Archive for the ‘Reflections’ Category
Reflections on February 2010
February has come and gone, and with it my plan to visit the rhubarb sheds of West Yorkshire. As it turns out, it would have been a celebratory trip this year, because the twelve remaining growers in the “Rhubarb Triangle” have gained Protected Designation of Origin classification from the EU for their Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb. Joining the ranks of international high flyers, such as Champagne, Roquefort Cheese and Parma Ham, the growers can be justly proud of their achievement and their wonderful product.
I imagine a visit to the warm, dark forcing sheds would be a surreal experience - hundreds of rhubarb stems, ramrod straight, pushing upwards in the impenetrable darkness, broken only by the gentle glow of candlelight during harvesting.
Here in the Rosebud kitchen, the ruby-red stems lend an exotic vibrancy to February mornings. Sweet-sharp and tender, they make the most delicious Rhubarb & Ginger Jam, and more unusually, Rhubarb & Orange Jam, a great alternative to marmalade; then, at the weekend, a sublime rhubarb crumble for my family.
Three cheers for Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb, and our thanks to David and Jonathan Westwood who have provided us with their beautiful product for over twenty years.
Reflections on January 2010
It has been a memorable January. Very little on the shelves after a busy Christmas and now a large order to fulfil for our American Importer.
Many days bring fresh falls of snow followed by bitterly cold nights. Our staff are understandably nervous about driving to work along country lanes that haven’t seen a gritter. Some come on foot. It is difficult to get supplies in and jars out under these conditions but the delivery drivers are so helpful and uncomplaining – seems ‘the white stuff’ has brought the best out in all of us!
Each day when the snow is thick I take our big dog for brisk walks over fields towards the dark shape of a conifer plantation. There are the tell tale signs of barked wood where rabbits have searched desperately for food.
Back in a warm kitchen the air is filled with the scent of Seville Oranges and every available receptacle too! We have several tonnes to wash and freeze.
With the help of a miracle, or so it seems, our American friends get their Mint Jelly.
