FOOD + DRINK
FARMER CHRISTMAS SUPPLYING KENT ’ S XMAS FEAST
AS THE GLORIOUS GARDEN OF ENGLAND , KENT IS HOME TO A PLETHORA OF PRODUCERS AND GROWERS PERFECT FOR CREATING YOUR OWN KENTISH CHRISTMAS FEAST THIS YEAR .
No one really knows when Kent was officially crowned Garden of England , but legend suggests it was King Henry VIII who came up with the title after eating a bowl of ripe red cherries . Ever since , Kent has fully embraced this identity with full force and after 500 years , the county is still the biggest supplier of fruit in the UK and home to hundreds of farms and smallholdings .
The importance of buying local produce is now more crucial than ever . When we buy locally , our money is pumped straight back into our own local economy , meaning more prosperity for the communities we live in , and ultimately ourselves as individuals . The less miles our food travels also means our carbon footprint is reduced , as is the need for packaging and higher energy-using storage . Another couple of great reasons to buy locally grown fresh produce is our health and taste . The fresher the food , the greater the taste and higher the nutrients ! So rest assured that when you buy locally this Christmas , you are not only making your festive food tastier and healthier , you are also supporting your local community and economy .
At this time of year , with our focus on festive cooking and dining , we look to Kent ’ s incredible growers and producers to supply not only our staple Christmas dinner meats and vegetables , but all the other drinks , nibbles and goodies we so love at this time of year . As well as farmers that grow vegetables like Trevor Bradley on page 98 , and rear turkeys like Sam Figgis on page 96 , Kent is also home to an inspiring array of other smaller food businesses . We speak to Macknade ’ s CEO and owner , Stefano Cuomo , on how his marvellously Kentish farm shop showcases hundreds of these local brands – from condiments and chocolates to cheeses and meats .
As well as our Christmas dinner must-haves and the little treats we love to indulge in , another adored element of Christmas is the drinks . From nonalcoholic juices to wines , gins , beers and cider , Kent is home to a myriad of drinks producers that also harvest the land . We speak to Tom Barnes of Biddenden Vineyards about his recommendations for Christmas tipples , from Christmas dinner wines and sparkling for toasts to juices and non-alcoholic drinks for those not drinking .
For committed locavores , this county has everything necessary to make Christmas entirely Kentish when it comes to food . insideKENT speaks to four fabulous Kent produce advocates on how and why we should make this Christmas as Kentish as it comes .
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