Produced in Kent, an organisation which champions the county’s finest producers and products, has curated a special autumnal collection showcasing some of the region’s most delicious and seasonal treats. Eileen Leahy discovers more…
With the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness now upon us it’s time to switch up our eating habits, swapping salads for soups and BBQs for hearty stews and generally embracing all that the autumn has to offer.
Coming into season right now are vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Then there are fruits like plums, apples and cranberries – all of which make delicious crumbles, tarts and sauces which are just what’s needed at this time of the year as the temperature drops and the nights draw in.
But if you’re looking for further inspiration then the good news is that Produced in Kent has just put together a special collection of local products which reflect the tastes of the new season perfectly.
If you’re not familiar with Produced in Kent then in short it is an organisation which pulls together the finest producers, farmers, retailers, and hospitality businesses for a celebration of the best in the Garden of England.
It is also behind the successful Taste of Kent Awards – dubbed the food and drink Oscars of our county. Now in their 18th year, the awards are dedicated to showcasing the tastiest produce the county has to offer while shining a spotlight on the many hard-working businesses behind all our wonderful food, drink and hospitality hubs.
At the most recent Taste of Kent awards ceremony winners from the local area included the Devlin Brothers from The Small Holding in Kilndown, Cellar Head brewery near Wadhurst and Kingcott Dairy in Staplehurst.
In Produced in Kent’s new seasonal collection you’ll find Biddenden Monks Delight – a strong Kentish cider boasting notes of honey and spice, a luxury hamper from foodie emporium Macknade and Goupie goodie bags boasting some of their finest chocolate. There’s even some Romney Marsh nourishing hand soap to keep cracked skin at bay during the colder months!
Produced in Kent’s CEO Floortje Hoette explains why the six products made the cut for this year’s special autumn collection:
“These autumn products from Kent are a fantastic example of the incredible produce we have right here on our doorstep. We’ve found some of the best to share with you, from the innovative Trick or Treat Bags from Goupie, to the more traditional Strong Kentish Cider from Biddenden Vineyards; which draws on our heritage as a farming county. As the harvest season reminds us of our connection to the land, what better way to celebrate the county’s bounty than to enjoy some of these seasonal products.”
WHAT’S ON THE MENU FOR AUTUMN:
1 Biddenden Monks Delight – This is a rich and delicious cider which can be enjoyed warm too. It’s created using the Barnes family’s traditional recipe, using a blend of Kent-grown culinary and dessert apples. £5.10, available from Biddenden Vineyard’s cellar door or online at biddendenvineyards.com
2 Macknade Kentish Weekender Hamper – Including craft beers and English wine this is the ultimate luxury indulgent treat for your tastebuds. Focusing on each mealtime thanks to the fact it boasts breakfast goodies, delicious snacks and fresh bread and butter too. In short, all the essentials you’ll need for a feast! £80, from macknade.com
3 Romney Marsh Wools Natural Lanolin Wool Fat Hand Soap – A rich moisturising soap from Romney Marsh Wools. Lanolin is the naturally-occurring fat in wool and boasts many benefits including the natural ability to nourish and keep skin smooth – therefore a must-have in the winter months! Prices start from £2 to £6 and the hand soap and other products are available to buy from romneymarshwools.co.uk
4 Goupie Free-From Trick or Treat Bags – Each bag contains a mix of white and 55% chocolate buttons. They are vegan and dairy-free and each bag contains 20 individual packs, packaged in compostable bags, so children (and adults!)
can enjoy a more sustainable treat at Halloween. £6.50 each and are available from goupiechocolate.com
5 Wooden Spoon Stud Orange & Brandy ‘Mulled Wine Mix’ – Stir up a true taste of autumn courtesy of this joy inducing mix from
a specialist preserving company which has supplied the Royal Palaces with its products for many years. All you need is hot water and an English Breakfast tea bag to conjure up this great tasting seasonal tea. Think of it as a hug in a mug! £6.95 per jar and available from thewoodenspoon.co.uk
6 Biddenden Special Mead – This is produced using methods from fermented fruit and honey, which is then further sweetened with honey to give a deep amber colour. Deliciously rich and aromatic, this is best served at room temperature as an accompaniment to cheese or fruitcake. £10.10 per bottle, available from Biddenden Vineyard’s cellar door or online at biddendenvineyards.com
This autumn collection has been put together by Produced in Kent, a trade member organisation working with independent Kent based producers. Find out more at producedinkent.co.uk or
@producedinkent on Instagram
