Box schemes are a wonderful way to explore local, seasonal produce. Delivered weekly to your door or a collection point, each box will be bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, milk, pork and much more besides. The beauty of only delivering seasonal produce means that no two boxes will ever be the same. Moreover, all local produce means that you know exactly where your fruit and veg have come from, and you’ll cut down on those wretched food miles. As well as brilliant local produce, boxes frequently contain recipes for trying out your new ingredients, so you’ll never be lost at sea faced with something you've never used before.
Our members of Local Food Sussex offer some great box schemes, delivering everything from free range premium beef to eggs to rare breed lamb. Why not let us introduce you to them?
Three Harbours Beef
Based in Selsey, Three Harbours Beef offers locally reared cattle. They graze freely on salt marshes and meadows. Consequently, their diet is mainly made up of flowers and rich, salty grass which imparts a wonderful flavour to the meat. The quality of the meat is excellent as the cattle are left to mature naturally for two and a half years, a lifetime by current standards. All the meat is hung traditionally before preparation, giving incredibly tender and flavoursome cuts. The Three Harbours Beef scheme is environmentally friendly, helping to protect and nurture the endangered wildlife in the area. With all these ethical practices, no wonder the cows are so happy.
Westons Farm Shop
Over in Itchingfield, Westons Farm Shop sells lamb, pork and local Sussex beef reared at their award-wining farm. The farm has been active for hundreds of years, so local, great quality produce is very close to their hearts. They celebrate all breeds of sheep and pig at Weston Farm, so why not give them a call to find out what’s available? The lamb, pork and beef boxes are on sale all year round, and at Christmas they add locally-sourced turkey to the scheme. They also offer a vegetable box during the season. Westons Farm Shop also sells many brilliant local products such as cheese, cakes, biscuits and preserves, so when you’re collecting your box you might just find yourself being tempted by even more great produce!
Butterbox Farm
In Haywards Heath, Butterbox Farm specialises in Dexter and traditional Sussex cattle, and rare breed Portland and local Romney and sheep. All their livestock are reared with the utmost respect for them and the environment. The animals graze on sustainably managed natural pasture, and in winter they feed on home-grown hay. This all natural diet, with no artificial products to promote growth, ensures a great flavour. The beef is hung traditionally as well to further develop the flavour. No lamb or hogget are sold if they are underweight, so the meat you receive is always of the best quality. Their beef and sheep boxes offer a variety of cuts - from roasting to braising to burger and everything in between. You can also request a specific cut, or email in to see what’s available.
With all these brilliant local products just waiting to be tried, what better time than now to sign up to a box scheme?
Tags: Box schemes
