 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
With the tropical rainforests of the northern mangrove inlets, interior-lying flat pastoral lands, and lush, green southern pastures, the landscape of Australia never fails to surprise. Like its people and its cuisine, Australia is full of fascinating contrasts. Home to a population of just more than 20 million people, yet with a landmass roughly as large as the continental United States, Australia benefits from an abundance of unspoiled, wide-open spaces that are perfectly suited for agricultural production, and cold, clean coastal waters ideal for fishery. Leading Australian chefs and innovative wine makers and food producers have made the most of Australia's many natural gifts, and now consumers all over the world are able to experience the delicious diversity, exotic uniqueness and unsurpassed quality of Australia's finest foods. Commonly known as "Mod Oz", Australia's modern cuisine draws from culinary methods inspired by immigrants from nations including Vietnam, Thailand, Italy and Greece. Indigenous spices, native flavors and local ingredients are showcased through a diverse approach to cooking that reflects Australia's rich history, heritage and cultural influences. The various regions of Australia make their own significant culinary contributions with unique regional | specialties that reveal the distinctive characteristics of the areas from which they come. Victoria, for example, is a region well known for its cheeses, as it is home to pristine green pastures that are perfect for grazing dairy cows and sheep. The Yarra Valley, with a climate ideal for thriving fruit farms and olive groves, is known for its production of specialty foods, while the state of South Australia is renowned for its production of fine wines and vibrant, fruity olive oils. Western Australia is best known for its wines, primarily Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the pastures of New South Wales provide an ideal setting for Australia's production of specialty meats. Queensland, the "Sunshine State", is known for native foods, including macadamia nuts and tropical fruits, which it produces. Located to the south of the mainland, Tasmania has also become recognized in its own right as a source of some of Australia's most valued wines and food delicacies. And it is from the Hunter Valley, just a short drive from Sydney, that Australia's famed Semillon wines hail. From internationally acclaimed cheeses, to exotic spices, native ingredients and fine wines, the unparalleled quality and unforgettable flavors of Australia's foods will excite the most discerning of palates, and offer a distinctive dining experience as unique and diverse as Australia itself. |
