Products: Microgreens and edible flowers
What: Back in 1978, the Rattray family started growing lucerne seeds and selling the sprouts. They made the ingenious marketing move of renaming the sprouts alfalfa – as lucerne is something fed to farm animals – and a thriving business was founded. Generations on, the Rattrays still lead the nation in edible microgreens and flowers.
Where: Glenburn, Murrindindi Shire, Taungurung Country
Who: The Rattray Family
Lily Rattray, tell us about your range.
A lot of people will be familiar with our products and will have enjoyed them over the years – we work very closely with the restaurant industry. Presently, we have about 40 different types of edible flowers, from cornflowers that we call Sapphire Buttons to crisp and peppery nasturtium flowers called Amazon Express. We grow microgreens such as basil, chives, and chickpeas. We also offer petite vegetables, such as tiny carrots, baby French breakfast carrots, and coloured baby cauliflowers.
Do you have anything in the pipeline?
You are going to love oyster leaves. We are getting our stock from coastal Scotland. Chefs in the northern hemisphere have been using it a lot because the grey-green leaves taste just like an oyster. We have tasted it with a scant topping of salmon roe and native lime, then eaten it like an oyster.
You like working at the farm?
It is a joy to work at the farm, although these days I am mostly in the office. When I’m out picking flowers, there are rows of different-coloured flowers, and the aroma is quite something. You are always tempted to take little bites of flavour and aroma.
You work closely with chefs.
We are always talking to chefs – what they want, what they have seen, and asking them how they are using our products. We have them up to the farm and show them around. We have them walking through the farm, tasting things, and asking, “Can I eat this?” My brother James spends a lot of time working with the industry, often dining at restaurants, so he knows the chefs. I’m an avid follower of the industry, keeping up with emerging chefs.
Where can we get your produce?
If anyone wants to contact us, simply visit our website, and we can start talking. Otherwise, we are at stall 32 at the Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market, and our products are sold through greengrocers. flowerdalefarm.com.au