Time to celebrate the Southland swede
“Often thought of as livestock feed, or a bland, overboiled side dish, and sold at roadside stalls, the humble swede is being redefined.
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It’s time to celebrate the humble Southland swede.
A unique new Rootstock Festival will be held in Southland in April. The event has been dreamt up by Louise Evans (Wee Magazine), Blair Savory (MASSAV Productions), and Anna Kirkwood.
Evans said there were a couple of goals attached to the idea.
One was to create a landmark event that not only celebrates the agricultural heritage of Southland but also showcases the province’s incredible produce, culinary creativity, and sense of humour.
The second goal is to make a fuss about swedes in the month of April.
“There’s a noticeable rise in Southland swede awareness across the country,” Evans said.
“Often thought of as livestock feed, or a bland overboiled side dish, and sold at roadside stalls, the humble swede is being redefined. This isn’t your typical winter mash.
“Talented chefs and local bakers (and chocolatiers) are embracing the swede’s simple charm and elevating it from humble beginnings to the centerpiece.”
The April 20 Rootstock Festival will be held in a grassroots setting in a paddock at Wilson’s Veges Farm on the Winton Lorneville Highway.
The festival will feature an afternoon of swede-inspired activities, from cooking demonstrations to swede bowling to a diverse music lineup.
Those turning swedes into feeds will include Kadin Conner - chef of Fin and Feather in Rakiura - with swede sorbet, a muttonbird dish, and even a vodka.
Chef Ethan Flack - a fine-dining heavyweight in Invercargill - is already known for his refreshing swede tacos, and swede noodle soup that redefines how you think of the root vege.
Local students from the culinary school at Southern Institute of Technology are whipping up swede-as dishes; vegan baker, Jessintha Leith from Herbie’s Fully Vegan is baking it into sweet delights; along with more chefs, food innovators, and even chocolatiers joining the swede spree.
Attendees will be able to indulge in unique swede dishes, with tastings ranging from $2 to $10.
Bring your gumboots, enjoy a day full of entertainment, culinary curiosities, and embrace the humble swede.
Note: The event is R18, cash-only and not wheelchair accessible.
Tickets are on sale at swedefest.nz