A sourcing trip to Newhouse Farm…
On Wednesday the 24th of August, our apprentices once again left the kitchen to visit Newhouse Farm in the morning, a great example of organic farming, then onto Philip Warren Butchers, Launceston, in the afternoon. Where better place to learn about the food they’re preparing and the processes involved before the produce makes it to the kitchen, let alone the plate! Organic farming and quality meat were on the agenda.
Firstly, the apprentices were treated to Philip’s knowledge on different breeds and cuts, before meeting the happy, organic sheep and cows that live on Newhouse Farm.
We all tasted the local produce (the peas were a definite hit!) and we even stumbled upon a cider press. Of course, where there’s a cider press, there’s cider ;-)
The day was very educational. Farmer Steve discussed farm diversification and the importance of good crop rotation in an organic farm. Martin Davies, from the Davies Organic Consultancy and the Soil Association also gave a lesson on how important regulation is to organic farming and the different methods used to ensure the right yield from an organic farm like Newhouse. He showed us how organic food is labelled and we were able to put all our newfound knowledge to the test when challenged with an ‘organic verses non-organic’ test!
After lunch (with desert and seconds, yum!) we completed the cycle and visited Philip Warren Butchers in Launceston. While inside their chilly fridges Ian Warren took us through all the different cuts of meat and how they prepare them. In fact, we even saw some being prepared for our kitchen at Fifteen Cornwall.
Everyone we met, farmer Steve, Martin, Philip and Ian were so passionate about the quality and welfare of their produce and everyone agreed it was really a really inspirational day. We would all like to thank Steve, Jo, Martin, Philip and Ian on a very informative and enjoyable day!
As a small scale organic farmer Steve Colwill has had to diversify to be able to sustain his farm. They now have a very successful café and fabric shop on site and his wife, Jo, runs Cowslip Workshops where she offers a range of classes, workshops and exhibitions.
Philip Warren Butchers – www.philipwarrenbutchers.co.uk
Newhouse Farm and Cowslip Workshops – www.cowslipworkshops.co.uk
