Gold Award For
Nouvex Nettle Jelly
13 Aug 12
Locally gathered young nettles produce a rustic jelly expertly balance with a sweet apple base. This is a wonderful condiment with pork, veal or an extra mature farmhouse cheese. It is handmade in small open pans making this culinary creation a true example of the provenance of regional originality.
This latest Great Taste award brings the total accumulated by Hawkshead Relish company to 46, making this Lake District based company one of the most accredited speciality producers in the UK.
Hawkshead Relish are well known for their innovative and inspirational recipes leading to many in the industry following their lead in defining foodie trends.
Mark Whitehead, managing Director and the creator of the range consisting of over 100 condiments comments, “We are delighted that this preserve has been recognised which is further testimony to regionally grown ingredients as the nettles are from the bottom of my garden”!
The Guild of Fine Food underpins the British speciality food sector, with the recognised Great Taste awards for produce that surpasses excellence in quality, taste and innovation.
History and ethos of the business.
The Hawkshead Relish Company was founded following the foot & mouth epidemic when Mark and Maria found their cafe devoid of customers and their livelihood threatened.
They looked to their skills and passions creating a small range of high quality handmade Relishes, Pickles and Preserves taking them to local shops. Within a few years they had won many awards and the cafe was closed to make space for production, which today is housed in lovely 16thC barn overlooking Esthwaite water just a mile from Hawkshead Village.
The couple remain adamant that their business remains sustainable and provides employment for local people who often have to move away from the area to find work. They are keen champions for the food producers in Cumbria and although not available in the big supermarkets the Hawkshead Relish brand can be found at many small independent stockists throughout the UK and in the last few years they have successfully exported to over 20 countries worldwide.
The range which has expanded to almost 130 products is still made by hand using traditional open pans and without any additives, preservatives or flavourings, and to date have secured over 40 national and international awards.
