Celebrating the Independent Producers
Living in Derbyshire we are very lucky to be able to say that we are home to some truly fantastic local producers. From farm reared, sustainable meat that fills our butcher’s windows to locally milled flour that is sold alongside handmade loaves of bread made of the same, we are surrounded by passionate producers aiming only for the best. This is never more so apparent than at Belper’s monthly Farmer’s market.
Belper is a blood line for local produce and the town is saturated with outstanding food from across the county; but it’s the market in particular that provides a huge boost and opportunity for local businesses. One of my personal favourites is The Fruit and Herb Company.
A regular at the monthly farmer’s markets and ever present at the bi-annual food festivals that engulf Belper’s high street in the summer and just before Christmas. This company knows its chutney’s. Based just down the road in West Hallam it’s hard to find a better chutney, pickle and jam man this this one.
A particular favourite of mine is the Tomato and Chili Chutney – not for the faint hearted but certainly packed full of flavour. It goes perfectly as a base for cheese on toast, or even with a scone and some sour cream for a savoury mid-afternoon treat.
For something a little more exotic to go with your charcoal cheese or even your pyclets they also do a brilliantly balanced mango chutney as well as a lime pickle.
If there is any excuse needed to get down to the monthly market, please use a visit to The Fruit and Herb Company as your main, although you shouldn’t need it because the market is full of passionate producers. There’s never been a better time to celebrate them than now.
By Becki Explorer
For more great tips on local (and not so local) food, visit her blog below:
You are so right Becki 🙂 It’s great to be able to chat with the producers at the market and to know that you are buying local food from local producers. My favourites are the bread stall and the mushroom stall 🙂