A TOOBORAC business has been recognised in a major Australian competition with two medal awards for its products at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show.
Allenbee Fields Preserves won Gold for its Zucchini Relish and Bronze for its Raspberry Jam.
Lee Buttler, owner of Allenbee Fields Preserves, said that she was thrilled to have her products recognised on the national stage.
“I have been operating my business for around five years and am thrilled to have my products recognised at this prestigious competition,” Ms Buttler said.
“I’ve been operating for about 5 years, from my farm kitchen in Tooborac, making preserves and selling them through markets and selected stockists. I originally stated the business as a side interest and was amazed when it took off over COVID and it is now a full-time passion,” she added.
Visitors to the Yea Railway and Tallarook Farmers markets will be familiar with Ms Buttler’s products. Her pop-up stall is also a feature of markets at Abbotsford, Avenel, Euroa, Essendon and Nagambie.
Allenbee Fields Preserves products are also sold through the Tooborac Pie Shop, Lancefield Providore and the Seymour Information Centre.
“I am also excited to be attending Tastes of the Goulburn in October, which is a wonderful event for the Mitchell Shire,” Ms Buttler said.
Allenbee Fields Preserves has a range of around 24 products, all of which celebrate local and seasonal produce. They are made in small batches using traditional methods and recipes.
“I have been making preserves for as long as I can remember, having been taught traditional recipes and methods by my mother and grandmother. I started selling my products through the markets in 2017, as I felt everyone needed access to simple, delicious, hand-made preserves,” Ms Buttler said.
Ms Buttler says that preserves have a wide range of uses from marinading and dipping, to baking and grazing boards.
Her products take advantage of seasonal produce. She grows much of these herself and sources additional materials through suppliers, farmers markets from friends and family.
Information on Allenbee Fields Preserves can be found at www.allenbeefieldspreserves.com.au.