Chinese New Year markets

The Big Pineapple Markets, will celebrate Chinese New Year - the Year of the Green Wood Sheep, by offering tasty dishes like Green Asia baguette with coconut chicken and Asian salad, garlic pepper pork noodles, and Coconut Chicken Skewers with peanut dipping sauce, this Saturday 21 February.

Green Asia stall holders Belinda and Nam together with their business partner chef Amy Fulton will decorate their market stall with ornate red Chinese lanterns and sheep ornaments to get into the festive spirit of Chinese New Year.

It is the Year of the Green Wood Sheep. In Asian culture, the sheep is among the animals that people like most, as it is gentle and calm.

The sheep is also highly regarded because of its fleece’s versatile uses for keeping people warm and by-products like writing brushes. As the sheep is white, people see it as precious and an omen for good things to come.

Visitors to The Big Pineapple Markets will also appreciate the advice of butcher Vic Elliott from Stockman’s Choice, who will help them with cooking tips for lamb dishes like Mongolian Lamb, or Teriyaki Lamb stir fry to impress their loved one.

Award-winning stall holder Jane Caleo, who has notched up 20 years of running market stalls will entice shoppers with her fragrant goat’s milk soap, giftware and beach apparel.

Market goers will also be able to enjoy cane train rides, the fresh fruit juices and farmers’ produce, as well as enjoying cool breezes on the large, pram-friendly deck, overlooking the pineapple plantation.

Food connoisseurs will also be drawn to the tasty Maleny cheeses and yoghurts, as well as other international cuisine.

The heritage-listed Big Pineapple nestling on 165 hectares, at 76 Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye officially opened in mid-August in 1971, has been providing healthy family and tourist entertainment for more than four decades.

The Saturday markets are held from 6.30am to 1pm during the summer months and from 6.30am to 2pm in the cooler months of the year.

For more information, phone Dean The Big Pineapple Markets manager on 5442 3102 or go online to www.bigpineapple.com.au or www.facebook.com/thebigpineapplemarkets