Celebrating British Food Fortnight 2024: A Feast for the Nation

Each year, as autumn sets in, Britain’s finest homegrown produce takes centre stage with the much-anticipated British Food Fortnight. This annual celebration, which takes place from 21st September to 6th October 2024, is an opportunity to showcase the richness of British agriculture, support local farmers, and bring communities together through the joy of fresh, seasonal food.

What is British Food Fortnight?

British Food Fortnight is the nation’s largest celebration of British food and drink, established to encourage the consumption of locally-sourced produce and to promote the benefits of eating seasonally. 

Founded in 2002 by Love British Food, it has since become a national movement that involves schools, communities, chefs, and retailers in a shared mission to highlight the importance of supporting Britain’s food and farming industry.

Many churches and some schools have special church services or school assemblies at this time of year called Harvest Festivals which help mark this very important part of the British farming calendar. 

Why Celebrate British Foods?

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the origins of our food, and for good reason. Locally-sourced British food offers many advantages:

Freshness and Flavour: British produce, from apples to artisan cheeses, is fresher and more flavourful when it’s sourced locally. With shorter supply chains, food can reach our plates sooner, retaining its peak freshness.

Sustainability: By choosing British produce, consumers reduce food miles, helping to lower carbon emissions. Supporting local farming also encourages sustainable agricultural practices, essential for the environment.

Economic Support: Every purchase of British food supports the backbone of the nation’s economy – our farmers. Buying British keeps money within local economies, sustaining livelihoods and ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture.

Cultural Identity: British food traditions are rich and diverse, from Cornish pasties and Cumberland sausages to Scottish salmon and Welsh lamb. British Food Fortnight gives us a chance to celebrate the regional diversity of our culinary heritage.

2024’s Highlights and Events

This year’s British Food Fortnight is packed with events across the UK, offering something for everyone. From farmers' markets to food festivals, there are endless opportunities to sample the best of Britain’s bounty. Here are some of the highlights to look out for:

Farmers' Markets: Towns and cities across the UK will be hosting farmers' markets, where local producers sell their wares directly to the public. These markets are a fantastic way to support local farms and try new and exciting products, from freshly harvested vegetables to handmade chutneys.

School and Community Competitions: British Food Fortnight is a key part of the school calendar, with children across the country taking part in food-growing projects, cooking competitions, and lessons about where food comes from. Many communities will also be organising their own local events, from bake-offs to farm visits.

Restaurant and Pub Menus: Many restaurants, pubs, and cafés will be embracing the season by offering special British Food Fortnight menus. These dishes showcase the best of British ingredients, with chefs putting modern twists on classic recipes.

Public Tastings and Cooking Demonstrations: Food festivals, such as those in York and Bristol, will be hosting tastings and cooking demonstrations by top chefs. This is a fantastic way to learn new recipes, gain cooking inspiration, and discover the flavours of the season.

How You Can Get Involved

You don’t have to attend a formal event to enjoy British Food Fortnight. Here are some simple ways you can participate and enjoy the best of British food:

Shop Local: Head to your nearest farm shop or farmers' market and stock up on fresh, locally-produced ingredients. Look out for the Red Tractor label, which guarantees that the food is British and meets strict welfare standards.

Eat Seasonally: Autumn is a wonderful time for British produce, with root vegetables, game meats, and orchard fruits at their peak. Try incorporating seasonal ingredients into your meals, from hearty stews to comforting apple crumbles.

Support British Drinks: It’s not just food that deserves celebration – British vineyards, cider makers, and breweries are also producing some of the finest beverages. Raise a glass to British drinks by trying local wines, ales, and ciders.

Cook Up a Feast: Invite family and friends for a British-inspired meal, showcasing local ingredients. Whether it’s a Sunday roast with all the trimmings or a simple ploughman’s lunch, there’s nothing better than gathering around the table to celebrate the flavours of home.

A Time to Celebrate and Reflect

British Food Fortnight 2024 isn’t just a time to indulge in delicious food; it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting British agriculture. In a world where the environmental and economic pressures on farming are greater than ever, buying British helps ensure a sustainable future for our countryside and food producers.

As we savour the tastes of the season, let’s also remember that every purchase of British food is an investment in our farmers, our environment, and our shared cultural heritage. Whether you’re tucking into a traditional British dish or experimenting with new flavours, there’s no better time to enjoy the fruits of the nation’s labour. Happy British Food Fortnight!

https://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/british-food-fortnight-2024

Want to know where your nearest farm shop is? The Farm Shop Guide will Launch 21 October

The Farm Shop Guide, a new foodie guide, will be launching on 21 October 2024. It's from Printslinger, the innovative independent publisher behind The Extra Mile (Delicious Alternatives to Motorway Services), and The Coastal Café Guide, both Amazon #1 bestsellers in 2024.  

Founder of Riverford Organic and veg box pioneer, Guy Singh-Watson, said, “Proper farm shops, ones that actually grow, rear, or make most of their own produce with love, attention to detail, and a genuine connection to the land are genuinely a beautiful thing. This book will help you find them.”

Promoting Britain's homegrown food networks, The Farm Shop Guide features 165 independent (and often smaller and family-run) farm shops across England, Scotland, and Wales, plus their highly rated cafés and restaurants.

The guide has everything from shops that are bedecked with multiple awards to muddier, down-to-earth places where the person at the till has just come in from the fields. 

The guide also promotes 15 food and farming charities to raise awareness of their vital work, and 1% of its sales will go to the Sustainable Food Trust.

Book highlights

165 farm shops and their cafés and restaurants

Seasonal farm events including Easter, Halloween, and Christmas activities

Info on pick-your-own (PYO) crops, food festivals, and farmers' markets

Icons to help trip-planners, such as dog friendly, family friendly, EV charging, parking, etc.

Eight geographic sections, with separate chapters on Scotland and Wales

Nine striking full-colour maps

15 food-related charities are featured, including RSPB Fair to Nature, Nature Friendly Farming, Community Supported Agriculture, and Pasture for Life

264 full-colour pages with beautiful photography and maps throughout

As we previously mentioned a donation will be made to the Sustainable Food Trust for every book sold.

Learn about places with family-friendly farm activities.

Find out in advance which farm shops have EV charging for their customers

Halloween event round-ups and pick-your-own pumpkins (PYO)

A round up of places that offer PYO fruit, vegetables, Christmas trees, sunflowers, and more besides.

Farms with PYO flower fields. This would make a lovely Mother's Day activity

Award-winning farm shops (Farm Retail Awards winners and many more)

Farm shops near motorway junctions to break journeys in truly rural style

Farm shops by region: the book has chapters on Scotland; North; Midlands; Wales; East Anglia; South West (North); South West (South); South and South East

Praise for The Farm Shop Guide

The go-to guide for those seeking deliciously fresh local food when on their day trips, holidays and commutes, The Farm Shop Guide will also make everyday eating and food shopping more enjoyable and locally beneficial, too.

Helen Browning OBE is an organic farmer, farm shop owner, and CEO of the Soil Association. Helen said, “Nothing beats a good farm shop as a way of getting the freshest food possible, while directly supporting fantastic farmers.”

Jane Gray is Director of Broom House Farm, Durham, which features in the book. Jane said, “So many farm shops like ours are slightly off the beaten track, with holidaymakers stumbling across us just as they're going home. The Farm Shop Guide is going to be such a help.” 

The Series is edited by Alastair Sawday.

Printslinger is an independent publishing company owned by travel publisher Alastair Sawday, an environmental activist and longstanding campaigner for local food, low food miles, and sustainable travel.

Alastair said, “The farm shops, cafés, and restaurants in this book deserve our support and this comprehensive guide will give them a genuine boost. 

"Some of the places are rackety and delightfully chaotic; some are tiny places right on the farm; others have become quite huge. 

"But the thing is, they are all fun to shop in, with real human beings on hand to help and provide an unusual connection with the local land (and my goodness, we need our farms and farmers). Buying and using this book is a great way to support them.”

How to buy The Farm Shop Guide

ISBN: 9781738481811

RRP £17.99

Pre-order on Amazon

Buy direct from Printslinger https://theextramile.guide/shop

We at That's Food and Drink believe this will make a superb stocking filler this Christmas for the dedicated foodies in your life.

Finding Balance in Your Plate: The Role of Canned and Frozen Vegetables

In the world of culinary delight and nutritional wisdom, the mantra "fresh is best" often takes centre stage. And rightfully so! Fresh produce, bursting with flavour and nutrients, holds an esteemed place in our diets. 

However, in our quest for optimal health, it's essential to recognise the valuable role that canned and frozen vegetables play in our kitchens and on our plates.

The Freshness Conundrum

Fresh vegetables undoubtedly offer a sensory experience like no other. The vibrant colorus, crisp textures, and aromatic scents evoke a connection to nature that enhances our dining pleasure. Moreover, fresh produce often boasts peak nutritional content, having undergone minimal processing or preservation.

However, the allure of freshness comes with its challenges. Fresh vegetables have a limited shelf life, making them susceptible to spoilage if not consumed promptly. Additionally, their availability may be seasonal or region-specific, posing constraints on variety and accessibility throughout the year. These factors can hinder our ability to maintain a consistently diverse and nutrient-rich diet.

Enter Canned and Frozen Varieties

In our modern food landscape, canned and frozen vegetables emerge as convenient and practical alternatives to their fresh counterparts. While some may perceive them as inferior in quality or nutritional value, these perceptions often overlook the benefits they bring to the table.

1. Convenience: Canned and frozen vegetables offer unparalleled convenience. They are readily available year-round, require minimal preparation, and have an extended shelf life. Busy individuals and families can enjoy the ease of incorporating these options into quick and nutritious meals, reducing reliance on takeout or processed foods.

2. Nutrient Retention: Contrary to popular belief, canned and frozen vegetables can retain significant amounts of nutrients. Advances in food processing techniques have led to improved methods of preservation, such as flash-freezing and canning at peak ripeness. These methods lock in essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring that your vegetables maintain their nutritional integrity even after preservation. In fact if "fresh" vegetables have hung around in warehouses for extended periods of time their nutritional value may be less than in preserved vegetables.

3. Affordability: In many cases, canned and frozen vegetables offer a cost-effective solution to meeting dietary needs. They are often more budget-friendly than fresh produce, making them accessible to individuals and families with varying financial constraints. By choosing canned or frozen options, consumers can stretch their grocery budgets without compromising on nutritional quality.

4. Reduced Food Waste: One of the most significant advantages of canned and frozen vegetables is their contribution to reducing food waste. Unlike fresh produce, which may spoil if not consumed promptly, canned and frozen varieties have a longer shelf life, allowing for greater flexibility in meal planning. By minimising waste at the consumer level, these preservation methods support sustainability efforts and promote responsible food consumption.

Striking a Balance

While fresh vegetables undoubtedly hold a revered place in our culinary repertoire, it's essential to embrace the versatility and practicality of canned and frozen varieties. By striking a balance between fresh, canned, and frozen options, we can create a well-rounded and sustainable approach to nutrition.

Here are some tips for incorporating canned and frozen vegetables into your diet:

Read Labels: Look for canned vegetables with no added salt or sugar, and opt for frozen varieties without added sauces or seasonings to minimise unnecessary additives.

Experiment with Recipes: Get creative in the kitchen by experimenting with different cooking techniques and flavour combinations. Canned and frozen vegetables can be incorporated into soups, stews, stir-fries, and casseroles with delicious results.

Stock Up Smartly: Keep a variety of canned and frozen vegetables on hand to ensure you always have nutritious options available, especially during busy weeks or when fresh produce is scarce.

Combine Fresh and Preserved: Mix fresh, canned, and frozen vegetables in your meals to enjoy the best of all worlds. Use fresh produce when available for peak flavour and texture, and supplement with canned or frozen options to enhance convenience and variety.

In conclusion, while fresh vegetables undoubtedly hold a special place in our hearts and on our plates, canned and frozen varieties offer invaluable benefits in terms of convenience, nutrition, affordability, and sustainability. By embracing a balanced approach to vegetable consumption, we can nourish our bodies, delight our taste buds, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable food system. So, let's celebrate the diverse array of vegetables available to us and savor each bite, whether fresh, canned, or frozen!

Winging their way to you: Sauce Shop Launches Nationwide Delivery Concept Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop® in Partnership With Sessions

Sauce Shop, the popular and award-winning British craft sauce brand, has partnered with Sessions, the Growth Platform for original food brands, to launch an exclusive delivery concept, Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop®. 

This innovative partnership marks Sauce Shop's first foray into delivery-only operations, strategically tapping into the growing UK foodservice delivery market.

Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop® is set to debut on February 20th, available on leading delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. The menu, exclusively designed around Sauce Shop's exceptional range of products, features crispy fried wings, buttermilk fried tenders, chicken burgers and more, all made using, or served with, Sauce Shop sauces, including the 3-star Great Taste Award-winning Buffalo Hot Sauce.

Inspired by Sauce Shop's triumphs in the foodservice sector, Tenders & Wings, available from over 50 dark kitchens across the nation, aspires to deliver an outstanding 20,000 meals every week by April. With an anticipated surge in user penetration in meal delivery, expected to surpass 33% by 2027 (Statista, 2022), it highlights a significant market potential for Sauce Shop's latest exciting venture.

After supplying the hospitality industry with sauces and seasonings for almost a decade, Sauce Shop has built a reputation for uncompromising quality and flavour. The range is produced without artificial preservatives or additives, delivering an authentic taste that resonates with chefs and culinary professional and foodies. The brand's mission, centred on making great tasting sauces accessible to all, aligns seamlessly with the evolving preferences of consumers in the dynamic meal delivery landscape.

“We're really thrilled to announce our new food delivery menu. Having been suppliers to the hospitality industry for the best part of a decade, it's genuinely exciting to introduce a food menu that embodies the essence of Sauce Shop. Knowing that our fans appreciate a good serving of fried chicken, Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop is set to exceed their expectations” says Pam Digva, Co-Founder of Sauce Shop.

Dan Warne, Founder and CEO of Sessions said: "We have always believed in partnering with fresh talent, brands and creators to scale original food concepts, and our latest partnership with Sauce Shop® is a real testament to that.”

Sauce Shop is readily available at major retailers and local suppliers making it a convenient choice for chefs and establishments.

www.sauceshop.co

Revitalise Your Health: The Significance of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Your Diet

In a world where fast food and processed snacks have become the norm, the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables in our diet cannot be overstated. 

These vibrant, nutrient-packed foods are not just a source of natural goodness but also hold the key to a healthier, more energetic, and longer life. In this blog post, we'll explore the myriad benefits of incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily meals.

Nutrient Powerhouses:

Fresh fruits and vegetables are nutritional powerhouses, offering a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They provide the body with the raw materials it needs to function optimally. For instance, citrus fruits like oranges and strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and supports skin health. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with vitamin K, important for blood clotting and bone health.

Fibre for Digestive Health:

Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary fibre. Fibre is crucial for healthy digestion, as it aids in regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal disorders. It also helps maintain a healthy weight by promoting a feeling of fullness, which can prevent overeating.

Disease Prevention:

Regular consumption of fresh produce is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. The antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables help protect the body against oxidative stress, which can lead to conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. For example, the carotenoids in carrots and sweet potatoes are linked to a lower risk of certain cancers.

Weight Management:

If you're aiming to manage or lose weight, fresh fruits and vegetables are your best friends. They are low in calories and high in water and fibre, making them the perfect choice for filling up without packing on excess calories. Snacking on veggies like celery and bell peppers with hummus can satisfy your cravings without derailing your weight management goals.

Skin and Hair Health:

Your skin and hair can benefit significantly from a diet rich in fresh produce. Vitamins like A, C, and E, found abundantly in fruits and vegetables, promote healthy skin by reducing signs of aging and preventing blemishes. These vitamins also contribute to stronger, shinier hair.

Mood and Mental Health:

Recent research has shown a connection between a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and improved mental health. The antioxidants and nutrients in fresh produce may help reduce the risk of depression and improve overall mood. The fibre content also contributes to stable blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings and irritability.

Environmental Impact:

Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables can also benefit the environment. They generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to heavily processed or packaged foods. Supporting local, seasonal produce can further reduce your environmental impact by reducing the need for long-distance transportation.

The importance of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet is undeniable. They are nature's gift, offering a treasure trove of health benefits, from bolstering your immune system to preventing chronic diseases, aiding in weight management, and promoting mental well-being. So, the next time you plan your meals, remember to make room for these colourful and nutritious gems. Your body and mind will thank you for it, and you'll be well on your way to a healthier, happier you.

Just one further point. Make sure you wash fresh fruit and vegetables before you eat them, especially if you do not peel them.

Tesco Real Food says we have the biggest and best English strawberry crop in twenty years

Tesco Real Food has announced Britain's spring heat wave (EDITOR: I can remember that! Just!) has led to the biggest and best quality English strawberry crop for two decades.

The glut of English strawberries – considered by experts to be the best in the world – will result in an estimated 50 per cent reduction in UK retailers bringing in imports.

Experts point out Britain's warmer than usual March and April heat wave produced perfect growing conditions resulting in the crop being at least two weeks earlier than usual and the extra sunshine has also increased sugar levels making the current crop much sweeter and juicier than normal.

Tesco strawberry buyer Paul Jones said: "The unexpected great weather means an abundance of top quality, sweeter than normal English strawberries - of the standard normally associated with Wimbledon fortnight.

"As the quality is so high we've taken far more of the English crop than we usually do at this time of year.

"From the start of May we will be predominantly selling just English strawberries and the need not to import Spanish imports allows us to keep the price down.

"This is fantastic news for the English strawberry industry and should see them getting an unexpected windfall from increased orders from UK retailers."

One of England's largest strawberry growers, R and V Emery, based near Southampton, Hampshire, said it was the earliest start to the English strawberry season for about 20 years.

Vernon Emery, who runs the business with his brother Richard, said: "Our production yield is up by 150 per cent on recent years and if the good weather continues and we get some rain too we could be heading for a record year.

"The extra warmth helped boost sugar levels but equally important have been good levels of light which have helped the fruit set and encouraged bees to pollinate the plants.

"The great weather has also been consistent without dips in temperature which would have hampered the quality."

Since the start of the English strawberry season Tesco has sold 50 per cent more home grown strawberries than it did over the same period last year.

(EDITOR: It's market day, today! I'll be off to the fruit stalls to check on the strawberries!)

Safety tips for cooking out doors on the barbecue

Many people will be barbecuing food this summer. Some of them will fall victim to food poisoning. Here are some tips to avoid food poisoning at barbecues:

1) Ensure the barbecue and all cooking utensils are clean before you start.
2) Do NOT leave uncooked food out of the freezer or fridge for long periods of time before cooking them.
3) NEVER allow raw and cooked foods to come into contact.
4) Ensure all foods are cooked through properly and thoroughly.
5) Do not allow food, barbecue or plates to become contaminated.
6) Make certain that tables, etc., outside are free from contamination from bird droppings, etc.
7) Make sure the barbecue chef has wipes and paper towels available.
8) Ensure all salads are washed.
9) Ensure you have alcohol gel for hand cleaning for the chef and for helpers and diners
10) If something doesn't taste quite right, then do not eat it. In fact, it is better to waste it, rather thank risk food poisoning
11) Clean up as you go along

If you follow those basic rules, you have a good chance of not developing food poisoning or poisoning your guests.