JUNE: STRAWBERRIES

BRITISH, SEASONAL AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCE CHAMPIONED EACH MONTH BY CHEF CRAIG HENNESSEY AT THE ROBIN HOOD INN

BRITISH STRAWBERRIES- the sign of Summer

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CHAMPION OF THE MONTH Its was announced that the 2020 British strawberry season has begun. Fresh Strawberries on the shelf are a true sign of the Great British Summer. Warmer & sunnier Spring weather resulted in the season starting a week earlier this year. Lets hope coronavirus lockdown & reduction of fruit pickers does not cause them to waste

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We love the juicy fresh strawberries from Cochranes Nurseries, in nearby Longtown A small family business with years of experience. In their shop they receive daily deliveries of fresh fruit and vegetables. What they really pride themselves on is their homegrown produce. The speciality at Cochranes Nurseries is their homegrown strawberries, grown throughout the Summer. They are very popular and bring customers from quite a distance to buy them.

Imported strawberries, now sold for most of the year, are picked whilst slightly under-ripe to ensure that they don't turn into mush during transportation. However strawberries do not ripen after being picked, so imported strawberries are often hard and have an undeveloped flavour - a pale imitation of in-season British strawberries.

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LEARN THE FACTS ABOUT STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries are abundant in vitamins and minerals, including; Potassium, folate, iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins B6,B9, K, and E.

In fact, eating just 7 strawberries (80g) can provide all of your recommended daily vitamin C intake.”

Research suggests that eating strawberries, alongside a carbohydrate rich meal may help to reduce spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. Improving blood sugar and insulin sensitivity could be helpful for preventing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

They have been eaten since Roman times, when they were also used medicinally to help with digestive ailments, discolored teeth and skin irritations.

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Learn more about the humble Strawberry and the history of British Food

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CHEF SAYS...

BUYING

Always buy British Strawberries in season. In 1990 the British strawberry season lasted about six weeks. Now it typically stretches from May to October - about 20 weeks. Try to find a pick-your-own farm or buy organic. Choose bright red, plump berries with fresh green leaves.

STORING Once picked they will be past their best within 24 hours. If you are not eating them on the day you buy them, then place in a sealed container, covered with damp paper towels, in the fridge, they may last another two days if you are lucky.

COOKING

Rinse gently with cold water and pat dry. Removing the stalk & hull they are ready to eat. Spoilt for choice you can serve strawberries in or on cakes and desserts, or with ice cream and cocktails.

ANYONE FOR A PIMMS?

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

classic Strawberry eton mess with vanilla panna cotta

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Mombasa Strawberry Gin

DRINK OF THE MONTH-

Mombasa Smasha

• 1/2 teaspoon Caster sugar,

• 1 lime wedge,

• 3 fresh strawberries,

• 10ml Monin strawberry syrup,

• 50ml Mombasa Strawberry Gin,

• 200ml fever tree tonic,

• Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

Enjoy cocktails at home with HAY! STRAWS

We have successfully phased out plastics straws at The Robin Hood Pub, proud to be the 1st restaurant in The UK to Use Hay straws.

We Support Small Farmers

We work directly with small farmers around the world to source our wheat stems. This offers an extra financial opportunity for the farmers to sell the stems, which are a byproduct of wheat harvesting.

Our wheat stems are hand harvested, and the best ones are selected for making HAY! Straws. This ensures the highest level of quality.

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