Slow Food Melbourne is a non-for-profit organisation which hosts markets in Spotswood and Footscray twice a month, for makers and growers.
Their open harvest project is the newest project linked to the market , which President Alison Peake said is designed for collecting and mapping local fruit trees in the west.
“The idea is designed so people can gelocate fruit trees in their neighbourhood, using the website.
“We hope this will educate people about what trees they have in the area.”
Ms Peake said one click on the website will direct them to stand in front of a tree, take a photo of it and put it on the website.
“There will be the option to put different information in about the tree.
“It might be whether the tree is independently owned , or if the fruit is just for the owner to be shared to the public.”
Ms Peake said this idea started in the western suburbs, because of the many migrant families who have established gardens and fruit gardens.
“There are also plans for the implementation of a series of workshops to teach people about the tree they have and what to do with the different seasonal produce.
“One example workshop might be focused on when lemons are in season, the participants might learn how to make lemonade or lemon chicken with their fresh produce.
“These workshops will hopefully get people who’ve got trees involved, either with doing things themselves or with sharing the fruit with people.
“The workshops will be taught by a variety of people, including chefs, farmers and other food specialists.”
