop is opened 24 hours which is unusual for Hobart and its wide range of pies included the standard meat types but also egg and bacon, cauliflower, pasties and rolls. Plus they had good coffee and plenty of cakes.
2 comments:
if i were there, i would definitely buy those jams too...yes, i will try & love the black death (despite the cholesterol)....arhh, couldnt be bothered that much leh !!!
Ours has not been opened yet, keeping it for a special occasion though Christine has wallopped the fig and quince jam
Post a Comment