Jams, Pickles, Chutneys and Sauces

Hello Everyone,

Firstly, a huge thank you to those who ordered a Gardener’s Box last week and apologies to those who, unfortunately were unable to order as we reached capacity.

If Bob and I were capable of fulfilling more orders, we would. We realise there is potential to do more which means going bigger in all aspects of the farm and  business. However, Bob and myself want our service to be much more connected to you, our lovely customers. Our intention was never volume over quality. It was never, ever going to be revenue over rapport. Considering the dialogue: chats at the door; emails; Instagram; WhatsApp; or however you are communicating, we must be doing something on the side of right.

The restaurants must feel the same as, their owners and chefs, show huge interest and visit us here on the farm regularly. They are always more than welcome to visit and check out the produce. For instance, the lovely Anna from Cookhouse is bringing her chef this week to talk through the plans for what to grow during 2027. They will have a great rummage around what is growing now. It is great working with people who appreciate what we do and who are prepared to accept the ‘availability list’ (which happens to be exactly what you are offered each week). They then create menus around Fresh, Local, Seasonal and Organic Produce. Dare I make a cake for Anna?!

Over the past few weeks I have been in the kitchen. Much of our produce is harvested when ready and abundant but does not go on the box scheme or to the restaurants. Soft fruits and the Summer vegetables have been preserved into Jams, Pickles, Chutneys and Sauces. I have made use of the Onions, Herbs and Garlic and used Organic sugar, salt and dried herbs (where available) bought in the shops. These are Jars of Summer to see us all through the Autumn and Winter. These are now available on the Website to buy alongside your Gardener's Box (and we have sold seven jars already! smug face).

There is also a freezer full of these goodies, so, I will continue preserving in the kitchen as more time becomes available as the nights draw in.  

We continue to harvest apples, yes there is still more to arrive! They are then sorted into keepers, users, juicers. Juicing will begin shortly, once we can assess how much juice we will be making which will indicate the number of bottles we need to acquire. The Organic Apple Juice will then also make an appearance on the website. Something to look forward to as Hexhamshire Organics Organic Apple Juice is A Maze Ing!

Farm life is becoming far less frenetic. The colourful Autumn season changes to a much more sedate pace. Don’t get me wrong…there is always stuff to do. The Herb Gardens are now almost spent although surprisingly the Lovage has got a third wind and the Nasturtiums are still producing flowers! But the very cold nights will be here and they will be gone with the frosts. These areas have had a good cut back, ready for dormancy over the coming months.

Lots of the beds are being tended to ensure all is well for them over the colder days and nights. Although, the plants now will just take care of themselves. They may flop with the cold but will perk up once the daytime sun appears.

The greenhouses are looking lush with green shoots. We will have a more quicker pace over the next few weeks when we will go into a slight panic over getting these plugs in situ. inside the polytunnels. We are very lucky to have our tunnels as it means no matter the weather we will be able to harvest and tend (can I just say these are Bob’s thoughts, the kitchen will be a much better idea for me as I may have to supplement the Jars of Summer supply).

We have another busy week ahead…Anna and Henry the chef, a school from London visiting, a fully booked course at the weekend, restaurants, customers and football for the grandsons…better crack on…

Take care and Enjoy!

Ann