Food and drink news - September 2011
In this month’s roundup of new food products, Delia Online editor Jo Hill discovers another great rapeseed oil, finally finds ice cream that she loves and enjoys some brilliant dried fruit snacks. By Jo Hill
This season’s new oil...
Fussels’ new season golden Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil has just received a two-star Gold award in the 2011 Great Taste Awards. Produced in Somerset, the rapeseed is cold-pressed just once, with nothing added, resulting in a clear, clean taste to the oil. Like all rapeseed oil, Fussels’ has 50% less saturated fat than olive oil, plus higher levels of mono-unsaturates and Omegas 3, 6 and 9. Also, unlike many other oils, its health benefits are retained even at high temperatures so it’s especially good for cooking. From Tesco in SW England, plus select Waitrose stores and online from www.fusselsfinefoods.co.uk - £5.05 for 500ml
New from unearthed...
unearthed consistently supplies some of the best Mediterranean products to Waitrose, Ocado, Abel & Cole and some independent retailers. Its latest additions are brilliant for snacking – or why not put together a platter as an informal starter with drinks for friends? I really loved the almond-stuffed olives with smoked paprika (£2.95/170g) and Spanish hot spicy cooking chorizo sausages (£3.59/250g) – both had bold, fresh flavours and were a real treat.
Dried fruit snacks with a difference!
In my experience, many dried fruit snacks are either too sweet (sugar added) or are so dried that all the character of the fruit is lost. Not so Nim’s Crisps. Fresh fruit is thinly sliced and air-dried to retain its crispy crunchiness and tangy flavour. Dried, not fried and made from 100% pure, natural fruit, Nim’s Fruit Crisps are available in four varieties: I loved the Apple & Kiwi, Apple & Strawberry and Pineapple & Mango. For me, Orange & Melon was less successful as the orange was very sour. £1.49 per bag (including p&p) from www.nimsfruitcrisps.com.
Join the union!
I don’t normally go for ice cream, but I can highly recommend The Ice Cream Union, founded in 2006 by Argentine/Italian brothers Alex and Franco Fubini, who wanted to share their passion for artisan ice cream. With 30 different flavours, there’s something for everyone from this small, artisan company based in London. I was struck by the clarity of flavours – you really can tell that the strawberries used are home-grown; that the lemon comes from fruit, not a bottle. Next day delivery (min 8 litres order). Visit www.icecreamunion.com
Multi-tasking pan!
The Function 4 pan from WMF is certainly different. Made from top-quality stainless-steel and suitable for use on all hobs, it features a measuring scale on the inside of the pan so you can easily add liquids as well as a very distinctive multifunctional lid. The striking red silicone rim can be placed in four different positions, allowing you to pour liquid easily from the pan when draining – the large holes keep the pasta in the pan, while the smaller ones retain rice grains – or you can have the lid completely closed or open. Prices start at £72; for stockists contact 01895 816104 or visit www.wmf.uk.com.
Midweek meal solutions from Donald Russell
The latest launch from Scottish butcher Donald Russell is a range of eight weekly meal planners, from £29, which provides you with food for a week – offering a varied daily menu. Just choose the one you like best: contents include Fish Pie, Classic Bolognese, Steak Burgers, Pork Sausages and a refreshing Lemon Meringue Cheesecake or there’s a box for slow-cooking: Ox Cheeks, Oxtail, Shin of Beef, Minced Steak, Beef Rib Trim and Raspberry & Apple Crumble. Visit www.donaldrussell.com for more info.
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