The perfect gift!
Consumable presents are really "a must.
They don't sit on the sideboard gathering dust,
But a jam or a chutney, a wine or a beer
Not only taste grand but they're gone by New Year!
We have plenty of tasty treats for the perfect gift: homemade jams and pickles; local beers; wines etc.
Saturday 13 December 2014
Saturday 29 November 2014
Christmas is coming!
Less than a month until Christmas and the excitement is mounting and we are open daily including Monday.
We have started selling our home-gown trees and have plenty to choose from ready-cut or you can take the tractor and trailer ride to cut or dig your own.
The rides are running the weekends of Sat/Sun 29/30 Nov; 6/7 Dec; and 13/14 Dec. from 10 - 3. Bring your own tools (no chain saws allowed). It is a great experience for the family.
From The Butchery
If you haven't yet ordered your turkey there is still time but don't leave it until the last week!
You may have seen our recent success at the English Winter Fair where our sausage bacon and pies picked up 4 gold awards, 6 silvers and a bronze. We were delighted that our home-reared, free-range back bacon also won the champion's prize as the best bacon.
Tearoom
From now until 23 December the tearoom is open every day including Monday.
We also have 2 evenings when we are open:
On Thursday 4th Dec we have a Yuletide supper and on Sat 20 Dec we are hosting our traditional Christmas evening meal. It is a great start to Christmas. Be sure to book in for both of these. The menus are on the website.
We have started selling our home-gown trees and have plenty to choose from ready-cut or you can take the tractor and trailer ride to cut or dig your own.
The rides are running the weekends of Sat/Sun 29/30 Nov; 6/7 Dec; and 13/14 Dec. from 10 - 3. Bring your own tools (no chain saws allowed). It is a great experience for the family.
From The Butchery
If you haven't yet ordered your turkey there is still time but don't leave it until the last week!
You may have seen our recent success at the English Winter Fair where our sausage bacon and pies picked up 4 gold awards, 6 silvers and a bronze. We were delighted that our home-reared, free-range back bacon also won the champion's prize as the best bacon.
Tearoom
From now until 23 December the tearoom is open every day including Monday.
We also have 2 evenings when we are open:
On Thursday 4th Dec we have a Yuletide supper and on Sat 20 Dec we are hosting our traditional Christmas evening meal. It is a great start to Christmas. Be sure to book in for both of these. The menus are on the website.
Monday 17 November 2014
Meat Awards at English Winter Fair
Great news from yesterday's English Winter Fair at Stafford Showground.
This annual event showcases the best of English stockfarming and meat producing. As part of the event meat products from the best butchers are judged for their quality and out of 11 entries we were awarded 4 golds, 6 silvers and 1 bronze.
Golds were gained for our bacon, gammon, pork pies and our steak and ale with other pies and sausage picking up silvers.
To add even more glory our back bacon was crowned champion in the bacon category.
So there you have it. Not only is our free-range bacon born, reared and processed on the farm but is now the official English Winter Fair Champion!
If you haven't already tried it hurry along and get some now. If you prefer it smoked we also offer a beechwood smoked version of the same, award-winning product.
This annual event showcases the best of English stockfarming and meat producing. As part of the event meat products from the best butchers are judged for their quality and out of 11 entries we were awarded 4 golds, 6 silvers and 1 bronze.
Golds were gained for our bacon, gammon, pork pies and our steak and ale with other pies and sausage picking up silvers.
To add even more glory our back bacon was crowned champion in the bacon category.
So there you have it. Not only is our free-range bacon born, reared and processed on the farm but is now the official English Winter Fair Champion!
If you haven't already tried it hurry along and get some now. If you prefer it smoked we also offer a beechwood smoked version of the same, award-winning product.
Thursday 30 October 2014
Pumpkins running out!
What a week! We have been so busy with pumpkins since last weekend that we have nearly sold out!
Particularly popular have been the trailer rides down to the field to pick your own. So much so that there are now only a few left. We still have some of the new, trend-setting white pumpkins to pick.
If you want to see what you can find in the field you are welcome to come on our last scheduled day of trailer rides, Friday 31st October, and the rides will run from 10.00 - 3.00. The Country Kitchen tearoom will be open from 11.00 - 3.00 with lunches from 12.00 - 2.30 and the rest of the shop will be open as normal. Don't forget to buy some of our famous, award-winning free-range sausage for your Hallowe'en or bonfire party.
Particularly popular have been the trailer rides down to the field to pick your own. So much so that there are now only a few left. We still have some of the new, trend-setting white pumpkins to pick.
If you want to see what you can find in the field you are welcome to come on our last scheduled day of trailer rides, Friday 31st October, and the rides will run from 10.00 - 3.00. The Country Kitchen tearoom will be open from 11.00 - 3.00 with lunches from 12.00 - 2.30 and the rest of the shop will be open as normal. Don't forget to buy some of our famous, award-winning free-range sausage for your Hallowe'en or bonfire party.
Monday 6 October 2014
Pumpkins
Wonderful September means wonderful pumpkins!
What a great September we have had. The warm sunshine has done wonders for the pumpkin crop. They have all ripened beautufully and are ready for picking about 3 weeks earlier than normal. we have some in the shop already and you can take a walk to the field to pick your own if you are feeling energetic.
During the half term week, 25th - 31 Oct, weather permitting we will be running trailer rides to the field for people to pick their own pumpkins.
Don't forget that we are holding our annual craft fair on Sunday 26 October so the farm will be busy that day. If you would like Sunday lunch it would be wise to book early.
What a great September we have had. The warm sunshine has done wonders for the pumpkin crop. They have all ripened beautufully and are ready for picking about 3 weeks earlier than normal. we have some in the shop already and you can take a walk to the field to pick your own if you are feeling energetic.
During the half term week, 25th - 31 Oct, weather permitting we will be running trailer rides to the field for people to pick their own pumpkins.
Don't forget that we are holding our annual craft fair on Sunday 26 October so the farm will be busy that day. If you would like Sunday lunch it would be wise to book early.
Tuesday 9 September 2014
Sunny September: Sensational Sweetcorn
After a cold August the recent warm and sunny weather has really suited the sweetcorn Not only is it easy to pick and very plentiful, its flavour is superb. Something of a vintage year!
If you don't want to pick it we have lots in the shop ready picked!
If you don't want to pick it we have lots in the shop ready picked!
Sunday 7 September 2014
New Horsegate Possible?
Interesting article in The Times on Friday 5 Sept 2014:
The headline reads:
Shop price wars risk another horsemeat scandal
It quotes a government report about the scandal and warned that the supermarkets' constant drive to drive down costs increased the risk of fraud. Their policy of "adversarial procurement" had worsened since the scandal and the report quotes results of tests by Leicester City Council which found 54 out of 104 samples with above 1% contamination with other species.
The report was commisioned by Defra and highlights the importance of knowing where your food comes from.
The best advice is "Buy from the farm, you know where it's from"!
If you haven't watched it already click on our horsemeat video on the website or see it on youtube, Essington Fruit Farm Say Neigh to Horsemeat.
Also in the same newspaper is a story about potassium helping to reduce the risk of strokes. The study found that overall those who ate most ptassium were 12% less likely to suffer a stroke. Potassium is found in bananas, potatoes, meat and yoghurt.
Professor Wassertheil-Smoller said "Everyone could benefit from eating more fruit and vegetables but potassium is also found in yoghurt and unprocessed meat".
The message seems to be buy good quality, fresh produce and meat from trustworthy sources. We couldn't agree more!
The headline reads:
Shop price wars risk another horsemeat scandal
It quotes a government report about the scandal and warned that the supermarkets' constant drive to drive down costs increased the risk of fraud. Their policy of "adversarial procurement" had worsened since the scandal and the report quotes results of tests by Leicester City Council which found 54 out of 104 samples with above 1% contamination with other species.
The report was commisioned by Defra and highlights the importance of knowing where your food comes from.
The best advice is "Buy from the farm, you know where it's from"!
If you haven't watched it already click on our horsemeat video on the website or see it on youtube, Essington Fruit Farm Say Neigh to Horsemeat.
Also in the same newspaper is a story about potassium helping to reduce the risk of strokes. The study found that overall those who ate most ptassium were 12% less likely to suffer a stroke. Potassium is found in bananas, potatoes, meat and yoghurt.
Professor Wassertheil-Smoller said "Everyone could benefit from eating more fruit and vegetables but potassium is also found in yoghurt and unprocessed meat".
The message seems to be buy good quality, fresh produce and meat from trustworthy sources. We couldn't agree more!
Tuesday 26 August 2014
Autumn Approaches
As August gives way to September we go into a different mode!
The schools will soon be back and our Autumn opening hours apply.
The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 10-5
The tearoom is open Tuesday to Friday 11-3; 9-3 Saturday and 11-3 Sunday
The crops are far from over though and we still have blueberries, plums and lots of veg for picking and for sale in the shop.
Look on the website for the latest menus for our Country Kitchen evening events.
The schools will soon be back and our Autumn opening hours apply.
The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 10-5
The tearoom is open Tuesday to Friday 11-3; 9-3 Saturday and 11-3 Sunday
The crops are far from over though and we still have blueberries, plums and lots of veg for picking and for sale in the shop.
Look on the website for the latest menus for our Country Kitchen evening events.
Thursday 7 August 2014
Maize Maze and PYO
Summer Holiday Time at the Farm!
The schools are on holiday and everyone is looking for things to keep the children happy without spending a fortune!
As usual we have our maize maze open this summer is association with the Grand Theatre but it is much bigger than last year with lots more to get lost in. The maze is themed around their pantomime of Cinderella and there are characters from the panto to find in the maze and questions to answer. Correct entries go into a draw to win tickets fot the panto in January.
The maze is great fun and costs only £3 per person (or £2 for parties of 10 or more). It will be open until the autumn when it will become silage to feed the cattle!
Pick Your Own continues through the summer and at the moment blueberries and plums are in full season. Blueberries are a delicious and popular fruit and it is wonderful to be able to pick quantities that would be unaffordable at supermarket prices. They are reputed to be one of nature's super-foods, packed with antioxidants. Great fresh or cooked, make the most of them while they are in season. Tasty Tip: Try cooking with a little lemon juice and sugar!
Our onion crop this year is amazing. They have grow to a super size and can be picked now very easily. They can be dried off and stored for winter use.
We have a couple of events coming up in September in the Country Kitchen. On Thursday 4th Sept we have a country casserole evening: excellent value; 2 courses for £12.95 and on Saturday 20th we invite you to join us for our harvest supper when we celebrate the 2014 harvest in grand style: 3 courses plus coffee for £19.95.
The menus will be on our website shortly.
We look forward to seing you.
Saturday 28 June 2014
Pick Your Own in Full Swing!
We are now in full swing with PYO. The table top strawberries have about finished and we are replanting to give us an autumn crop. These should be ready about August. The open ground strawberries are now ready and we have several varieties to pick. Korona and Alice are delicious, sweet varieties with a soft skin and flesh. They taste wonderful but do not keep long. Eros and Fenella are a bit firmer in texture and will keep longer.
Raspberries are just starting and we should have lots over next week.
We have tons of cabbage ready along with broccoli. The caulis are just starting.
Rhubarb, blackcurrants and gooseberries are plentiful.
We have now started our evening opening and will be open on fine evenings until 8pm. If the weather is suspect please phone to confirm closing times.
Our Steak night was a great success in the tearoom and we plan to repeat it later. On Thursday 3rd July we have a special "Essitalian" evening when we will be serving Essington food with an Italian flavour. We still have tables available so book now
Look out also for our wartime menu to celebrate VJ night in August.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Raspberries are just starting and we should have lots over next week.
We have tons of cabbage ready along with broccoli. The caulis are just starting.
Rhubarb, blackcurrants and gooseberries are plentiful.
We have now started our evening opening and will be open on fine evenings until 8pm. If the weather is suspect please phone to confirm closing times.
Our Steak night was a great success in the tearoom and we plan to repeat it later. On Thursday 3rd July we have a special "Essitalian" evening when we will be serving Essington food with an Italian flavour. We still have tables available so book now
Look out also for our wartime menu to celebrate VJ night in August.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Saturday 21 June 2014
Pick Your Own Now Open!
Summer has officially arrived!
It's nothing to do with the longest day or even England getting knocked out of the world cup but the opening of our PYO fields!
We have been picking from our polytunnels for a few weeks now but we have opened fully today with access to the field-grown strawberries as well as raspberries, gooseberries and some vegetables.
Sugar peas are good today and you are spoiled for choice on strawberries.
Did you see this week that some research has shown that strawberries make you the happiest of any fruits and help reduce blood pressure! It's not often that treats are also good for you. Make the most of the British strawberry season while it lasts!
It's nothing to do with the longest day or even England getting knocked out of the world cup but the opening of our PYO fields!
We have been picking from our polytunnels for a few weeks now but we have opened fully today with access to the field-grown strawberries as well as raspberries, gooseberries and some vegetables.
Sugar peas are good today and you are spoiled for choice on strawberries.
Did you see this week that some research has shown that strawberries make you the happiest of any fruits and help reduce blood pressure! It's not often that treats are also good for you. Make the most of the British strawberry season while it lasts!
Wednesday 4 June 2014
Wonderful Strawberries!
We hope you like our updated website. Please bear with us while we learn how to use it.
We hope to be able to give up-to-date information on crop availability through the PYO season. Don't forget you can enter your email address on our website to receive a free monthly e-newsletter.
Hot news this week is that our table-top strawberries in the polytunnels are proving enormously popular. Sonata is a sweet and juicy variety and now at its best. The tunnels are open for PYO now from Tuesday to Saturday and the fields will be open in a couple of weeks.
Don't forget our Pork Pie, Pate and Pickle evening on Thursday 5th June 2014 6.30 - 8.00 pm. Book now!
The menu is on the website
We hope to be able to give up-to-date information on crop availability through the PYO season. Don't forget you can enter your email address on our website to receive a free monthly e-newsletter.
Hot news this week is that our table-top strawberries in the polytunnels are proving enormously popular. Sonata is a sweet and juicy variety and now at its best. The tunnels are open for PYO now from Tuesday to Saturday and the fields will be open in a couple of weeks.
Don't forget our Pork Pie, Pate and Pickle evening on Thursday 5th June 2014 6.30 - 8.00 pm. Book now!
The menu is on the website
Monday 5 May 2014
We're very proud to announce our Good Food awards...
Producer of the Year:
Winner: Essington Fruit Farm, Essington
- It was a fantastic visit. This business encompasses everything that Taste of Staffordshire is about. They advertise clearly the use of locally sourced ingredients and communicate to their customers how this reduces air miles.
- The staff were extremely friendly and their level of knowledge about their role and their product is of a very high standard.
- There is an obvious commitment to customer care. They continue to serve the community and provide a fantastic service.
Tea Room of the Year:
Runner-Up: Essington Fruit Farm, Essington
- Their commitment to local sourcing, wholesome food and to overall quality is commendable.
- ·There is a zealousness about their passion for local food. The quality of their locally-sourced ingredients was outstanding.
- Staff were cheerful, willing, competent and offered service with a smile.
Another great award!
Essington Fruit Farm has won Farm Retail Innovator of the Year, organised by Farmers' Guardian newspaper. Our award is in recognition of the amount of produce we grow, rear, make and sell from scratch as a one-link food chain and also for our promotion of local food during the horsemeat scandal.
Welcome to Essington Farm's newsblog
This is the place where we'll post the latest news and information about Essington Fruit Farm.
Happy reading.
Richard Simkin
Essington Fruit Farm
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