With things in the Middle East as grim as they are the increased cost of oil is beginning to take effect.

Tasmania as an Island State is very susceptible to increases in fuel costs. I am already receiving notifications at work of transport companies and fuel surcharges to their freight rates. This will cause an across the board increase in the cost of living and makes me glad that I grow at least some of my own food. We have been paying a fuel surcharge on shipping containers from the USA for the past three months and this looks likely to continue, at least for the foreseeable future.

Unleaded petrol costs AU $1.10/litre at the moment approx. US $3.50/gallon or GBP1.95/gall, how does that compare with what you are currently paying.

Speaking of oil, we used extra light Olive oil in the Rye pastry. It wasn’t 100% successful; it either was slightly undercooked or used slightly too much oil. You will need to juggle it around until it feels right. All you pastry cooks out there don’t need me to tell you how to make pastry.

Tasmania has a burgeoning Olive industry developing. Using special cold climate strains there are thousands of acres of Olive groves under development along with the associated processing equipment. Like our wine sector they are targeting the gourmet upper end of the market and prices vary between $20 – 30$ per 750ml bottle AUD. I haven’t been game to try it, mainly because I can’t afford to pay that on a regular basis and the taste of it might put me off the beautiful Greek oil that I currently use.

I don’t know if we produce enough to export yet but keep a look out in your local deli or HFS for Extra Virgin Tasmanian Olive Oil.