Cheap cuts and preserves may not seem much of an anniversary present but they're on the menu for next Monday (8 March) and plenty of interest is anticipated.
Tupare, one of New Plymouth's premier heritage properties, is putting on an Anniversary Day Farmers Market from 9am to noon, with the addition of free workshops on using meat off-cuts and preserving fruit and vegetables.
"It's an ideal opportunity not only to sample and buy local produce, but also to learn how to make the most of it and, in the case of preserves, how to enjoy them even when they're out of season," says the Taranaki Regional Council's Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine.
Besides the Farmers Market stalls, there will also be a growers stall where local producers will be selling their excess harvest. Growers wanting to take part can all 0800 736 222 and ask to be put through to Tupare.
The meat workshop will run from 10am to 10.30am. "We'll learn how economical cuts of meat can make substantial and healthy meals," says Mr Rine. "You don't need to live on fillet steak - there are plenty of good lean cuts of meat to eat. In some ways you have to relearn the way your grandma cooked."
The session will cover meals such as slow-cook casseroles soups, stir-fries and more.
The preserving workshop will run from 11am to 11.30am, covering goodies such as fruity jams, bottled fruit, tasty pickles and chutneys.
"There's growing interest in healthy, economical and authentic food, and these workshops will sit nicely alongside the Farmers Market and local growers stall," says Mr Rine.
The Anniversary Day market and workshops are part of a year-round programme of free public events at Tupare and at Kaponga's Hollard Gardens, another heritage property owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region.
For more information, see www.tupare.info and www.hollardgardens.info.
Tupare and Hollard Gardens are open from 9am to 8pm daily. Entry is free.