Our local farm shop is Norbury Farm. Aboult a mile or so away, it's a proper working farm, which also sells fruit and veg, meat, flowers and has a new tea shop. I don't know much about flowers, but the other things are excellent, with top-quality local produce and high levels of expertise. The staff are all very knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions. I wouldn't dream of buying bacon anywhere else now, or sausages. And although I get most of my weekly fruit and veg from an organic box scheme, I sometimes take surplus produce from my allotment to the greengrocer here to barter for things I can't grow.
I went there today to place my Christmas order. We're having a duck. I've found a duck is just the right size for the few meat-eaters in the family. A turkey is too big and I'm not a huge fan of turkey anyway. I'd love to do a goose one day, but they're so big it would mean inviting a dozen people over for Christmas dinner to make it worth it.The tea shop is a new addition, and I popped in today and had a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. The cake was home-made on the premises and was delicious. The staff were super friendly, and the decor was tasteful country-farm, cosy and appealing.
Farm shops can be a good place to buy local good quality produce. If you have a good one don't keep it a secret - tell your friends, neighbours, family and colleagues. Use it regularly, or next time you look it may not be there anymore. But as with farmer's markets you have to take care. Some of them just buy rubbish non-local food from the cash and carry, or even from supermarkets, and then charge you extra. Be prepared to ask questions, and think about the quality of the food you're buying. Is this good quality meat and veg? Can you tell the difference? Or are you just paying extra for the privilege of parking in a farmyard?
4 comments:
You are lucky being able to barter! Our local farm shop tries to source locally and labels where the produce comes from which is a big help in deciding what to buy. I like to get a box of clemintines this time of year but have held off so far as their boxes are from Morroco. I know from last year that closer to Christmas they'll change to Spain and then I'll go ahead.
our local farm shop caters for rich middle class types they have a kids play area which you pay for? and if I ever go there I am made to feel like shit. I admit I have always looked a bit trampy but if I am there with my son it makes me feel bad for him
Y'know, bartering with farm shops hadn't occurred to me and I'll have to think about that. Our local farm shop Pampered Pigs is a bit nobby too, but I might give them a try. Previously I've avoided it because their prices are sometimes scary.
Don't be put off by the size of a goose because you can take off the legs, wings and neck and use them a few days early - plus cold goose (unlike turkey and duck) is a very desirable meat provided it's not overcooked. The best thing, though, is the fat...
"I'd love to do a goose one day, but they're so big it would mean inviting a dozen people over for Christmas dinner to make it worth it."
Not necessarily. Cold goose is food of the Gods and can be taken off the bone and frozen for when you want a treat. It makes lovely sandwiches, and of course, the fat is wonderful and can be kept in a sealed jar in the fridge for weeks. You can use it to roast your potatoes, although in your case, I suppose that would mean you'd have to make two lots.
We're having a local goose this year, although there are only three of us. We plan to feast on it for days, and then make soup or a pilaff or something. I may even have seen it running round the farm, although I doubt it, because I think that one's a pet.
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