Fairtrade buying remains strong
RECENT figures from the food industry have indicated that the selection of Fairtrade products remains high for consumers in this part of Europe. The September figures show that three out of every four people recognise the fairtrade mark and that just shy of 95 per cent of those surveyed would talk highly about the concept as a whole.
These figures come at the right time for the Fairtrade group as a whole as they embark upon their latest campaign to urge, businesses both large and small to upscale their Fairtrade engagement and help tackle poverty in developing countries.
Today, there are over 4,500 Fairtrade certified products, including coffee, tea, chocolate and a variety of fruits, associated with towns, school and groups.
Slow Food News
Thanking the large crowd that topped 1,000 visitors, and those that helped with the wonderful day out at Caroline and Joe Rigney’s farm last weekend, Slow Food Limerick and region were delighted that the event really summed up what slowfood is all about with people from all walks of life coming together to enjoy locally produced food, while gaining a glimpse behind the scenes at the skills which go into running such a farm and creating the end product. The group said: “It took a lot of hard work to bring the day together so it was great to see everyone getting behind it. Special thanks to Yvonne Deegan, Colette and Holly O’Farrell, Jennifer and Tommy Ryan, Con Traas, Darina Allen and Kieran O’Connor, as well as Caroline and Joe’s amazing neighbours”.
October is nearly upon us and with it comes an amazing selection of foods. There’s a fantastic overlap of summery foods like grapes, melons, courgettes and sweetcorn, as well as the more autumnal chestnuts, mushrooms, squash and watercress, giving lots of scope for delicious recipes. It’s also a time to feature some show-stoppers, like oysters and fresh figs, if you’re lucky enough to get them. Great stews and casseroles can be made with leeks, marrow, celeriac and main crop potatoes, featuring some seasonal game. On a lighter note, there’s scallops, haddock or hake to choose from.
Elderberries are out around now too, just remember to cook them well, then use in everything from cordial to syrups and jams for their intense colour and fragrant taste.
