Information for householders

Since its inception, the SA Department of Agriculture has provided information to South Australia’s householders and home gardeners about the growing, storing and use of fruits, vegetables and other foods. During early development of the state, successful home growing and use of produce was essential for survival and prosperity of the community.

For further information about the Home Gardens Service, to South Australian communities.

Some early publications for householders about storing fruit included:

• “Fruit Preserving for Domestic Supplies – Hints for Beginners” by George Quinn, Bulletin no. 16, 1905. A detailed summary of preserving equipment and processes to be used for different fruits and vegetables.
• “Fruit Drying for Beginners” by George Quinn, Bulletin No 31, 1912, provided detailed diagrams and information about establishing a small scale fruit drying operation.

During 1976, Post Harvest Research Officer Adrian Dahlenburg developed simplified home techniques for sulphuring and drying fruit products using sodium or potassium metabisulphite dips. A series of highly popular fact sheets were published, including:

• “Drying Fruit at Home the Easy Way” by Adrian Dahlenburg, Fact Sheet 9/76, 1976. This gives a detailed summary making slab dried fruit (Kamaradin) and confectionery using potassium metabisulphite.
• “Drying Stonefruit from the Garden” by Adrian Dahlenburg, Fact Sheet 78/76, 1976. A simple technique for drying fruit halves using sodium or potassium metabisulphite.