Laying hens doing a cracking job helping young farmer plough his own furrow

Joining Farmlay as a contract producer has helped a young Scottish farmer transform a modest acreage into a very profitable concern.

Like generations of farmers’ sons before him, Ross Learmonth was determined to “stand on my own two feet” and attempt to make his own living away from his family’s farm near Ellon, in Aberdeenshire.

He would be the first to admit that he was lucky to have a headstart in this endeavour in the form of his grandparents’ 80-acre holding, from his mother Shirley’s side of the family.

“I’d been working away with a few sheep but was determined not to ‘play farms’ and started looking for something that would enable it to become a viable business in its own right,” explains 29-year-old Ross.

After graduating from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) with a first-class honours degree in agriculture Ross, then aged 21, went to work for Scottish nutrition company Harbro.

“I was originally interested in pigs but through the day job found out more about hens and went to speak to my banker.

I was also successful in securing some young farmers’ start up grant funding to help buy and relocate some second-hand poultry buildings. In the interim we set about organic conversion, as this was where the opportunity was with local egg packer, Farmlay. The first 4,000 organic birds arrived in 2017.

“I soon realised I was not able to give the day job as much commitment as I would like but also that 4,000 birds weren’t going to be enough,” explains Ross. “So, having left my job and with another production opportunity presented I set about extending the unit to 10,000 birds for the spring 2018.”  

The hens allowed Ross to secure the finance to buy a neighbouring 150-acre farm and meanwhile Ross’s father Eric and uncle Iain - who farm around 1,100 acres in partnership - felt the time was right for them to look at diversifying their cattle and combinable crop operation. 

So a share-farming agreement was drawn up, in which they own the purpose-built shed that went up on their land, but Ross takes care of everything else. 12,000 birds are housed on this site, with the muck being used on Ross' organic cereals.

“Home mixing allows the inclusion of home-grown organic crops in our split fed rations, completing the cycle,” explains Ross.

While Ross is happy with his own holding’s organic status, it soon became obvious free-range could be a good option at his father’s farm, too. So, earlier this summer, 16,000 free-range birds arrived after the construction of another new shed.

“We managed to go from steel up, to birds housed in under 10 weeks, a credit to everyone involved,” reports Ross.

“This included the installation of a microgrid, incorporating solar PV, diesel generator, battery storage and provision of three-phase power for the new shed on the split phase supplied farm.”

Ross now has the help of two staff and his wife Molly continues to look after the admin side of the business since having the couple’s young daughter Lois.

“Molly has great office skills from her career in the oil and gas industry and it’s important to say that record keeping is a big part of the egg industry,” warns Ross.

“It’s really important, when you are starting out, not to underestimate the effort compliance and quality assurance requires.”

Ross supplies his eggs on a contract basis to Aberdeenshire-based Farmlay, which after 2022 images of supermarket shelves empty of eggs - the result of a combination of factors including high energy and feed prices along with the risk of avian flu - has hailed the arrival of what it calls a “golden age” for egg producers.

It holds long-term contracts with supermarkets Aldi and Lidl, as well as supplying Spar and all Morrisons’ supermarkets in Scotland. As an aside, Farmlay was founded by Robert Chapman, who left school at 15 with the ambition of owning 100,000 hens and 1,000 acres of farmland. 

When he handed over the role of managing director to his son Iain just before Christmas, the business owned 450,000 hens - and a further 550,000 owned by contract producers - and 2,500 acres of land. A nearly 20-fold increase from the 130 acres he started out with.

“Farmlay provide a great support for audit compliance and there is advice there for producers new and old should they need it, but I do like that there is still very much an independent element to producing eggs and it is by no means prescriptive. There is a good network for advice within the producer group too from which we’ve certainly benefited,” says Ross.

“Poultry really has facilitated a diversification that - in the end - not just me but my whole family have all benefitted from.”

Ambitions for Ross include better utilising solar power, referring specifically to electricity, cereals and forage. At the moment his grain store is host to 34kw solar PV on the roof and inside, 150acres worth of organic winter wheat, spring barley and beans whilst 340 organic cattle are out at grass. There is also an arrangement with a contract shepherd, finishing 1,000 hoggs this year. He has just recently purchased a further 84 acres of farmland locally.

“I must acknowledge my folks for having the foresight to set me loose and then hold their nerve long enough to let all this happen,” reflects Ross.

“It has been a steep learning curve, but I think eggs are one sector of farming that lends itself to first generation farmers or existing farms that want to create a role for a family member. So long as you’re prepared to listen and learn, you don’t need decades of experience.”

“It means a great deal to me and my family that it has enabled my grandparents small farm to provide a living. It had lain underutilised for 20 years but stocking it with hens created a business that has since been able to invest in land and ways of reducing costs. It has also meant my wife can be involved in the farm, and I’m finally, after some full-on years, hoping to get a bit of time back to spend with her and our baby. We often wonder what my grandparents would think of what we are doing with the farm now.

“A greater return may well be had occasionally at other enterprises; the boom in sheep prices, for example, would prove that this year, but the hens are set to remain at our core, as it is their reasonably predictable and regular cash flow that lets us build other areas of the business around them.”   

Ross’s Recommendations

If you are from a family farm, take time away to plough your own furrow if you can. “Find what you are good at and leverage it - maybe it's ploughing…?” says Ross. “Consider risk and reward together not just one or the other - doom and gloom merchants and spreadsheet millionaires are both to be treated with caution.”

“Significant capital and personal investment is required. Do not underestimate either – both can be exhausted if you are not careful.”

“Resilience is just as important as return - build both into your budgets.”

https://www.farmlay.co.uk

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.

Creating a Bird and Insect Sanctuary in Your Garden

Turning your garden into a sanctuary for birds and insects not only enhances its beauty but also supports local biodiversity. 

Birds and beneficial insects play crucial roles in pollination, pest control, and maintaining the ecological balance. 

Here’s a guide to transforming your garden into a thriving habitat for these creatures, creating a peaceful and vibrant space.

1. Attracting Birds

Provide Food Sources:

Bird Feeders: Install a variety of bird feeders with different types of seeds, such as sunflower seeds, millet, and nyjer, to attract a diverse range of birds. Consider specialised feeders for species like woodpeckers and finches.

Natural Food Plants: Plant berry-producing shrubs like holly, elderberry, and hawthorn. These not only provide food but also add visual interest to your garden. Trees like oak and birch can attract insects that are food for birds.

Nectar Plants: For hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds, plant flowers like honeysuckle, fuchsia, and salvias.

Water Sources:

Bird Baths: Install bird baths to provide drinking and bathing water. Place them in a quiet area and keep the water clean and fresh. Consider a heated bird bath during winter months.

Ponds and Water Features: Small ponds or water features can attract birds for drinking and bathing, as well as provide a habitat for insects that birds feed on.

Shelter and Nesting:

Nesting Boxes: Provide nesting boxes to attract species like blue tits, robins, and swallows. Ensure they are placed in safe, sheltered locations and are of appropriate size and design for the target species.

Dense Shrubs and Trees: Plant dense shrubs and trees like ivy, yew, and conifers to offer shelter and nesting sites. These also provide protection from predators and harsh weather.

2. Encouraging Beneficial Insects

Plant a Variety of Flowers:

Pollinator-Friendly Plants: Choose plants that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Examples include lavender, foxglove, echinacea, and borage. Aim for a variety of shapes and colours to attract different species.

Continuous Blooming: Ensure your garden has flowers blooming throughout the growing season to provide a consistent food source for insects. Include early spring flowers like crocuses and late-blooming species like asters.

Create Habitats:

Insect Hotels: Construct insect hotels using materials like bamboo, wood, and straw. These structures provide nesting sites for solitary bees, ladybirds, and other beneficial insects. Place them in sunny, sheltered spots.

Leaf Litter and Wood Piles: Leave some leaf litter, fallen branches, and logs in your garden. These provide habitat and breeding grounds for beetles, spiders, and other ground-dwelling insects.

Avoid Pesticides:

Natural Pest Control: Minimise the use of chemical pesticides, which can harm beneficial insects. Instead, encourage natural predators by creating a diverse garden environment. Use companion planting, such as marigolds to deter pests, and consider introducing predatory insects like ladybirds.

Organic Practices: Adopt organic gardening practices, using natural fertilisers and soil conditioners. This supports a healthy ecosystem and encourages a wide range of beneficial insects.

3. Creating a Balanced Ecosystem

Plant Diversity:

Native Plants: Incorporate native plants, which are well-adapted to your local environment and provide essential resources for local wildlife. Native plants are more likely to attract native insects and birds.

Layered Planting: Create a variety of habitats by including ground cover, shrubs, and trees. This layered approach provides food, shelter, and breeding sites for a wide range of species.

Reduce Lawn Areas:

Wildflower Meadows: Replace part of your lawn with a wildflower meadow, which can attract a diverse range of insects and birds. Wildflowers provide nectar and pollen, and the seeds attract birds.

Natural Lawn Care: If maintaining a lawn, consider using natural lawn care methods, such as mowing less frequently and leaving grass clippings to decompose and enrich the soil.

Provide Safe Havens:

Avoid Reflective Surfaces: Birds can be injured by flying into windows. Use window decals or other markers to make glass more visible to birds.

Safe Feeding Practices: Keep bird feeders and baths clean to prevent the spread of diseases. Ensure food is fresh and suitable for the bird species you want to attract.

Conclusion

Creating a bird and insect sanctuary in your garden is a fulfilling endeavour that enhances your outdoor space and contributes to conservation efforts. By providing food, water, shelter, and a variety of plants, you can attract a rich diversity of species and enjoy the beauty and benefits they bring. Embrace organic practices and encourage a balanced ecosystem, transforming your garden into a haven for wildlife and a tranquil retreat for yourself. Happy gardening!

Transforming Your Garden into an Organic and Insect-Friendly Haven

Gardening is more than just a pastime; it’s a way to connect with nature, produce your own food, and create a sanctuary for yourself and local wildlife. 

Making your vegetable and flower garden organic and insect-friendly not only benefits your plants but also supports biodiversity. Here’s how you can transform your garden into a thriving ecosystem.

1. Embrace Organic Gardening Principles

Avoid Synthetic Chemicals: The cornerstone of organic gardening is avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. These chemicals can harm beneficial insects and degrade soil health over time. Instead, opt for organic alternatives like compost, manure, and green manure crops that enrich the soil naturally.

Use Organic Seeds and Plants: Start your garden with organic seeds and seedlings. These plants are grown without synthetic chemicals, making them healthier choices for your garden. Look for certified organic labels when purchasing seeds and plants.

Practice Crop Rotation: Rotate your crops to prevent the depletion of specific soil nutrients and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. For example, follow nitrogen-fixing legumes with nitrogen-hungry leafy greens to maintain soil balance.

2. Create a Habitat for Beneficial Insects

Plant a Variety of Flowers: Flowers are not just beautiful; they also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as predatory insects that control pests. Include a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times to provide continuous food sources.

Build Insect Hotels: Insect hotels offer shelter for beneficial insects, such as ladybirds, lacewings, and solitary bees. These insects are natural predators of garden pests like aphids and caterpillars. You can create simple insect hotels using bamboo canes, straw, and wood.

Avoid Insecticides: Even organic insecticides can harm beneficial insects. Instead, focus on natural pest control methods like introducing predatory insects, using physical barriers, or practising companion planting. For instance, planting marigolds near vegetables can repel nematodes and attract predatory insects.

3. Enhance Soil Health

Compost: Composting is a fundamental organic practice that recycles kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil. It improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and provides a steady release of nutrients.

Mulching: Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter as it decomposes. Use natural mulches like straw, wood chips, or leaf mould. Mulching also provides a habitat for soil-dwelling insects and microorganisms.

Nurture Soil Microorganisms: Healthy soil is teeming with microorganisms that support plant health. Avoid practices that disturb the soil excessively, like over-tilling, and avoid using chemicals that can kill beneficial soil life. Instead, use natural soil amendments and encourage earthworms and other beneficial organisms.

4. Water Wisely

Collect Rainwater: Using rainwater is more sustainable and beneficial for plants than tap water, which often contains chlorine and other chemicals. Set up a rain barrel to collect runoff from your roof.

Water Efficiently: Water your garden in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing wastage and keeping foliage dry, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

5. Encourage Wildlife

Create Habitats: Incorporate features like birdbaths, ponds, and hedgerows to attract a variety of wildlife. Birds, frogs, and hedgehogs can help control pest populations.

Provide Food Sources: Leave some areas of your garden wild or plant native species to provide food and shelter for wildlife. Berry-producing plants and seed heads are excellent winter food sources for birds.

Reduce Lawn Area: Lawns offer little biodiversity. Replace parts of your lawn with wildflower meadows or vegetable patches to create a more diverse and vibrant garden.

Conclusion

Creating an organic and insect-friendly garden is a rewarding journey that contributes to a healthier environment. By avoiding chemicals, promoting biodiversity, and supporting soil health, you can cultivate a garden that is both beautiful and sustainable. Not only will you enjoy a bountiful harvest of vegetables and flowers, but you’ll also play a part in conserving local ecosystems and supporting beneficial insects. Happy gardening!

The Benefits of Organic Farming in Food Production

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in organic farming as consumers become increasingly concerned about the origins and quality of their food.

Organic farming, which avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and emphasises sustainability, offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for food production. 

Here, we explore the key advantages of organic farming and its positive impact on food production.

Healthier Produce

One of the primary benefits of organic farming is the production of healthier food. Organic produce is free from synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, which are commonly used in conventional farming. These chemicals can leave residues on food, which may pose health risks to consumers. Organic farming, by avoiding these substances, ensures that the food is cleaner and potentially safer for consumption. Studies have shown that organic fruits and vegetables often contain higher levels of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, compared to their conventionally grown counterparts.

Environmental Sustainability

Organic farming is inherently more sustainable than conventional farming practices. It promotes biodiversity by using crop rotations, polycultures, and cover crops, which help maintain healthy soil and reduce the need for chemical inputs. This approach also supports a wider variety of wildlife, contributing to a balanced ecosystem. Moreover, organic farming practices help reduce soil erosion and improve soil fertility through the use of organic matter like compost and manure. By avoiding synthetic chemicals, organic farming also helps protect water quality, as it reduces the risk of chemical runoff contaminating water sources.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Organic farming can play a significant role in mitigating climate change. Organic practices, such as reduced reliance on fossil fuel-based inputs, promote the sequestration of carbon in the soil. Healthy soils, rich in organic matter, can capture and store significant amounts of carbon dioxide, thus helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, organic farming generally uses less energy, as it eliminates the need for energy-intensive synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. This reduction in energy consumption contributes to a lower carbon footprint for organic food production.

Animal Welfare

For those concerned about animal welfare, organic farming provides a more humane approach to livestock management. Organic standards require that animals are raised in conditions that allow for natural behaviours, such as grazing on pasture. Organic livestock are also fed organic feed and are not given routine antibiotics or growth hormones, which are commonly used in conventional animal farming. This leads to healthier animals and can result in higher quality meat, dairy, and eggs for consumers.

Economic Benefits for Farmers

Organic farming can be economically beneficial for farmers, particularly small-scale and family-owned farms. Organic produce often commands higher prices in the market due to its perceived health benefits and environmental advantages. This price premium can help improve the financial stability of farmers and encourage more people to adopt organic farming practices. Additionally, organic farming can reduce input costs over time, as it eliminates the need for expensive synthetic chemicals and relies on natural processes and resources.

Consumer Trust and Transparency

Organic farming fosters greater transparency and trust between consumers and producers. Organic certification requires adherence to strict standards and regular inspections, ensuring that organic products meet high quality and ethical criteria. This certification process builds consumer confidence in the integrity of organic products and allows consumers to make informed choices about the food they purchase. As a result, organic farming can help create a more transparent and trustworthy food system.

Conclusion

The benefits of organic farming in food production are numerous and far-reaching. From producing healthier food and promoting environmental sustainability to improving animal welfare and providing economic benefits for farmers, organic farming offers a compelling alternative to conventional agricultural practices. As more consumers recognise these advantages and demand for organic products continues to grow, organic farming is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of food production. Embracing organic practices not only supports a healthier planet but also ensures a healthier and more sustainable food supply for future generations.

Embarking on Your Kitchen Gardening and Cooking Journey

In recent years, the allure of kitchen gardening has captivated many households across the UK. 

Growing your own produce not only provides fresh, organic ingredients for your meals but also fosters a deep connection with nature. 

Whether you have a sprawling garden or a compact balcony, anyone can start a kitchen garden and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their labour. 

Here’s a guide to help you begin your journey as a kitchen gardener and a kitchen garden cook.

1. Planning Your Kitchen Garden

Before planting, consider the following factors:

Space and Location:

Assess the space you have. Even a small patch of land, a balcony, or a collection of windowsills can be sufficient.

Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, as most vegetables and herbs require plenty of light.

Soil Preparation:

Good soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. If you’re using garden beds, enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.

For container gardening, use high-quality potting mix. Ensure containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Choosing Plants:

Start with easy-to-grow plants such as tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, and herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary.

Consider the growing season and local climate. Planting native or regionally adapted varieties often yields better results.

2. Planting Your Kitchen Garden

Seeds vs. Seedlings:

Beginners might find it easier to start with seedlings from a garden centre, but growing from seeds can be more economical and rewarding.

Follow the planting instructions on seed packets or plant labels regarding spacing, depth, and watering.

Companion Planting:

Some plants benefit from being grown together. For example, tomatoes and basil are great companions, enhancing each other’s growth and flavour.

Avoid planting incompatible pairs, like beans and onions, which can inhibit each other’s growth.

Watering and Maintenance:

Water your garden regularly, especially during dry spells. Early morning or late afternoon is best to minimise evaporation.

Mulch your garden beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.

3. Harvesting Your Produce

Timing:

Harvesting at the right time ensures peak flavour and nutrition. Most vegetables are best picked young and tender.

Regular harvesting can also encourage more production. For instance, picking lettuce leaves frequently promotes new growth.

Tools:

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to harvest your crops, reducing the risk of damaging plants.

Have a basket or trug handy to carry your freshly picked produce.

4. Cooking with Your Home-Grown Produce

Simple Recipes:

Start with simple recipes that highlight the freshness of your produce. A salad with just-picked lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, can be a delightful meal.

Fresh herbs can elevate any dish. Add them to soups, stews, and roasts for a burst of flavour.

Preservation Techniques:

If you have an abundant harvest, consider preserving methods such as freezing, drying, or pickling.

Homemade jams, chutneys, and sauces can extend the enjoyment of your produce well beyond the growing season.

Inspiration and Experimentation:

Let your garden inspire your cooking. Experiment with new recipes and ingredients based on what’s in season.

Use your home-grown vegetables to create hearty soups, flavourful stews, or vibrant stir-fries.

5. Sustainability Practices

Composting:

Compost kitchen scraps and garden waste to create nutrient-rich compost for your garden. This reduces waste and enriches the soil naturally.

A compost bin or heap can be a valuable addition to any garden.

Water Conservation:

Use a water butt to collect rainwater for watering your garden. This sustainable practice reduces reliance on mains water and benefits the environment.

Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses can also help conserve water.

Natural Pest Control:

Encourage beneficial insects, like ladybirds and bees, which can help control pests and pollinate plants.

Use organic methods, such as neem oil or homemade insecticidal soap, to manage pests without harming the ecosystem.

Conclusion

Starting a kitchen garden and becoming a kitchen garden cook is a rewarding journey that offers numerous benefits. Not only will you enjoy fresh, flavourful produce, but you'll also gain a deeper appreciation for the food you eat and its journey from soil to plate. With patience, care, and a bit of experimentation, your garden can become a bountiful source of culinary inspiration and a cornerstone of a more sustainable lifestyle. Happy gardening and cooking!

Embracing Organic Gardening: Grow Your Own Delicious and Healthy Food at Home

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards healthier eating and sustainable living. 

One of the best ways to ensure that the food you consume is both nutritious and eco-friendly is by growing it yourself. Organic gardening at home not only provides you with fresh, chemical-free produce but also offers a rewarding and therapeutic hobby. 

Whether you have a spacious garden or just a small balcony, you can create a thriving organic garden. Here’s how to get started and make the most of your homegrown foods.

Why Choose Organic Gardening?

Organic gardening eschews synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, focusing instead on natural methods to enrich the soil and manage pests. This approach is beneficial for several reasons:

Healthier Produce: Organic fruits and vegetables are free from harmful chemicals and often richer in nutrients.

Environmental Benefits: Organic gardening supports biodiversity, improves soil health, and reduces pollution.

Cost-Effective: Growing your own food can reduce grocery bills.

Sustainability: By growing your own food, you reduce your carbon footprint.

Getting Started with Organic Gardening

Choose the Right Location: Find a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If space is limited, consider vertical gardening or using containers.

Prepare the Soil: Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Enrich your soil with organic compost, which you can make from kitchen scraps and garden waste. This improves soil structure, fertility, and water retention.

Select Suitable Plants: Choose plants that are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions. For beginners, consider starting with easy-to-grow vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and herbs.

Use Organic Seeds and Plants: Ensure that the seeds or plants you buy are organic. This ensures that they haven’t been treated with synthetic chemicals.

Practice Crop Rotation: Rotate your crops each season to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.

Natural Pest Control

Organic gardening relies on natural methods to keep pests at bay. Here are a few effective strategies:

Companion Planting: Some plants naturally repel pests or attract beneficial insects. For example, planting marigolds with tomatoes can deter aphids.

Physical Barriers: Use nets, cloches, or row covers to protect your plants from insects and birds.

Beneficial Insects: Encourage insects like ladybirds, bees, and hoverflies, which prey on pests and pollinate plants. You can attract them by planting flowers like daisies and fennel.

Homemade Remedies: Natural sprays made from ingredients like garlic, neem oil, or soap can deter many common pests.

Watering and Maintenance

Proper watering is crucial for an organic garden. Water your plants early in the morning to minimise evaporation and prevent diseases. Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases and take prompt action if needed.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Produce

Harvest your fruits and vegetables when they are ripe and at their peak flavour. This not only ensures the best taste but also encourages further growth. Enjoy the satisfaction of cooking meals with ingredients you have grown yourself. From fresh salads to hearty stews, the possibilities are endless.

Final Thoughts

Organic gardening is a fulfilling endeavour that brings numerous benefits to your health, the environment, and your wallet. It connects you with nature and provides a deeper appreciation for the food on your plate. Start small, be patient, and enjoy the process of nurturing your plants from seed to harvest. With time and dedication, you’ll reap the delicious rewards of your organic garden.

Happy gardening and happy eating!

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.