Join me for a culinary adventure with Reuben Riffel and Fairtrade SA!

When I began my exciting new journey as Getaway’s multimedia journalist, little did I know that I would soon find myself engrossed in a lively conversation with the renowned Reuben Riffel. Our topic of discussion? Whether or not it’s wise to salt springbok before searing it to perfection. As we delved into this culinary debate, one of the friendly waiters from Moyo, situated at the picturesque V&A Waterfront, graciously refreshed my glass with a delightful concoction of pomegranate-rooibos grape juice.

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration and anticipation for what lies ahead in my new role. If this captivating encounter was any indication, I knew that my journey as a multimedia journalist would be brimming with thrilling experiences.

Hey there! I have an exciting story to share with you. It all happened during Fairtrade Week, a special occasion that marked the official introduction of Reuben Riffel as the newest Fairtrade SA Brand Ambassador. The Fairtrade team was buzzing with activity for the past five days, organizing a range of events to raise awareness about the immense power we hold in our wallets. Let me tell you about one mind-blowing example that left me astounded.

Imagine this: If just half of the wine produced in South Africa was Fairtrade, do you know how much money could be used by farm workers for education and investment? And remember, we’re only talking about half of the wine produced here! The answer is a staggering R140 million. Can you believe that? It really makes you ponder, doesn’t it?

However, even though we are not at that point yet, there are still so many products you can support! From Bean There coffee to Cadbury’s chocolate (because who needs an excuse for chocolate, right?), there’s a whole range of Fairtrade products waiting for you. You can take a look at the complete list on the FairtradeSA website.

Let’s talk about Reuben. I’m going to share with you an idea of how he cooks, but remember, he’s not big on following strict recipes. He believes in letting your taste buds be your guide. According to him, the chef who wrote the cookbook doesn’t know your stove, so feel free to make any changes you want.

So I started by searing the springbok, right? Added some butter and whole sprigs of thyme as it gained color. Now let me tell you, springbok has to be cooked to medium-rare. If someone asks for it well done, well, they might as well have some well-seasoned boot instead!

As I watched the springbok taking a break, I decided to make a mouthwatering dish. I started by sautéing onions and garlic, along with fragrant bay leaves and thyme. The sizzling sound and aroma were simply delightful. Then, to enhance the flavors, I tossed in some crispy pancetta and deglazed the pan with a combination of port and brandy. The scent wafting through the air was absolutely heavenly.

Next, I poured in some rich, high-quality stock to create a savory base for my masterpiece. But here’s where the magic happened: I added a Fairtrade twist by incorporating chocolate into the mix. Now, I know what you’re thinking – chocolate in a savory dish? But trust me, it can be a game-changer.

While chocolate sauces on meat may seem like an unusual combination, it has become more accepted in the culinary world. Unfortunately, some use it as a cheap gimmick to attract attention, rather than to truly enhance the flavor. However, if you have a well-balanced sauce, the addition of chocolate can take it to a whole new level.

So, don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected flavor combinations. Just remember, balance is key. When used correctly, chocolate can elevate a dish and awaken your taste buds in a delightful way. Give it a try – you might be pleasantly surprised by the results!

To make the sauce, I strained out the chunky bits and then added a broken bar of Cadbury’s chocolate along with some butter. Because why not throw in some blueberries too? (Although, let’s be real, I doubt any of us have the time or patience for a pear and celeriac puree simmered in milk.)

Once I finished slicing the springbok, I carefully laid it over the puree. Each portion was generously covered in sauce and served with juicy figs on the side. It didn’t take long before all that remained was a tantalizing aroma of chocolate and the contented sighs of satisfied journalists.

Somehow, the laws of physics seemed to bend when it came to dessert. Our stomachs miraculously made room for a mouthwatering Fairtrade coffee granita, accompanied by a dollop of creamy chocolate ice cream and a swirl of whipped cream.

I’m really focused right now, trying to figure out the various flavors I can taste in this dish.

Hey there! I recently had the awesome opportunity to visit Bosman farm in Wellington as part of my Fairtrade journey. It was such an eye-opening experience to see firsthand how Fairtrade practices positively impact local farmers and their communities.

When I arrived at the farm, I was amazed by the lush green landscapes and the vibrant colors of the crops. The farmers at Bosman have truly embraced sustainable farming practices, focusing on organic methods and fair labor conditions. It was clear that they take great pride in their work and are committed to delivering the highest quality products while caring for the environment.

During my visit, I had the chance to chat with some of the farmers and learn about the challenges they face. They explained how Fairtrade certification ensures that they receive fair prices for their products, allowing them to support their families and invest in their farms. It was inspiring to hear their stories and see the positive impact Fairtrade has had on their lives.

Another aspect that struck me was the sense of community and collaboration among the farmers. They shared knowledge and resources to improve their farming techniques and help each other succeed. It was a beautiful demonstration of the power of unity and working together towards a common goal.

As I left Bosman farm, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful for a future where more farmers can benefit from Fairtrade practices. It’s incredible to see how a simple choice, like buying Fairtrade products, can make a real difference in the lives of farmers and their communities.

So if you’re looking to make a positive impact, I encourage you to consider choosing Fairtrade products in your daily life. By supporting farmers like those at Bosman farm, you’re not only enjoying high-quality goods, but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Guess what? I have some super exciting news to share with you!

Reuben Riffel, the incredible celebrity chef, has just become the brand new ambassador for Fairtrade! How cool is that?

If you’re not familiar with Fairtrade, let me fill you in. Fairtrade is a movement that aims to make sure farmers and workers in developing countries get treated fairly and receive good payment for the products they create. It’s all about supporting equality and giving people a fair chance to thrive.

I think it’s such an important cause to get behind because it helps to combat poverty and create a more just world. When you buy products that have the Fairtrade mark on them, you’re making a positive difference in someone’s life.

Reuben Riffel, being the superstar that he is, is the perfect person to represent Fairtrade. He’s known for his incredible culinary skills and his passion for quality ingredients. Now, he’s using his fame to raise awareness about Fairtrade and the amazing work they do.

So, if you’re someone who loves good food and cares about making the world a better place, Fairtrade is definitely something you should check out. By supporting Fairtrade, you’re not only enjoying delicious products, but you’re also contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future. How awesome is that?

Curious to learn more? Just click here to visit the FairtradeSA website and discover all the incredible things they’re doing. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Oh, and before I forget, there are some amazing photos taken by Candice Chaplin that you don’t want to miss. Check them out below!