Nothing tastes like summer time like a punnet of recent strawberries, and in Scotland we produce the perfect on the earth.
Fruit growers are grateful for the “goldilocks” climate – it’s excellent - that makes for excellent rising circumstances with longer hours of sunshine and funky breezes so the sugars have time to construct up slowly because the fruit ripens.
In Lidl, the strawberries come from the gorgeous Fife coast the place Andrew Todd and his household have been farming for many years. “It’s mum, dad, brother and myself – an actual household enterprise,” says Andrew.
“Mum and pa came to visit from Northern Eire 30 years in the past and purchased this farm the place there have been 5 acres of raspberries and 5 acres of strawberries, all open air at that stage, which they needed to decide – they usually beloved it.”
In the present day the farm additionally has polytunnels they usually have invested in a renewable biomass boiler for warmth, extending the rising season from April to mid-November.
Every strawberry is hand-picked instantly into the punnets by knowledgeable pickers, taking care to not bruise the fragile fruit.
“A variety of care has gone into the method, the pickers are educated to not contact the strawberry in any respect, they take it by the stalk and gently place it into the punnet. Consideration to element is essential,” explains Andrew.
Winners of the Recent Produce Retailer of the 12 months within the Retail Business Awards 2021, Lidl are pleased with the shut relationship they've with their farmers and growers, constructing higher partnerships primarily based on shared values – together with having as low an influence on the planet as doable.
By 2023, all Lidl non-organic British fruit and veg farms shall be LEAF Marque licensed, which means a dedication to extend the environmental requirements of its recent produce vary.
Lidl can also be investing £15billion into British meals, farming and manufacturing over the following 5 years and 60 per cent of Lidl’s merchandise are sourced from British suppliers.
Sustainability can also be essential to farmer Andrew.
“We’re at all times methods of enhancing, and are investing in renewables. It’s been good working with Lidl as a result of we’re chopping out meals miles, with the depot solely an hour down the highway. We’re recycling all of the plastic and all our punnets are 100 per cent recyclable. It’s a key a part of our enterprise."
Eton Mess Strawberry Scones
Components
For the Eton Mess (serves 6)
1 punnet strawberries
300 ml double cream
3 meringue nests (crushed into small chunks)
To serve
6 scones
strawberry jam
Technique :This hybrid dessert combines two iconic British meals traditions, Eton mess and jammy scones, into one scrumptious teatime deal with that everybody will love.
However whether or not you assemble them jam or cream first, effectively, we’ll depart that one as much as you ...
1. Hull the strawberries and cube into small chunks.
2. Whip the wealthy cream, utilizing both a hand whisk or stand mixer, till stiff. Gently fold via two thirds of the strawberries and all of the meringue for some crunch, mixing till effectively mixed.
3. To assemble, slice the scones in half and unfold with a thick layer of strawberry jam for a little bit of stickiness. Divide the cream combination between the scones and sprinkle over the remaining strawberries for a little bit of chew. High with the scone ‘lid’ and serve instantly.