Food news
On the free range
With 12,000 Hyline hens laying Corngold eggs for Tesco, Ann Herbert knows how to get the most out of her flock. 'My hens lay 11,000 eggs a day when they're at their peak around 25 weeks old. We feed them extra maize which gives the yolks a lovely, rich yellow colour.'
Ann's family has managed Lewstone Farm in the Wye Valley for over a century, and today she runs it with her father, John. She's been producing Corngold eggs for two years, and has won a free-range producer award for quality. The hens roam around grassland, rooting for worms, but many also like the henhouse – a converted, airy cowshed. Ann says, 'We still keep cattle in our
other shed next door – we do find hens in there too in winter!'
Outside they also provide shelter (an RSPCA requirement) with 'picnic tables', wooden pallets on stakes for cover while the hens graze and 'dust bathe', which is their way of getting clean. Explains Ann, 'Hens were originally jungle creatures,
so like being in shade. They are just like adolescent children – some don't want to go out even when it is lovely.
'Many local schoolchildren visit to learn where their food comes from. They see the great thing about our farm is that our hens do just what they want.'
Finest approval
Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked croissants for a leisurely morning breakfast, and if you are a lover of good food you will know just how an authentic croissant should look and taste.
Now Tesco has introduced a new range of croissants under its Finest brand which are freshly baked in the in-store Bakery. Celebrated French chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc claims they are 'the best I have tasted outside my own kitchens'. Praise indeed.
Deliciously rich, but with a light flaky texture, Tesco's Finest croissants are made with butter and have a long dough resting time to allow the full development of texture
and flavour.
Q&A
Do I need an ice-cream maker to make good home-made ice cream? Juliette Stanhope, Cumbria
No, just take ice cream out
of the freezer every 15
minutes and mix it to
break up the crystals
while setting (see
granitas). Or blend little
pots of yogurt with fruit
(strawberry or banana).
Return to pots, freeze for
30 minutes then insert a lolly
stick in the middle and continue to freeze.
Super healthy
Blueberries are a superfood but so is natural yogurt, mainly because it's high in calcium. 'Live' yogurt especially is full of friendly bacteria, which may help to keep digestive systems working well. Eating more superfoods – including avocado, peppers and tomatoes – is Tesco's Healthy Step for July. For more information about Tesco's 12 steps for a healthier '08 visit www.tesco.com/health
New foodie
The next appetite-whetting issue of Tesco foodie has all the lowdown on seasonal and new treats, from chillies to courgettes to blackberries, plus some great recipes. And we take a look at the people behind the best local produce. It's free in store or you can view it online.