VCE Vocational Major
Waste2Taste
By Nathaniel Demavibas
During Periods 3 and 4, the Year 12 VM students continued working on our Waste to Taste project. This project was created to raise awareness about food waste and show how unused produce can be transformed into something valuable and enjoyable for the community.
Using leftover apples and fresh feijoas, students worked together to create a range of delicious products, including toffee apples, feijoa and apple marmalade, apple juice, and apple crumble pie.
The project allowed students to act on an important issue while developing teamwork, creativity, and practical food preparation skills. It was wonderful to see students making a positive impact by turning potential waste into tasty treats.
Watch the progress here!
Mrs Hills Apple Tree
By Ruby Eaton
From Branch to Bowl: Celebrating Ms. Hill’s 100-Year-Old Apple Tree
Nature has a way of telling stories, and in the garden of our very own Ms. Hill, there is a storyteller that has been standing tall for a century. This year, we had the incredible opportunity to harvest the fruit of her 100-year-old apple tree—a living piece of history that is still providing for our community a hundred years after it was planted.
The Fight Against Food Waste
While the harvest was a celebration, it also came with an important lesson: awareness
against food waste. Every year, millions of tons of perfectly good produce go to waste. We turned "imperfect" fruit into delicious treasures, proving that with a little creativity, we can respect our environment and enjoy the literal fruits of our labour.
From the Kitchen: Our Harvest Menu
To make the most of the bounty, we spent time transforming the apples into a variety of treats. Here is what we created:
● Toffee Apples: A classic childhood favorite with a crunchy, sweet shell.
● Apple Crumble Pie: Warm, spiced, and perfect for sharing.
● Fresh Apple Juice: Nothing beats the crisp, refreshing taste of juice straight from the source.
● Apple and Feijoa Marmalade: A unique, tangy preserve that pairs the heritage apples with the bold flavor of feijoa.
Why It Matters
This project wasn't just about cooking; it was about sustainability. When we use what we grow, we reduce our carbon footprint and honor the time and energy nature puts into growing our food.
Next time you see a fruit tree in your neighborhood or a "bruised" apple in your kitchen, remember Ms. Hill’s 100-year-old tree. Everything has value if you know how to use it!
"Cutting food waste is a delicious way to save the planet."
How did the marmalade turn out—did the feijoa flavor come through pretty strong?
The Centenarian Harvest: Lessons from Ms. Hill’s Backyard
At 100 years old, Ms. Hill’s apple tree is more than just a landmark—it’s a reminder of the importance of reducing food waste. This season, we stepped up to ensure its historic bounty didn't go to waste, turning a massive harvest into a celebration of sustainability.
Creative Cooking, Zero Waste
To honor the tree’s century of growth, we transformed the fruit into four delicious treats:
● Classic Toffee Apples
● Warm Apple Crumble Pie
● Cold-Pressed Apple Juice
● Apple & Feijoa Marmalade
Small Steps, Big Impact
Food waste is a global issue, but the solution starts in our own gardens. By harvesting local fruit and preserving it, we reduce our environmental footprint and keep history alive. Let’s make sure no "imperfect" fruit goes unused!
Mrs Jayne Hill