If
the history of our farming system had allowed us a chance for a
much higher proportion of our farming culture to be organic, then
perhaps we would be in a much more idyllic and healthier environment
than we are now.
I don't
wish to dwell too much on the pros and cons of organic food but
must be clearly put on record that the majority of farmers in Gloucestershire
who use pesticides and veterinary medicines do so with care and
attention. Let's
not tar all farming with the same brush.
These
farmers only use them where and when really necessary and use them
at levels far lower than the already recommended safety levels.
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Farmers
markets sell both organic and non organic produce. |
Good
practice is beginning to spread around the countryside and it is
fair to say that the government and many in the industry are striving
to drive down pesticide and medicine levels even further.
Another
interesting point is that customers are often of the impression
that farmers' markets only sell organic produce. In
Gloucestershire that is not the case.
sell a mixture of organic and non-organic
produce side by side quite clearly labelled and quite clearly in
a competitive environment. If the quality is there the customer
will dictate what is the best value.
These
farmers work side by side, don't fight, argue or have pistols at
dawn. They work together because they also trust each other and
realise that there is a need in our society for both methods of
production.
Farmers'
markets sell produce that is accessible to all types of consumers
of all backgrounds. Many food items are better value than other
food outlets and also undeniably some are more expensive.
So
what about the taste? Let's look at watercress, chards, apple juices,
chutneys, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus and trout.
I
am not going to say all organic things taste better but
they certainly taste different to their non-organic equivalents.  |
Robert
Rees. |
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I am
not going to say all these things taste better but they certainly
taste different to their non-organic equivalent.
However
it is also a matter of personal taste and what you are used to.
Take
organic tea, for example. If you have been brought up on a well-known
brand the organic version will cause a reaction likely to make you
spit it out, simply because your taste buds are not adapted.
However,
a simple meat and two veg dinner can be totally transformed and
lifted by using organic produce. Here are some organic suppliers
and eating places I recommend.
Pumpkin
Organics
01452 725775
Haresfield
Contact: Renee Cerf
A variety of fresh items as well as other foods from all over the
world.
Global
Organic Markets
01453 884123
Near Stroud
Contact: Andie Soutar
Amberley
Vale Foods
01453 873400 Woodchester
Offers great gluten-free pork and leek sausages amongst other items.
Kitchen
Garden Preserves
01453 759612
Stroud Contact:
Barbara Moinet
Provide some organic lines including a really tasty and delightful
apricot and orange conserve.
Abbey
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Shop
01285 640441
They have an abundance of produce.
Kolisko
Farm 01452
812322
Brookthorpe
They have a variety of food stuffs and they also do green-top milk.
Duchy Farm
01666 503445
Tetbury Contact:
Anne Cox
The most stunning seasonal organic foods with often so many old
fashioned varieties that should be back on the menus.
Folly
Acres
01453 763883
Slad Road
Stroud
Seasonal produce when they have grown it.
Newark Farm
01453 731042 Stroud
This is spud and a half - fantastic.
Adeys
Organic Meats
01453 511218
Berkeley
Tasty organic beef sold by the most trustworthy and delightful staff.
Also ask for a taste of the pancetta - yummy.
Shipton
Mill
01666 505050
Tetbury
Can provide you with the flour if you wish to make your own bread.
Many
restaurants and cafes offer organic options but many have yet to
take the bold step and go the whole hog. Those
I like include:
Mad
Hatters Restaurant
Nailsworth
Simple, fresh and value for money served in an unpretentious manner.
Mills
Cafe and Woodruffs Cafe
Stroud
Both offer a great environment and lovely daily options at sensible
prices.
Organic
Cafe
Stroud Farmers' Market
On the first and third Saturday of each month come rain or shine
this cafe needs some beating. A family set up, work flat out during
the market to provide soups, teas, cakes, ciabattas, crepes, and
other delicious items. Be
prepared to wait sometimes for a seat because of its popularity.
Here
though you can sit down and absorb the whole market with a prime
seat. Look out for the mother and the most wonderful tea cosy hat
during the winter months. Real value for money!
Don’t
forget if you know of any others email
me at ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire Food and Drink.
For
more local food and drink specialists see our Taste of the County
page.
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