Local firms the New Forest Fruit Company. Forest Edge Roasting and Hockey’s Farm shop all celebrate prizes in the Great Food Awards
THREE New Forest firms have starred in the prestigious nationwide Great Taste Awards.
Run by the Guild of Fine Food, the awards see judges taking part in blind tasting sessions over two days.
The New Forest Fruit Company won a 2-star ‘Outstanding’ prize in for its dried strawberry snacks.
Launched by fruit farmer Sandy Booth in East Boldre after four years in the making, it is a “first for the UK snack market” product which combines two specialist processes resulting in the dried fruit retaining its shape, flavour and nutrients.
The snacks impressed the judges who said they were “above and beyond delicious” – and Waitrose certainly agrees, with the supermarket stocking them on its shelves.
Sandy wanted to find a way to tackle food waste, and his dried fruit means wonky, misshapen strawberries don’t go to waste.
The strawberries are first pulse dried – not freeze dried – and when placed into liquid rehydrate, becoming like fresh fruit again. The whole process from field to packet is carried out on a site in Beaulieu.
Judges said the pulsing technology was “very impressive and innovative” and ensures the strawberries retain their “attractive shape and colour”.
Sandy said: “We love growing the juiciest strawberries here in the New Forest and never want to let even one go to waste.
“Any fresh strawberries that don’t make it into a punnet, go through the innovative pulse-dried fruit process producing a light, airy, meringue-like fruit snack, full of flavour and goodness that the whole family can enjoy.”
In Lyndhurst Robyn Barron-Martin is celebrating after her company Forest Edge Roasting gained a 1-star Great Taste Award for its North Ridge Blend.
A former barista from Australia, she started roasting her own coffee beans in a “glorified shed” in her parents’ garden in Highcliffe.
She now serves coffee made from the beans in her coffee shop in Lyndhurst high street where you can also buy a supply.
Speaking about her award, she said: "At Forest Edge Roasting we are thrilled to have our North Ridge blend recognised with a 1-star Great Taste Award this year.
“Following last year's success with Muddy Paws earning two stars, this accolade reaffirms our commitment to crafting exceptional sustainable coffee to be proud of.”
Hockey’s Farm Shop in Fordingbridge won an impressive four Great Taste Awards for its rare breed British lop pork and New Forest wild venison sausages.
Judged by the Guild of Fine Food’s expert panel, Hockey’s Pork Chops, Leg of Pork, Green Back Bacon and Wild Venison Sausages all scooped Great Taste 1-star awards.
Described as a “magnificent looking joint with great coloured crackling, well-balanced unctuous and savoury qualities and simply delicious”, the New Forest Rare Breed British lop leg of pork was a big hit with the judges.
Jonathan Stainton Burrell, from Hockey’s, said: “We have dreamt of this moment and are so proud to be adding the prestigious black-and-gold Great Taste badge of honour to our locally produced meat. The family came to Hockey’s in 2013 with a strong desire to showcase New Forest produce, so to be where we are today is truly a dream come true.
Laura Stainton-Burrell added: “Being recognised with a Great Taste 1-star means so much to independent producers such as myself, as it makes all the hard work and determination worth it. Great Taste is the most recognised accolade for taste and quality in the food and drink industry, so it’s a huge moment for us!”
