Christ-mouse Foodie Gifts
So the festive season is fast approaching and you are probably writing your list and checking it twice; but perhaps, may we suggest that you check a third time and see whether you can buy some of the gifts on your list locally and sustainably.
Particularly if you’re after foodie gifts don’t just grab a box of chocolates or biscuits from the supermarket shelves - no no no, check out these small businesses - perfect for gifting or to use at home if you’re hosting during the festivities or indeed as a treat to yourself - why not it’s Christmas!
Oh and we've been hard at work making stop-motion videos featuring the products, to really get you feeling festive. You can see those here over on Instagram, @thetaleofateaspoon.
Dowdings Cider & Apple Juice
So firstly, a little tipple from Dowding’s. It seems most fitting that a Somerset foodie gift list has a cider don’t you think? For first thing in the morning, try a Dowding’s Apple Juice or if you're looking for a Bucks Fizz alternative to kick off the celebrations, try their perfectly named ‘Breakfast Cider’ which has a very low alcohol content. We can't think of a better way to start Christmas Day!
Dowding’s is run by Oliver Dowding, born into a farming family in the village of Shepton Montague in Somerset where he’s lived all his life. The farm is run under organic standards and the orchards have been certified organic by the Soil Association for over thirty years so the apple juice and cider are free from any nasties.
They help address food waste by taking surplus local apples that otherwise wouldn’t be harvested and again there’s no nasties as they ensure that none of the apples are ever sprayed or fertilised.
Land that’s managed organically provides an ideal environment for wildlife, flora and fauna to thrive so they are doing their bit for the wider environment too.
Click here to visit their website
Watch the video
Mere Trout
Next Mere Trout, offering cold and hot smoked trout as well as a tasty terrine, roulade, and smørgel - perfect for canapés if hosting this festive season, or for a lovely starter to the main meal on Christmas Day!
At Mere Trout, they focus on "each and every trout being the highest possible quality it can be" so you can be assured you’re eating great fish. They ensure the quality of the water is just right for them to thrive and importantly they handle the fish as little as possible to limit the stress that over handling causes.
The in-house smoking process uses oak, ash and beech from nearby Longleat. Further, the tasty terrine uses the trimmings to ensure minimal waste.
Click here to visit their website
Watch the video
Black Bee Honey
And now for a little something sweet - Black Bee Honey, 100 per cent British sticky goodness! There are a range of different flavours and their creative branding make these either a great gift or fantastic feature on your breakfast table for guests to try over the festive season.
At Black Bee, they believe strongly that we should know where our food comes from - hear hear to that - and so you'll find the name of the beekeeper and their location stamped on every jar. Being curious about where our food comes from and what’s in it is the first step to leading a healthy and more sustainable life.
Black Bee are rightly proud to be a B Corporation (or should that be Bee-Corp!) in which they scored exceedingly well. All the honey is produced in an ethical, sustainable way by beekeepers who respect and care for their bees and 2% of their turnover is used to create wildflower meadows. Can't say sweeter than that!
Click here to visit their website
Watch the video
White Lake Cheese
Every feast needs cheese and White Lake Cheese, based at Bagborough Farm near to the Glastonbury Festival site, in Pylle, produce a wide range of award winning goat, sheep and Guernsey cow milk cheese to satisfy every preference.
The milk used to create the goats cheese comes from farmer Roger’s own herd of goats, a local Guernsey herd provide the cow’s milk, and the sheep’s milk comes from another well trusted farm close by.
They refer to themselves as a ‘family of like minded cheese enthusiasts with a passion for creating the best cheese possible’ so you will be sure to get great tasting cheese with great sounding names - Driftwood, Fetish or even Wonky White Lake!
White Lake are committed to becoming a sustainable food producer and already have solar panels in place on the farm, as well as a recently installed a 200 KW wood boiler. And there are more plans afoot to rely more on solar and less on the National Grid in the coming years.
Click here to visit their website
Watch the video
Cult Jar
Cult Jar, was set up by Peter Prescott after working in the London restaurant and food retail world for almost thirty years. He and his team produce a number of different ferments and pickles, using largely local Somerset produce, from their base at Worminster Farm.
Fermented pickles are becoming more and more popular as people learn about the amazing gut benefits of fermented foods. Fermented pickles are a great source of probiotics, which can help improve gut health - so think healthy and good for your gut but also absolutely delicious and a great accompaniment; enjoy a slice of cold turkey with a large side of yummy ferments.
The packaging of CultJar is delightful and a selection of these stylish jars would make a lovely Christmas gift or a great purchase if you’re hosting - don’t decant, place straight on the table for all to see.
Click here to visit their website
Watch the video
Still Life Gin
Finally, and what a way to end - Still Life Gin - set up by local Frome based couple, Geoff and Sam.
They have taken their backgrounds in engineering and added a little science to the gin distillery process. Unlike most distilleries, the botanicals are distilled separately which optimises the characteristics of each. Once the distillates are prepared you can mix and experiment with flavours! Once tasted and approved, the distillates are blended in batches to create the masterpiece gins. Still Life offer gins called 'Exposure' and 'Contrast'. The former a lighter zestier gin, the latter a more warming gin - perfect for chillier nights.
If are looking for a gift for a gin lover then look no further, the gin is delicious. It’s available, online or in their lovely shop on Catherine Hill in Frome, in a range of sizes. There’s also lovely accessories or hampers for gifting or as an alternative you could buy a voucher for the experience to ‘blend your own gin’ where the recipient can make their own personalised masterpiece - what a treat!
Click here to visit their website
Watch the video
In summary, these are just a few of the many wonderful local products and producers we have in and around the area. Life continues to be tough for many including small businesses so if you can, please buy at least one or two pressies from local independents this year. It will make the world of difference to them and also you will have so much pleasure in your purchase - let’s all do our bit to spread the joy.
If you’re feeling crafty, why not check out our blog DIY Food Gifts for a Sustainable Christmas, and look out for our Waste Not Want Not - Christmas blog to ensure your plates are licked clean and any leftovers are well looked after.