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March 30th, 2017
We sow the greatest variety of pumpkin seeds we can find that include impressive favourites such as Turks Turban, Flat White Boer, Dill’s Atlantic Giant, Big Moon, Queensland Blue and Halloween. Early autumn we start harvesting the pumpkins we planted in spring. Apart from roasting them whole, this is a favourite way for our chefs to serve up these autumn favourites.
March 22nd, 2017
New to our garden here at Babylonstoren is the medicinal planting that includes species said or proven to cure an array of ailments. Some have been chosen for their beauty, others for historical interest, aroma or remedial qualities.
June 27th, 2016
Although claimed by many, the origin of Kombucha remains a mystery. Most sources attribute this “magic tea” to the Chinese, dating back over 5000 years. We have to admit that a jar of fermenting Kombucha looks like a science experiment: however, the end-product is a deliciously refreshing drink with many alleged health benefits.
April 28th, 2016
On the farm we use most of our olives to make extra virgin olive oil – a medium style, but complex blend of five cultivars: Frantoio, Mission, Don Carlou, Leccino and Corratina. We also preserve the whole fruits in brine or salt for the two restaurants, black calamata and green Nonchellara.
April 19th, 2016
It’s believed that station commander Jan van Riebeeck planted the first quince trees in Africa from pips that he brought from Holland. Quince trees are often used as rootstock for other fruit trees. In our garden, we’ve grafted old-fashioned medlar trees onto some quince rootstock.
November 20th, 2015
Oh, we love this time of the year! Everything on the farm reminds us of joy - vibrant green vines, the early summer produce in the garden, holiday vibe amongst our visitors.
November 6th, 2015
We're on the brink of summer, the bountiful season. Warmer days bring a new burst of new energy; farmer Hannes and team thinning out young plums and topping vines. They also planted risotto in our rice paddy, next to the vlei. You'd think you're in Po Valley of Italy, where a hundred thousand women from the South once came to tend the harvest.
October 2nd, 2015
You know that slightly rushed, panicked feeling that characterises most of our lives? It is no excuse. Bees have it too, in fact they live to be only six or seven weeks old. What they achieve in so little time is remarkable. Through their masterful pollination skills and their sexy little dances, they are responsible for over one third of all the food we eat.
July 17th, 2015
Every winter our master baker and chef Karen Pretorius flies abroad to work alongside fellow artisan producers. This year she left little Trompie and the chicken brood heartbroken to spend time with animals of a different feather.
June 18th, 2015
From June through to August, the crisp cold brings with it sweet root vegetables, pulled fresh from the soil; warmed wine; the vibrant orange of pumpkins and citrus; and the rich green of winter leaves.