Scotch Whisky PGI. 2008Protected foods visited the Glenkinchie Whisky distillery in Tranet, East Lothian region of Scotland. Along with 15 other visitors we enjoyed a very informative tour, with of course some dram sampling at the end. We learned about the process of turning barley, malt and yeast into whisky - simple ingredients but a very complicated process. Glenkinchie single malt has been made on site for nearly 200 years and can be bought as a single malt or blended - Jonny Walker and ... continue reading...
Genetically Modified Maize (very slowly)
Sweet corn, Maize Just a little nugget of information, for those who dislike the idea of genetically modified plants, consider this, Maize is not natural. Without the intervention of man it would simple cease to exist. If the cobs ripen to maturity the kernels would not fall off and germinate like you'd expect, they would simply rot away. No where in nature is there a plant similar to it although there is a plant Called Teosinte which has a similar genetic make-up but looks only vaguely like ... continue reading...
Olive oil prices are on the up
Last year's bad Olive harvest, disease and drought are blamed for the predicted 20 per cent supermarket price rise in the coming months. Wholesalers are warning that low production in Spain and Italy, Europe's two biggest producers, will drive prices up. Southern Spain produces twice as much olive oil as Italy but with last year's drought and being a cyclical crop, as in a good yield follows a bad one, this year is not looking good. They are already using reserves to support the market. Italy ... continue reading...
Tins of Sardines crammed in like…..Sardines
Traditional Portuguese Canned Sardines To say the Portuguese love tinned fish (especially sardines) is a massive understatement. They have shops dedicated to these oily little fellas, some of which have been in business for a 100 years. To be honest I prefer the packaging to the contents (I've already mentioned my lack of appreciation of fishy fish on the Whitstable Oysters page), the designs are beautiful and eclectic. Protected Foods visited the grocery shop Loja Portugueza in Lisbon ... continue reading...
Glouscestershire Old Spot Pork
Protectedfoods loves the Pork word TSG 2010. This is another example of treating your animals well, Gloucestershire Old Spots must be reared using traditional farming methods. Outdoor reared with plenty of land to root about in, a wallow hole and dry warm shelter to kip in. They eat well too, beet, fruit, veg and low protein cake. As a traditional unimproved breed they are allowed to grow at their own pace unlike your average supermarket pork.These were the pigs painted in oil on canvas with ... continue reading...