NEWS

The Great Taste Awards is the most trusted and recognised food and drink awards! Last week we learnt that Oleifera had been awarded 2 Gold Stars. To set the scene, here are some more details of exactly what this means ...

For 2011, over 7400 products were judged over an intense two-month period. The Awards’ organiser, the Guild of Fine Food constantly refines the judging mechanics and this year was no exception. Before gold is awarded, a minimum of twelve experts, often 16 taste, discuss and agree. For two- or three-stars, up to 20 judges must unanimously agree an entry has achieved absolute perfection. Over 350 experts including key buyers, retailers, chefs and food writers blind tasted entries to ensure they are fairly and independently assessed. Every entry starts with 25 points and marks are deducted when faults are identified and constructive feedback offers suggestions to the producers how entries could be improved.

Of all the UK’s food award schemes, the GREAT TASTE AWARDS is the most important. Completely independent and uncompromisingly rigorous, it is trusted by retailers, buyers and consumers. GREAT TASTE is to speciality food and drink what MICHELIN is to fine dining.

Needless to say, here at Oleifera HQ, we are thrilled !!

Honey Glazed Kohlrabi, Apple & Walnut Salad with Mustard Seed Dressing

Serves 4 

For the Salad

500g kohlrabi, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes

2 tbsp rapeseed oil

1 tbsp runny honey

50g walnut halves

1 red eating apple

1 lemon, juiced

2 large handfuls rocket

For the Dressing

1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp soft brown sugar

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

4 tbsp rapeseed oil

1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 190c / 375f / Gas Mark 5. Place the kohlrabi in a roasting tin with the oil and honey, season with salt & black pepper & toss all the ingredients together. Cook in the preheated oven for 15 - 20 minutes, then add the walnuts and cook for a further 5 minutes. Meanwhile core and slice the apple, squeeze over a little lemon juice to prevent browning, and set aside. Wash the rocket & drain well.

For the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together well. Pile the rocket, apple, kohlrabi and walnuts on 4 plates and drizzle with the dressing.

We were very thrilled to see Oleifera being used on Saturday Kitchen this weekend, when James Martin made a dish of Marinated prawns with roasted lemon mayonnaise and asparagus. Click here to pick up the full recipe.  A stuning looking dish using the very best British cold pressed rapeseed oil.

Woop Woop! Get the champagne out! After a lot of hard work and effort, we've recently received notification that we are now BRC 'A grade' accredited.

 .... Needless to say, we are thrilled to have achieved this standard. Currently we are the only cold pressed rapeseed oil producer able to offer this level of commitment to quality and service. 

Check out our Oleifera Spring time Easter muffin recipe and create your very own delicious treats!

Makes 12 (Approx)

2 Eggs
250ml milk
125ml Oleifera rapeseed oil
200g unrefined sugar
2tsp vanilla extract
4 tsp baking powder
1tsps bicarbonate of soda
400g plain flour
100g white chocolate chips
100g plain chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 200°C

Method:

Place the eggs, milk, oil, sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl and beat together. Sieve in the baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and flour into the oil mixture. Add the chocolate chips and mix until blended.

Line a muffin tray with muffin cases and fill each case to just below the top with the muffin mixture. Place in the oven for 20 minutes or until firm to the touch.

Once cool, decorate with chocolate icing and more chocolate chips. For Easter muffins decorate with mini eggs.

Some months ago we were asked if we could supply some bottles of our fabulous oil for a forthcoming Television programme called Cookery School. The daily cookery competition turns ordinary cooks into great chefs, as Michelin-starred Richard Corrigan and cookery mentor Gizzi Erskine reveal the secrets of the pros. 

Britain has lost the art of cooking - Cookery School is going to change that. In this daily cookery competition, Richard Corrigan and Gizzi Erskine teach people from basic to advanced levels - the secrets of great cooking. From soufflés to sauces, spatchcocking to spun sugar, every 'cheffy' secret is revealed as, each week, six home-cooks from around the country are pushed to make the perfect dish while battling to win a place in the finals. The pupils have to master three mouth-watering recipes. Those who don't make the grade are sent home.

Now showing weekdays at 14:05 why not tune in and see if you can spot the Oleifera bottles!

Click here to find out more

SCOTHOT is the definitive event for the Scottish hospitality, catering and food service industry, attracting thousands of visitors and many exhibitors over 3 days. Why not come along and meet the team and sample our products. We are offering customers 1/3rd off all confirmed orders received during the show.

'Source Local' is a key theme of the event so we are very excited about promoting our Coldstream grown Brilliantly Borders Oleifera alongside our other great brands.  Read more here

Come along and sample some Naturally Northumberland Oleifera at Corbridge Larder Monday 13th 6-9pm. We are proud to support this festive event and hope you can join us for what promises to be a great evening.

Sue Richmond from Kenyon Communications talks about Oleifera: farming's healthy product.

Featuring news about our new 'Essentially English' brand and the growth of our farming co-operative, this two page article explains how Oleifera is going from strength to stength.

Special recipe from our very own local food champion and TV Chef Rachel Green and lots of useful tips about how to make best use of our healthy and versatile cold pressed rapeseed oil.

To read the article please do so here

Oleifera are pleased to be the culinary oil of choice for the Food local Food 'Everything but the turkey' hamper this Christmas. 

Passionate about our region and in conjunction with other local producers, we have joined together to create a hamper which provides you with everything you need for Christmas and Boxing Day for up to 6 people. 

No list required, this grocery deal will give you everything you need and even a FREE planner to help you organise your days with all the recipes you will need.  Click here to see the hamper contents.