New in the kitchen for Organic September

This month’s ‘new in the kitchen’ post is all about organic products. As it’s Organic September it seems only fitting that all the new products I’ve been trying are both tasty and organic. Quite a mix this month too; tea, snacks, oatcakes and pies.

First up I tried the Caramel Rooibos Tea from Kromland Farm. They’ve been growing rooibos in South Africa since 1902 and produce all their teas in Britain. I have to say I tend to prefer a single estate tea (which Kromland is) to a blend, there’s something so nice about knowing it’s the produce all from one area rather than a mix from all over the place. I really like the flavour of this; it’s certainly rooibos but the hint of caramel gives it an additional flavour without being too overpowering. There’s no added sugar so although it feels like it’s a sweet treat it’s actually not; and I like that. All the treat and none of the guilt. I’ve enjoyed switching to this instead of my normal ‘builders’ cuppa.

The second set of organic goodies I’ve been trying are some snacks from Clearspring. I tried their Tamari Roasted Soya with Tomato and Herb and their Tamari Roasted Sicilian Almonds. I enjoyed them very much with a cold beer and a bit of rugby in the background. I’ve not had roasted soya before and it reminded me a little bit of pine nuts; the flavour was salty and savoury without being overwhelming and the almonds were really good and crisp (and a bit addictive). It was a pleasant surprise to look at the ingredients and find that neither of them had any added sugar, I’m keeping an eye on hidden sugars at the moment so these get a thumbs up from the snack department.

I also had some Nairns Oatcakes to try. I have to say I had them very traditionally with some crumbly organic cheddar and a little home grown and pickled beetroot. These have a good oat flavour and a nice crunch; welcome on any cheese board as far as I’m concerned. On the packet it says that they have added oatbran to the oatcakes to up the fibre content; I mean, if they’ve made them healthier then that’s just an excuse for more cheese surely? Fine by me.

As part of wanting to try new organic products this month I ordered myself some Homity Pies from Riverford along with my usual veg box. These little pies won Gold at the 2013 Organic Food Awards and it’s not hard to see why; they were delicious and it’s made me want to try a few more of the things Riverford offer.

I have posted this late in September in the hope that it encourages you to pick up something organic next time you’re in the shops, not just during September. Eating organic is something that is important to me for a whole host of reasons; I like to give my money to companies whose farming practices are better for the animals, land and me. Have you (or will you) tried anything organic this month that you haven’t before?

Thanks to Kromland, Clearspring and Nairns for the samples. I ordered the Riverford pies myself. All opinions expressed are my own.