The magic of pollination has happened and we have a myriad of insects to thank and above all think about. Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male anthers to the female stigma which is essential to kick start cell division and set the fruit. Poor pollination leads to poor fruit set and yield and misshaped fruits, neither good news! Continue reading “Pollination At Castle Fruit Farm”
Once Upon A Tree craft cider producers in Ledbury in Herefordshire are delighted to announce the long awaited release of their new, entirely natural, wild yeast fermented, sparkling cider.
Once Upon A Tree is supporting the work of the International Centre for Birds of Prey (ICBP) based in Newent, Gloucestershire, by donating 25 pence per bottle to go towards their work in Little Owl conservation.
Continue reading “Wild cider takes flight with The International Centre for Birds of Prey”
I have returned to a savoury recipe for this month as asparagus is very much in season and I think this is somewhat unusual. You will all be familiar with recipes for a meat lasagne, but not too many folk make a fish based one. Continue reading “May Recipe: Salmon and Asparagus Lasagne”
Michael Bentley has long been involved in Farmers Overseas Action Group which is a charity for agricultural development and other projects in Uganda. This interest was sparked by 2 years in India as a young graduate volunteer with the Quakers. Trained as a soil and water engineer his particular passion is sustainable farming practices in the tropics which increase yields by paying careful attention to water management and soil structure, one of the fundamentals of what is now known as Conservation Agriculture or Climate Smart Agriculture. Continue reading “Conservation Agriculture at Castle Fruit Farm”
Our Annual General Meeting is an opportunity for you to join with us to find out what the Food Group has achieved over the past year, and our plans going forward.
It’s also an opportunity to let us know your thoughts on local food and your ideas for continuing to spread the word on its importance.
Continue reading “It’s time again for our Annual General Meeting – you are welcome to join us”
Lamb and lemon recipes are for some reason both associated with the Easter period. I feel that I have supplied you with a lot of savoury recipes in the past and so am giving you a dessert / cake recipe which includes lemons. Please buy the unwaxed ones if possible, or if you do get the waxed ones make sure you scrub the skins well as they have been sprayed.
Two tips, one = you get more juice from fruit if you roll it gently first with the palm of your hand, it breaks down the internal fibres and does work I promise! The Chef at Croydon Catering College taught me that one, or zap it briefly in the microwave he said. Continue reading “April Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cake”
Sunday 9th July 2017 – a date for your diary
Our own annual Ledbury food and drink festival on the last day of the Ledbury Poetry Festival becomes part of the “Great Ledbury Celebration” this year and moves to Ledbury’s historic High Street market place to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the iconic Market House in a birthday treat of food, drink, music, poetry and heritage.
Arrangements for the event are bringing together organisations across Ledbury to put together a very special day, including Ledbury Town Council, Ledbury Poetry Festival, Ledbury Food Group, the Friends of the Master’s House, the Youth Council, the Ledbury Fringe, local businesses, traders and performers. Continue reading “The Great Ledbury Celebration – food, drink, music, poetry and heritage”