On 21 October, Brisbane foodies are invited to celebrate the fresh taste of plant-based foods at the Pure Planta Food Fiesta, which will also host the city’s first ever vegan cooking competition.
The event, which runs from 11am-2pm, is the culmination of a 12-month research project funded by QUT Institute for Future Environments investigating why people choose veganism and how plant-based foods can help to reduce the burden on our environment.
Research leader Dr Ozgur Dedehayir, from QUT Business School, said people were looking for fresh seasonal food and were increasingly concerned about improving human health and animal welfare issues, particularly in the meat and dairy industries.
Brisbane’s food scene is also getting on board with plant-based foods, which include dishes prepared with plants only (vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds) and without animal products (meat, milk, cheese and yoghurt).
To give people a chance to experience plant-based foods and challenge their assumptions about vegan eating, QUT researchers have combined forces with food connoisseurs including chefs, restaurants and food producers to host the Pure Planta Food Fiesta at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Attendees will be able to enjoy plant-based canapes, dishes and desserts, and find boutique drinks and desserts from other plant-based brands.
Those who are creative in the kitchen can share their best vegan recipes online for the opportunity to compete in a plant-based cooking competition. Online submissions will be judged by a panel of Brisbane’s culinary experts, and finalists will be selected to cook live at the fiesta.
For more information, visit www.pureplanta.org or follow on Twitter @pureplantafood.
This initiative is supported by QUT Institute for Future Environments, QUT Business School and the QUT Foundry.