Claire & Nick Bragg of Frogmary Green Farm in South Petherton, Somerset, give their verdict on March’s local produce.
What local produce will you be enjoying this March?
This time of year we’re enjoying lovely parsnips: roasted to bring out their sweetness they’re the perfect accompaniment for any roast dinner. Leeks and cauliflower are also often in the kitchen. All are perfect for creating delicious, hearty soups that are great as a warming lunch when you’ve been outdoors on the farm on a cold morning.
What do you see as the biggest benefits to the customer when it comes to choosing local produce?
We get great pleasure from talking to those who visit Frogmary Green Farm for one of our Supper Clubs or cookery courses and we’ve witnessed, first hand, the increasing change in attitude towards the provenance of food. People want to know about the origins of their food and this is something that you are assured of when buying local produce; whether it’s leeks that have been grown a couple of miles away or great sausages made from locally reared pigs.
More than that, local produce is seasonal, brilliantly fresh, and it hasn’t wandered far to get to your plate. Being environmentally friendly can sometimes feel overwhelming. We’re all aware in some way of what challenges our environment faces but maybe we don’t know what we can do to make a difference. By supporting local food markets and grocery shops, we aren’t simply feeding ourselves, but supporting our local communities and caring for the world’s environment by reducing food miles.
How easy is it for FOODLOVERS to buy local produce in your area?
The West Country is known for its marvellous variety of fresh and local produce. Somerset is no exception and this makes buying local produce easy for all of us. There’s a wealth of local independent shops, farm shops and farmers markets up and down the county and many on our doorstep.
Do you think buying local is more expensive than using supermarkets?
It’s true that shopping at the supermarket is sometimes more convenient and it’s also true that most are stocking some local produce. Supermarkets have a place in the supply chain and probably always will, however local farmers markets or local independent grocery shops, butchers, bakers and delis often represent better value for money, a greater variety of local, super fresh produce and a great shopping experience.
Do you have any favourites when it comes to West Country produce?
There’s only one answer: West Country chicken. Here at Frogmary Green Farm we are part of the process in delivering chickens that have been reared to the highest British welfare standards, to your local supermarket. Our chickens have the ability to roam wherever they like in the barn, always have access to a carefully balanced diet and very clean water. Our shed was built with windows to give our chickens lots of natural light. The welfare of the chickens we rear here is of utmost importance to us and one of our barns has a purpose built viewing gallery to show people how much we care and the attention we take to ensure that the chicken’s welfare is the top priority.