Think Wine for Easter? ThinK Wine!

As part of our Easter treats series, That's Food and Drink is taking a look at wines for Easter. 

In this report more specifically, the remarkable ThinK Wine.

Almost all of us are trying to live our best lives, looking after our health, yes, but also looking to have a good time, also.

Looking for a lower sugar intake this Easter? If so, ThinK Wine could be the perfect choice of sparkling wine to bring some low sugar bliss to your Easter dining. 

It scores remarkably well with my wife and I for being low in sugar, calories and carbs. It also pairs very nicely with a traditional fish supper on Good Friday, or with lamb and also adds some pizzazz to chocolates, including those massive Easter eggs!

Prosecco and sparkling rose are perfect for any celebration, but now, in time for Easter, there's something that is lower in calories, but at the same time retaining all the taste you have come to demand and also kept the alcohol percentage volume.

ThinK Wine is an award-winning prosecco and sparkling rose brand which offers drinkers a healthier alternative. In blind taste tests it continually outperforms competitors, winning awards both at home in the UK and internationally, too.

It's available to purchase at https://www.thinkwinegroup.co.uk. 

So, what's happening with ThinK Wine that makes it so special and so healthy? It has only 75 calories and 0g carbs, 0g fat, with 0.58g of residual sugar per 125ml (interestingly thus legally classifying it as a zero sugar drink by UK standards), whilst  still retaining a very respectable ABV of 11%. But more importantly, especially for people like my wife who has an allergy to Stevia,  it contains absolutely no artificial sweeteners or ingredients. 

Who is behind ThinK Wine? This absolutely genius concept was created by 34-year-old wine entrepreneur Kath Jones from Aigburth in Liverpool. Actually only several miles from my day job's HQ office in Liverpool's iconic Exchange Flags building.

During her own weight loss journey Kath learned that there was a major gap in the market for a low sugar wine that, and this point seemed to have eluded some people in the world of wine production, actually has a taste that people actually like! In other words, ThinK Wine is a healthier option that tastes great, too.

You might be thinking what's Kath's secret? What's the magic behind ThinK Wine? Because a great tasting yet paradoxically low in sugar and calories wine might sound like something from the pen of J K Rowling, but the truth is that the answer lies in the selection of high quality grapes sourced from the Treviso region of Northern Italy. 

Unfortunately many easily available and cheaper proseccos add sugar and/or flavour enhancing additives to mask the fact that they used poorer quality grapes. 

But that's not ThinK Wine's way! ThinK allows the taste of the choicest and finest of Italian Glera grapes to shine through the wines. What does this mean? It means there's no need for added sugars, flavourings or sugar substitutes.

And thanks to its all-natural ingredients, ThinK Wine is great for people who are allergic to sulphites, as ThinK Wine is naturally low in sulphites too. So you can great the next morning with a clearer head. And that's got to be a good thing for everyone!

ThinK Pink – Organic Vegan Sparkling Rosé costs £20.99 a bottle.

Available to buy: https://www.thinkwinegroup.co.uk/collections/think-pink-sparkling-wine

What exactly is ThinK Pink? It's a Pinot Grigio Sparkling Rosé, that's a vegan and organic sparkling wine with both reduced sugar and calories. ThinK Pink is made from the finest Pinot Grigio grapes. 

ThinK Wine is also available by the case and in miniatures (200ml) to learn more or to purchase some bottles visit: https://www.thinkwinegroup.co.uk.

Codorníu Vegan and Organic Wines

Vegan and organic wines have become increasingly popular over the past several years with discerning drinkers looking for more environmentally sustainable wines that are lower in chemicals and sulphites.

Yet, there has been a gap in the market for premium organic and vegan wines so That's Food and Drink is sharing some options from Codorníu which we think you'd like to hear about, especially if you are stocking wines for Christmas and the New Year.

Codorníu has been crafting exceptional wines since 1551 (that's 472 years of wine making experience!) combining traditions with modern innovations. Their selection of vegan and organic wines are devoid of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, giving a richer, more vibrant, and fresher taste than regular wines.

All are easy on the wallet yet are bursting with elegance and flavour, please find below three excellent vegan and organic options from Codorníu:

Codorníu 1872 Organic Cava Brut

Crisp and refreshing, this classic Cava smells of citrus fruit and fresh apples, and has a fruity, zingy taste. Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours, then enjoy with tapas and olives as an aperitif – the ideal cava for a dinner party to impress without breaking the bank. Available from Waitrose for £10.99

Codorníu, Raventós Selección de la Familia Reserva

Refreshing and elegant, this wine is a blend of three indigenous Spanish grape varieties - Macabeo, Xarello, and Parellada - which altogether create a light and balanced flavour profile. On the nose, the wine has aromas of citrus and fresh fruits, with a hint of toasted bread and nuts. The palate is dry with notes of green apple and lemon, leading to a crisp and clean finish. Available from Waitrose for £9.99

Codorníu Clasico Organic

Made with a blend of the traditional grape varieties - Macabeu, Xarel.lo and Parellada - this cava is pale gold in colour with a fine, smooth texture. Fresh on the palate with intense aromas of apple and pleasant floral notes. Available from Ocado for £9.50

https://www.codorniu.com/en

Everersfield Organic launches new restaurant

Eversfield Organic, which is one of the UK's leading organic grocery stores, is absolutely thrilled to  be able to announce the opening of a new restaurant, The Farm Kitchen at its Totnes Farm Shop, Deli, and Cafe. 

The new restaurant offers an immersive dining experience, focusing on sharing the joy of eating great food with great companions.

Located above the farm shop and café at its premises on The Plains, Totnes (TQ9 5DR for your satnav!), The Farm Kitchen is a restaurant which brings communal feasting to South Devon with carefully curated sharing boards, steaks, and fondue as the highlights of its menu inspired by traditional Swiss Alpine offerings and produce from its adjacent organic farm.

With Eversfield Organic's mantra of 'enjoy food, enjoy life,' this is a fantastic dining experience which does precisely that, bringing people together who love good food and great, enjoyable conversations. It's a place to embrace the colder months with a gathering of friends and refuel with delicious, satisfying foods.

Grass fed beef that's succulent and absolutely filled with flavour will be cooked to perfection by the guests themselves on a dedicated hot stone; and there will also be bountiful grazing boards - meat, cheese and charcuterie and a veg boards, which are packed with seasonal and organic veggies, with marinades to be poured on. 

If guests opt for a fondue, a cauldron of delicious, melted cheese will be kept warm for dipping various offerings, swirling them into the cheese to create food that's incredibly, utterly delicious.

Mark Bury, who is the MD of Eversfield Organic, expressed his excitement about the new venture, saying, "Tucking into sharing plates which are as beautiful as they are tasty, cooking our organic beef on hot stones, and sharing mouth-watering fondue is a truly wonderful way to truly appreciate incredible food that is full of the flavours and tastes of the Westcountry. The boards are simply stunning. They're absolute works of art that make you really appreciate the food that's laid before you."

He further emphasised the philosophy behind The Farm Kitchen, "It's about slowing down, cooking, dipping, savouring, and relishing beautiful food that's been consciously reared and grown."

The compact menus at The Farm Kitchen feature steak and fondue for two, complemented by sharing boards of salads, sides, and desserts that reflect the changing seasons,  with delicious organic wines available to compliment the equally delicious food. These wines are made from organically grown grapes with minimal or reduced amounts of added sulphites.

Eversfield Organic was founded in 2004 by Mark Bury, starting as a local organic grocery service. It has since grown to offer nationwide deliveries. Alongside its online presence, Eversfield Organic operates various farm shops, organic inns, and cafes. Notably, the company runs the butcher's and fishmongers in Selfridges Food Hall, London. 

www.eversfieldorganic.co.uk

(EDITOR: Thinking ahead, this could well make a very good venue for dining over the Christmas period.)

Sustainable Summer Entertaining With Eversfield Organic's Range of BBQ Boxes

Pretty much everyone wants to host a barbecue party. But where do your source  (or sauce, even? sorry!) your meats?

What options are there for those who want their barbecue to be just that little bit more special than a quick dash to see what's left in the near-empty freezer of your nearest convenience store at the last minute?

But no! There's a better way! Just fire up the barbecue and cater to everyone's tastes with one of Eversfield Organic's BBQ Boxes. Using only the very highest quality organic ingredients, these specially selected meats and vegetables will elevate your outdoor dining events to new heights. 

They offer a wide selection of 100% grass fed organic meat, sourced directly from Eversfield Organic's very own pastures plus specially selected and highly trusted local suppliers, their commitment to sustainability and organic farming practices is evident in every item allowing for conscious food choices to be made safe in the knowledge that they are the right, ethical choices.

The collection features firm family favourites including Eversfield Organic's award-winning burgers and traditional, meaty sausages plus their home-crafted flavoured barbecue cuts. 

Eversfield Organic is one of the UK's leading organic online retailers. The BBQ Box range includes:

Ultimate BBQ Box (£55): indulge in Eversfield Organic's Ultimate BBQ experience offering an assortment of mouth watering organic meats, including succulent beef burgers, marinated chicken thighs, juicy lamb koftas, and handmade sausages. 

Traditional BBQ Box (£39.95): Embrace these timeless classics with Eversfield Organic's Traditional BBQ Box. This box brings their customers the familiar flavours to their grills, featuring organic beef burgers, pork sausages, chicken drumsticks, and succulent lamb chops. It really is the perfect choice for those who appreciate the traditional favourites of a summer BBQ.

Mega BBQ Box (£85.00): Catering for a larger party or event? Then you should take it to the next level with Eversfield Organic's Mega BBQ Box. Bursting with a genuinely extensive assortment of organic meats, including beef steaks, pork ribs, lamb cutlets, chicken kebabs, and gourmet burgers, this box ensures a plentiful and unforgettable feast for your larger gatherings. 

BBQ Grilling Veg Box (£15.00): For those seeking a fully vegetarian option or as an accompaniment to Eversfield Organic's meat offerings, Eversfield Organic's BBQ Grilling Veg Box offers a mouthwatering selection of organic vegetables that are perfect for grilling. 

The BBQ Boxes are available to buy on www.eversfieldorganic.co.uk. 

You can follow Eversfield Organic on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Clearspring Pledges 30k of Free Plant-Based Meals to Mark 30th Anniversary

Leading Japanese and organic fine foods specialist Clearspring is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and has teamed up with their long-term partner, plant-based community cookery school and food charity Made In Hackney, to donate 30,000 free plant-based meals to communities who are in need. 

Made in Hackney, which are celebrating their own 10th anniversary, will work with Clearspring to donate products and cooked meals to families and individuals who have emergency support needs.

Sarah Bentley, founder of Made in Hackney said: "Made In Hackney and Clearspring believe everyone should have access to high quality, healthy food that's good for people and the planet. Clearspring have supported our community cookery classes, meal service and fundraising activities with their incredible products for many years. 

"We're really pleased and delighted to partner with them now to provide 30,000 free plant-based meals to households with food support needs as part of Clearspring's 30-year anniversary."

Maria Dawson, who's the MD at Clearspring commented: “Reaching 30 years as an independent family business is a really great achievement to celebrate. We wanted to use this opportunity to make a concerted effort to give back to the community with our pledge to donate 30,000 free plant-based meals.” 

Alongside the food donation pledge, Clearspring will also be fundraising throughout the year to support the important work Made in Hackney is doing. Clearspring will also partner with other organisations including City Harvest, who help to distribute food to over 350 local charities offering food support to local communities.

Maria Dawson went on to say: “We also wanted to say thank you to everyone who's helped us reach this 30-year milestone. Thank you to the brilliant Clearspring team, the fantastic organic and Demeter certified farmers and artisan food producers, the committed wholesalers and retailers who stock our products and the loyal shoppers who choose to add Clearspring to their baskets every day. 

"Please know that your continued support is helping us realise our dream to create a more sustainable future and is enabling us to work and play to convert one more acre back to organic each day.”

Clearspring was founded in 1993 by award-winning organic Japanese and plant-based foods pioneer Christopher Dawson. Originally from New Zealand, he came to London to study organic and biodynamic farming and subsequently set-up and ran his own health food shop, East West Natural Foods, in London back in 1977.

Christopher decided to move to Japan in the 1980s to further his understanding of organic agriculture and made the country his home for the next 18 years, working with local artisanal producers to convert and comply with international organic standards. Clearspring was created as a way to help the producers he worked with share their unique traditional and organic products with a global audience.

From humble beginnings offering Organic Japanese Miso Soups, Teas and Tamari, Clearspring now offers a vast range of over 300 products across 30 categories, including Japanese specialities, Tofu, Seasonings, as well as European cold pressed oils, vinegars, snacks, purees, pasta and pasta sauces. All Clearspring products are plant-based, refined sugar free and made without the use of artificial additives or ingredients. Clearspring is available in over 60 countries around the world.

 You can find out more about the fundraising and food donation campaign by visiting https://www.clearspring.co.uk/blogs/news.

Waitrose launches the first ever UK own-label Fairtrade and organic coconut oil

Not only is it a fantastic product, it offers support to Sri Lankan farmers to invest in their farms, communities and their local environment.

The Waitrose Duchy Organic product also provides a donation to The Prince of Wales's Charitable Fund.

Waitrose has launched their new own label Coconut Oil, which is both organic and Fairtrade, the first of its kind in the UK.

This coconut oil is produced by the Sonmic Organic and Natural Farmers’ Association (SONFA). They are a small producer organisation which is based in Sri Lanka, and it prioritises organic farming with a strong focus on protecting their local environment. 

Fairtrade works with the coconut farmers to ensure they receive a fairer price for their crops, and the Fairtrade producer networks offer farmers training in environmentally friendly pest control techniques, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

Tom Shiel, who has, in my opinion, the extremely enviable job as Waitrose Buyer, said: “We're very pleased and proud to be the first UK supermarket to launch a 100% Fairtrade own label Coconut Oil. 

"Alongside great quality and taste, the product supports Sri Lankan farmers who produce the coconut oil to invest in their farms, communities and to protect their environment.”

Kerrina Thorogood, Partnerships Director at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We applaud Waitrose and SONFA for their collaborative efforts to bring this brilliant new Fairtrade product to UK supermarket shelves.

"Thanks to the Fairtrade Premiums that farmers receive for their certified products, SONFA have completed projects such as repairing the village’s community centre, which was also a pre-school for the farmers’ children. Previously the children weren’t able to attend classes on rainy days due to poor insulation and leaks. However, the building and school equipment have now been renovated, and they can afford to pay the salary of the preschool teacher. We’re delighted that Waitrose’s new partnership with SONFA will allow them to contribute to this vital work.”

Sales from Waitrose Duchy Organic provide a donation to The Prince of Wales's Charitable Fund. Since 2009, customers have helped Waitrose raise in excess of £30 million for good causes, supporting a wide range of projects and communities.

Sonmic Organic and Natural Farmers’ Association (SONFA) is a small producer organisation in Sri Lanka which produces coconuts among other products. They employ some 100 permanent paid employees who are disadvantaged by global trade. In 2018 SONFA became Fairtrade certified, and since then producers have been striving to improve their livelihoods and their aspirations or a better, brighter future.

SONFA prioritise organic farming, with a strong focus on protection of the environment through sustainable development. All the farms adhere to the Fairtrade Standards to ensure that all produce is of the highest quality and fit for both global and local markets.

https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/shop/browse/groceries/organic_shop/duchy

Kaytea Leads the Iced Tea Charge With a New White Peach and a Re-Energised Sparkling Rosay

Hot on the heels of its NEW game-changing Sainsbury's, Deliveroo, M&S, Zapp & Spinneys listings, Kaytea coldbrew teas drinks is fulfilling its 2023 pledge to not only continue innovating but move 100% from glass to aluminium.

June 23 will see the arrival of a NEW flavour:

WHITE PEACH (new): Showcasing green tea's unheralded prowess as the perfect light yet refreshing setting for white peach to prosper.

N.B. Did you know white peach is more delicate than yellow peach & blends seamlessly with our sublime cold brewed green tea

SPARKLING ROSAY (repackage): There's also a TASTEFUL repackage for Sparkling Rosay, quite possibly the most sophisticated iced tea within the Kaytea stable! Inspired by the unique flavour profile of a well-balanced Rose; Rosay is a 95% rose tea infusion that combines with pink guava and cherry, apple, radish and sweet potato concentrate to create an effortlessly effervescent iced tea.

According to Kaytea founder, Kevin Tang, 'Having underpinned our reputation as a perfect 'soft drink that can pair with delicate foods (tie-ups with Sainsbury's & M&S's sushi counters), we've now backing our urban listings with a move from glass to aluminium which is better suited to more urban focused retailers like Zapp, WeWork & Deliveroo.

Kaytea is a leading voice in the UK's growing iced tea movement that is predicted to exceed £285m by 2024.  For all kombucha's chiller cabinet momentum the fact remains that functional drinks are not everyone's cup of tea.

According to Kevin, "I realised long ago that there's a si
gnificant void in the soft drinks aisle that resides between bland sugary pop and overtly worthy functional brews.  Our primary focus has always been our tea prowess, which is why we visited over 250 tea estates to unearth the best providers of quality teas (black, white & green).  Yes, we could have easily added blends of lab made vitamins & minerals to claim some arbitrary health claims but that seemed counter-intuitive to our quest to be known for best-in-class, organic ingredients."

White Peach & Sparkling Rosay move to striking slimline cans will broaden Kaytea's reach and extend its appeal among farmshop & deli,  airlines, catering, vending & festival operators.

Kaytea.co.uk

Both 330ml lines will retail £1.60-£1.80 a can

Kaytea Leads the Charge When It Comes to Tasty, Headturning Coldbrew Teas

For tea enthusiasts with inquisitive taste buds your immersion into coldbrew tea is long overdue as this is a buoyant healthier living category that is forecast to be worth £285m in 2024. 

Iced tea has had to wait its turn behind an Iced Coffee pace setter that appeals to a younger audience looking for a more flavoursome caffeine hit than any sugar saturated energy drink can offer. And also those of us older foodies who are always on the lookout for a new taste sensation.

Coldbrew teas are as the name indicates a flavoursome brews where a top-quality white, green or black tea having been deliberately steeped in cold water and refrigerated is then used as the perfect foundation block for all manner of intriguing flavour marriages to prosper.

Kaytea took the time and trouble to make visits to in excess of 250 or the world's top tea estates to track down the perfect foundation block ingredients!

Kaytea for anyone not already in the know, is a rapidly growing and emerging iced tea hero that is slowly building an impressive head of steam (Abel & Cole, Partridges, M&S, Sainsbury's, Zapp, Dean & Deluca, WeWork, Deliveroo, Spinneys, to name only several.)

Once again, we're talking about a slow brewing idea that made its move during Lockdown when City high flyer, Kevin Tang decided that now was the perfect moment to nudge a deep-rooted love of tea in all its guises into a stylish soft drink alternative. 

Says Kevin, "Whilst I fully appreciate the move that feel-good kombuchas made into discerning chiller fixtures, I just couldn't help feeling a trick was still being missed with regards an all-natural soft drink that positioned itself somewhere between the bland mass market sugary pop that continues to overpower our taste buds and a new generation of overtly attention-seeking functional drinks.  

"Yes, we could have quite easily mixed in some lab created vitamins and minerals to claim some arbitrary health declarations but that seemed counter-intuitive to our commitment to organic, all-natural and ultimately free-trade ingredients."

"We felt that it was important to us to create iced teas that effortlessly paired with one's food as opposed to any cloying, sugary brews that hijack one's taste buds. This is the reason we're listed in both Sainsbury's and M&S stores where sushi is on offer!"

Kaytea, with its distinctive koala in sunglasses brand icon, is all sublime flavour marriages, mixing everyday fruit & botanical heroes (peach, mint, grapefruit and lemons) with some more exotic bedfellas (yazu, pink guava and jasmine)

"Contrary to urban myths there are no Australian ties to our brands, the koala is merely an internal gag around quality sounds like koala tea." 

He went on to say: "The moment for credible, health-conscious alternatives to lazy everyday offerings which is why we wanted to provide head-turning refreshment in conjunction with all-natural, low calorie recipes with only the lightest smidgeon of sweetness.

"Spring 2023 is the moment the last of Kaytea's lines make the inevitable transition from glass to slim aluminium cans, building upon learnings from 'wise owl' buyers and Department of Trade export initiatives (Gulfood) which suggested this range of ambitious British brewed soft drinks was missing out on countless foodservice, vending, hotel & hospitality, festival and airline opportunities, too.

"This means a striking new livery for Kaytea's meticulously balanced Sparking Rosay that was inspired by the unique flavour profile of a well-balanced Rosay, using a fragrant rose tea foundation in tandem with pink guava juice with natural cherry, apple, sweet potato and radish concentrates.  We know it sounds a little left field but quite honestly tasting is believing!"

Kaytea.co.uk

The Groovy Food Company Coconut and Cashew Scones and a Victoria sponge Cake

There's something very British about scones and Victoria sponge cakes. And these are two fantastic recipes!

The Groovy Food Company Coconut and Cashew Scones

Prep time – 30 minutes

Cook time – 15 minutes

Freeze time - 30

Serves - 8

Ingredients:

2 Large Eggs, Beaten

2 tbsp. Tahini

2 tbsp. Almond Milk

2 tbsp. The Groovy Food Company organic virgin coconut oil, melted

2 tbsp. The Groovy Food Company organic agave nectar, light amber & mild

2 tsp. Baking Powder

40g The Groovy Food Company organic coconut flour

85g Cashew Butter

70g Desiccated Coconut (Plus Extra 10g for Dusting, when Shaping)

50g Raisins

Tahini cream:

3. tbsp. Tahini

tbsp. The Groovy Food Company organic agave nectar, light amber & mild

1 tbsp. Water

2 Pinches Sea Salt

Serving Suggestion:

Sugar Free Jam

Method:

Preheat the oven to 400°F, gas mark 6, 200°C (180°C fan-assisted).

Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone-baking mat.

In a mixing bowl beat the eggs; add the tahini, almond milk, coconut oil, agave nectar and baking powder and mix until smooth and baking powder has dissolved.

Add the coconut flour, cashew butter and desiccated coconut, the mixture should be a thick consistency, to enable you to form a ball. Add the raisins into the mixture and then refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes.

Sprinkle your worktop with the extra, desiccated coconut. Shape the dough into a round ball with your hands and place it on surface with the desiccated coconut. Using your hands lightly flatten out the dough, take great care not to flatten the dough any thinner than 1 inch (2.5 cm) – this is the secret of well-risen scones, measure it if you're not sure.

Use a 2 inch (5 cm) round cutter to cut out the scones – place the cutter on the dough and give it a sharp tap – don't twist it, just lift it up and push the dough out.

Carry on until you are left with the trimmings, then bring these together and flatten out again until you can cut out the last scone.

Place the scones on the prepared baking tray and bake in the pre-heated oven for 15 minutes, until they are golden brown, and then remove them to a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

To make the tahini cream in a bowl, add the tahini paste, agave nectar and water and stir until smooth. You might need a touch more water depending on the thickness of the tahini. Once you have the correct consistency you can add two pinches of salt.

Serve with the scones with the tahini cream and sugar free jam.

The Groovy Food Company Showstopper Victoria Sponge Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake:

4 eggs

3 tbsp The Groovy Food Company Virgin Coconut Oil (melted and then cooled)

350g natural yoghurt

320g spelt flour

1 tbsp baking powder

Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

For the filling:

300g natural yoghurt

100g raspberry jam

For the garnish:

Handful of fresh blueberries, raspberries and strawberries

Finish with a dusting of icing sugar

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180° C.

Mix the eggs, melted coconut oil, yoghurt in a bowl until creamy.

Add the spelt flour and baking powder. Continue to mix until it forms a batter.

Prepare two springform tins of the same size: line them with baking paper. Spread the batter evenly between both tins

Bake the cakes for about 20 minutes. Allow to cool fully.

Cover one of the cakes with jam. Spread the yoghurt cream on top. Set the other cake on top.

Decorate with fresh fruit and dust with icing sugar, if desired. Slice and serve.

https://www.groovyfood.co.uk/products/light-amber-mild-agave-nectar

Two Unique New Brown Rice Crackers from Clearspring

Japanese and organic fine foods specialist Clearspring has added two exciting new gluten free, authentic, vegan and organic Japanese Brown Rice Cracker flavours to its award-winning snacks range: Black Pepper & Tamari and Green Nori & Tamari.

The new Organic Japanese Brown Rice Crackers are made using only the finest quality organic wholefood ingredients. The Organic Black Pepper & Tamari is perfectly balanced with tamari and a hint of black sesame seeds. The Organic Green Nori & Tamari is enhanced with the umami found in tamari, the unique taste of green nori, one of the most popular sea vegetables, and an added hint of black sesame seeds.

Maria Dawson, Director at Clearspring said about the new additions: “The majority of Japanese and Asian rice crackers are made using white rice and usually contain fish stock, added sugar and MSG. It took over a year to perfect these two new and unique recipes, which deliver on wholegrain crunch and taste whilst being minimally processed using organic wholefood ingredients.

“Our Organic Brown Rice Crackers offer consumers a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of organic wholegrain brown rice and are a wholesome plant-based food perfect for any occasion.”

Clearspring's Organic Japanese Brown Rice Crackers are made by third-generation family producers in Japan's Hyogo prefecture, where they have been perfecting the art of rice cracker production since 1952. They are truly artisanal in their approach, employing only traditional methods and expertise to ensure each batch is perfectly baked.

Alongside the two new flavour additions, Clearspring's Organic Japanese Brown Rice Cracker range includes two original flavours: award-winning Organic Black Sesame and Organic Whole Sesame.

All four Clearspring's Organic Japanese Brown Rice Crackers are:

Organic

Vegan

Gluten Free

A source of Fibre

MSG-free

Non-GMO

Made in Japan

Available in 40g pack size

Brighten Up Your Baking With New Natural Organic Extracts From Steenbergs

Building on the success of their popular Home-Baking extracts and flower waters, Steenbergs has added some essential flavours to the range. Based in sunflower oil rather than alcohol, the aromatic organic Lemon Extract, fruity organic Orange Extract and pungent organic Peppermint Extract are sure to be snapped up by avid home-bakers keen to add a burst of flavour to their cakes, biscuits and puddings.

Steenbergs organic Orange Extract is a lovely smelling extract that uses organic sunflower oil flavoured with organic orange oil. A great complement to desserts like custards and ice cream, or in fruit pies or tarts, and why not try with fish to add a certain sophistication.

Steenbergs organic Lemon Extract has been created particularly for home baking but complements everything from desserts through to chicken especially together with herbs like rosemary and thyme. Another sunflower based extract; this has a glorious lemon citrus aroma and flavour.

How about trying some home made mint choc chip ice-cream with the newly improved organic Peppermint Extract from Steenbergs? Sure to add a real zing to any home baking, this is the perfect complement to chocolate and is, of course, ideal for making your own peppermint creams.

These new organic extracts join the highly acclaimed Almond Extract, which is perfect for marzipan and Bakewell tarts, and the UK and Europe's first organic Fairtrade Vanilla Extract, made from organic Madagascan vanilla.

All extracts come in handy 100ml bottles, which look great in the kitchen whilst tasting and smelling simply divine.

Bring a zest to your baking and get set for spring!

Prices from £4.85; available online at www.steenbergs.co.uk and Orange and Lemon extracts also available from Suma.

FACTFILE:
Based in rural North Yorkshire, Steenbergs Organic was established in 2003 by Axel and Sophie Steenberg. Since the outset, they have been centred on sourcing and packing the best organic spices, herbs and teas that they can find. They are one of the leaders in Fairtrade spices. They also blend spices and herbs to our own recipes creating a range of organic seasonings.

What are their differentiating features?

Completely focused on organic and ethical trading -they source most of their spices direct from growers and grower groups, many of whom are in the developing world, e.g. India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Egypt, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey. They know down to the region -and often the exact 1 hectare farm- who grew the spices or herbs.

One of the original Fairtrade spices businesses - they worked (and continue to work) with Fairtrade to develop standards for spices, becoming one of the first Fairtrade spices businesses (the other 2 were Italian), launching the first Fairtrade spices range in Europe.

Determined to develop organic and Fairtrade into the quality standard for spices - since the outset, they have been continuously developing the technical side of their spices and herbs.

They work with their producers to improve the quality of their raw materials, as well as having the widest range of low micro spices and herbs in the organic spices/herbs sector. Their new factory is to the highest food technical standard with food grade wall throughout the production and warehouse area and resin floors. At the same time, they brought in new metal detection, check sieving, blending and grinding capability. All staff are trained in food hygiene and safety using external trainers.

Carbon neutral - they are committed to minimising our impact on the environment, so are carbon neutral now. Steenbergs moved into new premises at the start of 2007 that include environmental features, like sun pipes, green energy, low water use toilets and linoleum floors (in changing areas).

Make Mothering Sunday even more special with Godminster

Godminster has something very special to treat well deserving mothers this year, a mature Godminster Cheddar paired with an indulgent fruit cake from The Simply Delicious Fruit Cake Company, all hand-packed in a gift box to make a Cheddar and Fruit Cake Combo. The gift provides the perfect combination of tradition, sweet and savoury.

Godminster's award-winning vintage organic Cheddar is made to a unique 70-year-old recipe and has been made on the farm in Bruton, Somerset for over ten years. The Cheddar is instantly recognisable by its purple wax coating and is available in either a heart or round shape.

Godminster's owner Richard Hollingbery said, "This fantastic combination is so well-known in Yorkshire, where I was born, so to be able to offer this to people throughout the country is great. The fruit cake is made to the highest quality, by a Company we work closely with - the pairing of this with the Cheddar is a match made in heaven."

Godminster's Organic Cheddar and Fruit Cake Combo includes a 400g heart or round vintage organic Cheddar and The New Discovery Fruit Cake and retails at £26.00 including postage and packaging at www.godminster.com

Gourmet Italian, Organic, Food Range, Tuscany Corner Launches An Exclusive Valentine's Day Hamper, Perfect For Dinner For Two!

Tuscany Corner, a new range of the finest quality authentic Italian, organic produce, is proud to announce the launch of their exclusive Valentine's Day hamper. Perfect for those who want to stay in and cook a romantic meal for their loved one, each hamper comes packed with delicious Tuscany Corner ingredients and three inspirational recipes which make a delicious, authentic, Italian meal for two for just £35!

The exclusive Valentine's Day hampers, include: a rich ragu (meat sauce) or a mouth-watering porcini mushroom sauce, a bottle of organic red or white wine (750ml), a percorino degli sposi cheese (translated this means the bride & groom's pecorino, perfect for the most romantic day of the year!), as well as a jar of honey or Chianti jelly and a 500g bag pasta, all presented in a delightful hamper.

An example of a recipe included in the hamper is listed below:

RECIPE 3: Rigatoni "cacio e pepe" (pepper and Tuscan pecorino cheese)
Serves 2:
Fill a large saucepan with three litres of water. Bring the water to the boil and add a level tablespoon of salt together with the fresh pasta. Leave the pasta to cook for 20 minutes. In the meantime, take a small saucepan and add 100 grams of grated mature pecorino cheese, a little cracked black pepper and 5/6 grams of crushed, whole peppercorns. Add a little water from the pasta and whip the cheese until it becomes creamy. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and place in a frying pan with a little water and the creamed cheese. Stir thoroughly off the heat to stop the cheese from becoming hard. Serve with a little more cracked pepper and grated pecorino on top.

With a superb selection of contents, a Tuscany Corner Hamper is the perfect solution for those who want to cook a delicious meal in the comfort of their own home for their loved one this Valentine's Day.

The integrity and simplicity of the products in the Tuscany Corner range speak for themselves. All are typical of the famed Mediterranean Diet, including extra virgin olive oil, cured meat and salami, traditional Tuscan cheese, handmade pasta, full-bodied pasta sauces and compotes, all organic and available exclusively from London's Terracafe and online at www.tuscanycorner.eu.

If you would like to create your own hamper, please contact info@tuscanycorner.eu for further information.

Put Mutton On The Menu This Easter With Langley Chase Organic Farm

* Langley Chase Mutton - Winner Best Organic Meat at the National Organic Food Awards 2011.

* Mark Hix, Rick Stein and Hardeep Singh Kohli recommend Langley Chase's rare breed Manx Loaghtan meat.

* Buy online at: www.langlechase.co.uk. All orders delivered with recipe ideas.

Enjoy a sumptuous and different feast this Easter with Langley Chase Organic Farm's multi-award-winning Manx Loaghtan mutton, a luxurious dark and gamey rare breed meat judged by top chefs as the Best Organic Meat at the Soil Association's prestigious National Organic Food Awards in 2011.

Mutton - praised in Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management (1861) as "the meat most generally used in families" - was once part of the UK's staple diet, but suffered a dramatic decline after the Second World War as food fashions moved towards lamb.

Today, despite still being a rarity on most menus, chefs and food lovers are rediscovering the delights of this versatile, tasty meat. The Langley Chase award winning organic produce enables people to sample the very best mutton in the UK. To help those new to mutton, the farm has created a wide range of recipes delivered with every order.

Langley Chase Organic Farm, in Chippenham, Wiltshire, run by Mrs Jane Kallaway, exclusively rears Manx Loaghtan sheep, a striking four-horned primitive rare breed. Jane's produce has won 14 National Organic Food Awards - including winning the top accolade, Best Organic Meat, for both her lamb and mutton three times - and as we say, her meat has been praised for its taste and tenderness by some of Britain's best-loved chefs, including Mark Hix, Rick Stein and Hardeep Singh Kohli.

All produce is raised on the family farm's species rich wildflower and hay meadows - giving the meat its distinctive taste and succulent flavour and providing traceability from the farm to the customer's door.

Easter Meat Boxes
Easter Meat boxes start from £75 and can be ordered from the farm's online shop: www.langleychase.co.uk www.langleychase.co.uk. Each meat box is full of different cuts and joints all prepared by a Soil Association accredited Master Butcher. [Box contents listed below]. The contents are clearly labelled and provided with recipe ideas.

Popular orders include Mutton and Lamb Meat Boxes while the Mixed Taster Box enables customers to sample a wide range of the farm's other delights including its unique Lamb Chorizo Picante Salami with smoked paprika, spices and chilli. Meat boxes can be delivered direct to any UK address or picked up from the farm.

Praise for Langley Chase Organic Farm's lamb and mutton:

2011 National Organic Food Award judges: "Langley Chase mutton is tender, flavourful, succulent, really satisfying with great presentation - a lesson in why people should eat good mutton." [See names of judges below]. Hardeep Singh Kohli (National Organic Food Award judge): "You can taste the love in great food and you can certainly taste it in Langley Chase mutton." Mark Hix: "Langley Chase lamb is delicious and tender with a little hint of game." Rick Stein: "Langley Chase is one of my favourite sources for lamb."

Mrs Jane Kallaway said: "Mutton can be a really wonderful and versatile meat if it's grown and produced well. We run our muttons as a separate flock, ensuring they get the best grazing and time to fully mature. They stay on the farm for around five years, grazing a diverse range of species rich organic pastures.They are traditionally hung for over 14 days and the result is a tender meat full of flavour that is a joy to cook.

"We know that many people are new to the delights of mutton so we're introducing recipes for all orders. From mutton tagine to roast mutton shoulder - let Langley Chase help you make a perfect Easter."


FACTFILE:
Langley Chase Organic Farm's meat boxes are available fresh once a month or frozen within three days, in large or small sizes. Produce can be picked up from the farm or delivered to the door. Orders are sent in insulated meat boxes ensuring produce reaches the customer in optimum condition fresh or frozen. Orders can be left with friends or neighbours and even sent as gifts.

Small meat box contains:
One whole shoulder on the bone One whole leg on the bone One breast boned and rolled Ten chops minimum Neck fillet One Kidney Prices £79 - collected from farm. £92.50 - delivered direct.

Large meat box contains:
Two whole legs on the bone Two whole shoulders on the bone Ten chops (approx) Two French trimmed racks Two breast boned and rolled Neck fillet Two kidneys Prices £148 - collected from farm. £161.50 - delivered direct

Mixed taster box contains:
One lamb shoulder One 375g stick of Langley Chase chorizo picante salami* Two 500g packs of diced Mutton 12 Rosemary and Garlic lamb sausages in two packs of six. Prices £75 - collected from farm. £88.50 - delivered direct

Langley Chase Chorizo Picante Salami is made with Langley Chase organic lamb and organic ingredients, but is not yet a registered organic product.

Jane's story: "I started the flock, with the help of my family, after the BSE crisis and my concern over what my family was eating, where it came from and how it was reared. I also wanted to help save a rare breed, produce food organically and share my passion with my customers and the school children and adult groups who visit the farm.

"Now, 14 years since I started, my produce has been recognised as the best in the UK and I have customers across the country. Being Organic - and registered by the Soil Association - is hugely important to me. Organic production is the direct connection between our health and the food we eat, it is about supporting native species, localised production and having the highest possible standards of welfare for animals and the environment."

The National Organic Food Awards, run by the Soil Association, is recognised as the premier competition of its kind in the UK with major retailers to small specialist producers taking part. For the Meat Category judges had the difficult task of selecting the winner from all different types of meat produce including fish, chicken, venison, beef, lamb, mutton, pork, sausages and charcuterie.

Soil Association Director, Helen Browning, presented the 2011 awards. The Prince of Wales, Patron of the Soil Association and well know for his interest in organic farming, was in attendance and spoke to the award winners, including Jane Kallaway at length. His Royal Highness has a particular interest in mutton having founded the Mutton Renaissance campaign in 2005 to encourage people to eat more mutton.

2011 National Organic Food Award judges included writer, broadcaster and comedian, Hardeep Singh Kohli, top chefs Sophie Grigson and Sara Berg; organic entrepreneur Jo Wood and food critic and journalist William Sitwell to name a few.

Manx Loaghtan: Low in Fat and Cholesterol
The Manx Loaghtan is significantly healthier than commercially reared lamb. The Scottish Agricultural College found the Manx Loaghtan to be 23 per cent lower in fat and almost 10 per cent lower in cholesterol than commercial breeds. Full details on the farm's website.

The Manx Loaghtan is one of the oldest and most striking breeds of sheep in the UK. Termed 'a primitive rare breed' it is classed at as 'at risk' by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. The Manx Loaghtan (pronounced Manx Lockton) has been around unchanged since the Iron Age. The Manx Loaghtan used to exist in high numbers on the Isle of Man and across the UK. However by the 1950s there were only a handful left. Today, as with many rare breeds, it is found in a few small flocks around the UK. Find out more here www.langleychase.co.uk/the-breed

The Importance of Rare Breeds
One breed of farm animal becomes extinct every month around the world, according to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. In the UK, industrialised farming has discarded those breeds that don't fit with commercial production. Between 1900 and 1973 the UK lost 26 native breeds of livestock, according to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

The result is a farming system centred around a handful of animal breeds, crops and vegetables - with some traditional breeds, like the Manx Loaghtan, at risk. Shoppers purchasing rare breed meat help keep rare breeds alive by assisting in the economic viability of farms rearing rare breed animals, thus helping these farms to keep going and the increasing the number of rare breeds animals and helping others taste these fantastic breeds and plants and become interested in our farming heritage