Anthony Bauer ‐ Bauer Farms

Anthony Bauer was born to farm. When the previous four generations of your family have been farmers, it seems to get into your blood. However, being a farmer is about being adaptable and it is this tradition that is Anthony's true inheritance. Bauer's was first established in 1885 in Gatton QLD, and a century later in the 1980's became Bauer's Organic Farm. Bauer's Organic Farm in Mt Sylvia, QLD, has worked with Woolworths for eleven years and today supply carrots, potatoes, celery, onions and lettuce. To qualify for the certified organic logo, which all their products bear, Bauer's has to adhere to many strict rules and regulations.

For potatoes the soil has to be certified organic before any actual growing can begin. When preparing to grow carrots the Bauers' actually pre-irrigate the land in order to germinate the seeds of any weeds that may be there. When the weeds grow they can then be burnt off and the land is weed free at the optimal germination depth.

"I love where I live and farm, here in Mt Sylvia the climate, the soil and the pure water combine to create a very special place. I love seeing the different and beautiful changes that the farm goes though each year."- Anthony Bauer

This enthusiasm is rewarded every time he sees somebody enjoying his carefully grown produce, so he is keen to get the word out. When buying organic products, Anthony recommends to always look for the certified organic logo. Carrots provide a great source of beta carotene which is converted into vitamin A with the body. They are also a good source of fiber. When buying them, he encourages people to look for clean, vibrantly coloured vegetables with no major cuts or breaks. They can be stored in a sealed bag in the fridge and are wonderful raw in salads or baked, boiled and steamed. They're at their best from June to December.

Potatoes should have no green parts when you buy them. They need to be stored in a cool dark, dry area and can be baked, boiled, steamed or fried. Anthony loves cutting them into wedges and drizzling them with olive oil and sea salt. Potatoes are an important supply of carbohydrates and vitamin C.

Celery should be compact and clean with leaves sprouting from the top third. It needs to be stored in the fridge and will go floppy if it is exposed to the air to dry out. Raw or cooked, celery is great in loads of recipes. Anthony recommends throwing it into a stir fry for extra crunch. Celery provides a source of vitamin C. Plus, as it only has 16 calories per 100 grams it is excellent for those managing their weight.

Lettuce should be lovely and crisp when you buy it and should be kept in the bag it comes in inside your fridge. The Lovebirds lettuce is a delicious sweet lettuce that is great in salads.

Onions should be hard and well shaped. If they crackle when handled they will have a longer shelf life. Store them in a cupboard with good ventilation and try them in soups, stews or your favourite stir fry.

Organic products are increasing in popularity all the time and Anthony can see the potential to grow his range with demand. As four generations before him have done, Anthony is prepared to steer Bauer's Organic Farm through Australia's changing needs and provide top quality produce.