Jan 15, 20216 min read

JANUARY: CELERIAC

British, seasonal & sustainable produce, championed each month by BY CHEF CRAIG HENNESSEY of THE ROBIN HOOD INN

CHAMPION OF THE MONTH

In the middle of winter, celeriac is a saviour. This Versatile, but Little-Known Root Vegetable Is known as "the ugly one".

"ARGUABLY ONE OF THE UGLIEST VEGETABLES GOING!"

Celeriac is proof that "it’s what’s on the inside that counts."

Don’t judge a book by its cover, its rough, knobbly surface and irregular shape should not put you off.

Jack Buck Farms is a 150 year old but progressive farming business based in Lincolnshire. Farming around 1800 acres of the best silt land in the country, growing a range of vegetable and flower crops to the highest standards of productivity, whilst maintaining a strong environmental policy. Famous for their brand of celeriac - "The Ugly One"

They work hard to achieve and maintain the highest standards of accreditation from brands like Tesco, Waitrose and M&S. LEARN MORE HERE

Sustainable Produce

"THEY ARE CONTINUALLY LOOKING TO IMPROVE FARMING PRACTICES. WITH SOLAR PANELS AND RESERVOIRS, SATELLITE NAVIGATION AND MOST RECENTLY AN ENERGY EFFICIENT CELERIAC WASHER".

Supporting British Farming

When you buy British, we can enjoy seasonal, high quality produce. We were supporting the highest standards of practice in the world.

The Conservative government voted against protecting our high standards.

There are a whole host of bad agricultural practices which will be imposed on the UK in the coming months. This will affect the quality of our homegrown produce.

A bee-killing pesticide so poisonous that it is banned by the EU may be used in England. The Government agreed the use of this highly damaging pesticide on sugar beet. The MD of British Sugar, the sole purchaser of Britain's beet crop, is married to Victoria Aitkins, Conservative MP. LEARN MORE

CLICK HERE to Follow the NFU for all the ways you can back British farming.

GOODBYE EU.......

Just two weeks into Brexit, and every day brings a new report of problems. Shortages of fresh fruit and veg appear to be growing.

Prices of imported produce have already rocketed and EU Lorry drivers are reporting delays, some are starting to refuse to come to the UK, and some rules have not yet fully kicked in.

Suppliers are warning that shortages may soon 'surge'. Even Michael Gove admitted: "In the weeks ahead, we expect that there will be significant additional disruption – particularly on the Dover-Calais route."

In just two weeks, there has been the biggest population decline in the UK since World War 2. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

With approximately 1 million EU citizens leaving the country. Reverse migration will hugely impact the hospitality sector with EU citizens making up nearly 25% of the UK workforce, when travel restrictions are lifted, the migration number is likely to grow over the next couple of months.

I really hope that one day we decide to re-join the European community - Being in this community is really about freedom & possibilities. The economic benefit is just a bonus.

We all have so much in common as Europeans, we are all a part of its rich history & culture.

We will always be stronger together.

CELERIAC - THE FACTS

It is well known for its strange appearance, but did you know it is a versatile winter vegetable full of anti oxidants?

Celeriac is a nutritional powerhouse and can be eaten raw or cooked, an exceptionally healthy vegetable with many research-backed benefits.

Celeriac is a low-carb alternative to potatoes with nearly half the amount of carbs, the nutritional benefits of celeriac paired with the rich flavour, make this ugly root vegetable perfect for a "Keto" diet.

High in fibre and a good source of vitamins B6, C and K. It also contains important minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium and manganese. What’s more, it’s low in fat and calories and can help lower cholesterol levels, which benefits your heart health.

Researchers think that the high levels of vitamins in celeriac, may help strengthen your bones and immune system. Some natural compounds in them may promote weight loss.

S.H.I.N.E is a new partner and collection point in the Affordable Food Hub network.

The dedicated volunteers at SHINE in Brampton and beyond have been working tirelessly throughout these last few months to support the community. A small, dedicated team of volunteers have ensured that the vulnerable and at risk members of our community have received support through food parcels and hot meals service.

The team have been collecting food donations from local people and businesses as well as providing support to the users, in a large rural area. if you are unable to cook due to age, health or disability. If you have suffered from, job loses, low finances and struggle juggling bills, get in touch to enquire about how the service can assist you, please get in touch via the help desk.

call 01697927005.

AFFORDABLE FOOD HUB

The Affordable Food Hub from Carlisle Community Help aims to support the most vulnerable in our community by promoting independence and a supporting our communities with good quality produce at an affordable price, on a long term or emergency basis.

Service users can choose from a list of items in stock, by paying a low set price each week. Availability will differ depending on donations or the ability to purchase stock,

Having a good relationship with local producers, allows us to supply reduced priced, locally made food for sale.

It is vital for both the local economy and our climate to keep food as local as possible.

Learn more about how the scheme works HERE

YES CHEF...

Celeriac is extremely versatile, this ugly Winter root vegetable can be eaten raw or cooked it can be used as a base for salads and works well mashed, baked, roasted or boiled.

BUYING Choose a medium-sized celeriac — 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) in diameter — with a smooth, even surface. Avoid large, heavy ones that are discoloured or have surface cracks and are free from soft spots. Be sure that its centre isn’t hollow, which is a sign that the celeriac is of poor quality, by knocking on it. The fresher the vegetable, the stronger its celery flavour.

CLICK HERE TO BUY FROM CATERITE

STORING If stored correctly in a plastic bag, inside the vegetable compartment of your fridge, celeriac can keep for 2 or 3 weeks. Store cut pieces in acidulated water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent discolouration.

COOKING

Trim leaves (if present) and root end, peel the skin to remove any brown bits and the root channels in the base.

Grate or cut into thin sticks for serving raw in dishes such as remoulade (similar to coleslaw). Boil cubes until tender (15 - 20 minutes) stir with cream and garlic for a "Keto" mash. Roast with herbs and spices, combine with blended chickpeas and flour for a delicious vegetarian burger base.

DISH OF THE MONTH

Enjoy Valentines in the comfort of your own home.

✅ 7 course seasonal menu

✅ social distancing followed

✅ full flavours

✅ unique matched wines

✅ no washing up

We have limited availability for Valentines weekend. We are offering our private dining service Thursday 11th February - Monday 15th February.

To learn more about our seasonal tasting menu CLICK HERE:

With a taste of apple blossom and elderflower, our Beautiful Irsai Oliver from Debrö, Eger wine region- from our neighbours at Tóth és Tóth Vineyard.

If you like unique, #artisan produce, this is a #wine for you!

A delicious wine, similar to Pinot Grigio but with more flavour and fragrance to it. Light bodied, notes of tropical fruit and apple blossom, with rich floral and citrus aromas in the nose and a low acidity level.

CLICK HERE to Get a bottle of Irsai Oliver for just £5.99

Visit our NEW online shop:

Opening a bottle of Hungarian wine is like uncovering a great historical secret. Luckily for us, the secret is out, and the history is just beginning. We stock over 20 varieties of unique, Hungarian wine, Exclusive to our new and improved online shop.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE HUNGARIAN WINE CELLAR