The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Food & Drink notes
An apple a day; shapes of things to come; counter culture; chop chop
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An apple a day
An apple a day
Be gone, Braeburn, Gala, Empire and other out-of-season imports! It's time for English apples like the dashing D'Arcy Spice, Scarlet Staymared and Mrs Phillimore to take a bow. The National Fruit Show at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (today and tomorrow, 020-8332 5655 or www.kew.org, admission £8.50), is all about apples and pears. There are many varieties to taste, and the chance to have your mystery fruit (perhaps it's Bascombe Mystery) identified, plus cooking tips for those with a glut on their hands.
Shapes of things to come
When you're fed up with fusilli and so over orecchiette, head to Harrods for a pasta shape that should brighten up autumn. Imported for its Made in Italy promotion this month, Pastificio Venturino's O Sole Mio pasta is based on the Neapolitan sun symbol, with Vesuvius outlined inside. It's one of the dazzling discoveries in the Knightsbridge store over the months to come. The 500g hessian bag of pasta is £3.25 from Harrods, Knightsbridge, London SW1 (020-7730 1234).
Counter culture
Darts Farm in Topsham, Devon (01392 875587), is the future of farm shops. It's a full-on food store on a farm, mixing local produce with the best from elsewhere. Meat comes from respected West-Country butcher Gerald David, fish is landed the day before in Exmouth, the cider press is working flat out on just-harvested apples, and this impressive new deli section will be selling countless cheeses. Upstairs are Aga and Fired Earth showrooms, and there's a restaurant serving local produce.
Chop chop
Cuisinart, a brand of food processor that has a cult following in the States, has arrived over here. But it's not American - in fact the company was started in France 30 years ago - and now toasters, coffee- makers, slow-and rice-cookers have been added to the range. If you've got the space, the cash and the workload for it, the Cast Metal food-processing system can take on whole fruit and veg and does dough too for £249. The similar, but cheaper, 'Classic' costs £179 - and both are guaranteed for 20 years, longer than most kitchens last. And this beautifully compact £49 Mini is perfect for the more space-challenged kitchen. Cuisinart is now stocked in Selfridges and John Lewis stores. For more information visit www.cuisinart.co.uk
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments