Now we are past mid-summer, the homegrown harvest is growing every week. Lots of crops are coming into their prime including baby Fennel, Cauliflowers, Romanesco, French Beans, Kohlrabi, Cavaloi Nero, Kale, Gherkins, Courgettes, Cucumbers and, of course, the Artichokes shown above. Not as big as the Globes we have been sourcing from Brittany, our smaller Artichokes have an unbeatable flavour – we are poaching them in oil and wine and then peeling down to the hearts which we are serving in an olive oil, lemon zest and herb marinade. Utterly delicious!
On the fruit side, our Strawberries may be over but we have plenty of Raspberries and Blackcurrants. Just coming in, we also have Jostaberries and Gooseberries. Also for those who get here first each day, we should have a few perfectly ripe, white Marseilles figs. Our tree in the main glasshouse does not fruit well every year but when it does, the fruit is extraordinary! This year is not one of the tree’s most prolific but the fruits that are ripening are exquisite!
For those visiting us this weekend, don’t miss the chance to say hello to our new arrivals. Out in the main field our new Saddleback gilts have settled in and, most days, are busy exploring and rooting around – they are always happy to say hello. We also took delivery of 25 2-week old runner ducklings last Saturday – they will be living in the Chicken Coop for the next couple of weeks till they are strong enough to hold their own with the adult ducks. If you are unsure where to head, do ask for one of our new maps which will help you navigate around the farm. The maps are also available, along with crayons, for the distraction of young (or indeed not so young) guests – just ask one of the waitstaff.
We are now firmly into our summer opening hours and will be serving Dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings through till the Autumn.
We look forward to welcoming you to the farm again this week, whether you come to shop, to breakfast, to lunch or, on Friday or Saturday, for dinner.
