What Makes Cherry Garden Farm Shop Different?

 

Local farm shops Kent supply fresh local farm produce daily. Cherry Gardens Organic Farm Shop is located on the east Sussex and Kent border very close to the enchanting village of Groombridge and overlooking the weald of Sussex. Our local farm shop Kent is a regular supplier of organic food stuff and a variety of fresh farm produce is available here everyday. You must visit Cherry Gardens Organic Farm Shop if you wish to be healthy. During the summer season, you can pick your own fruits from a wide variety of fresh and homegrown fruits such as black berries, black currants, Victoria plums or even raspberries.  

Fresh Produce All Year Round

Cherry Gardens Organic Farm stretches over a sprawling 33 acres area and has six big propagation and poly tunnels where seeds germinate into plants. We cultivate various crops all through the year to keep a constant flow of our farm produce, in our farm shop Kent. We adopt rotation of crops and we make sure that the soil retains its fertility by cultivating fertility building cover crops like chicory, grasses and clovers.

The farm shop is always well-stocked with our own farm-grown produce that includes a plethora of locally produced and fresh organic fruits and vegetables, dairy products, eggs, meat, jams, juices, honey, organic dried goods, ice cream and condiments. Like most local farm shops Kent we concentrate on encouraging and promoting local business and community.

High Quality Products

Our farm shop sells organic fruits and vegetables that have been produced as per strict norms and bio-dynamic standards set by Demeter, the ultimate bio-dynamic licensing body. All the organic food that are stocked in our farm shop have to meet high standards set by licensing bodies and they need to be certified that they were produced by following all the bio-dynamic norms without exposure to toxic pesticides or other chemical inputs. So there is no scope for any doubts in the mind of the consumer about the superior quality of organic fruits and vegetables. Here, all our organic products go through strict scrutiny. We can assure you that all local produce in our farm shop is of excellent quality.

Organic farming, at Cherry gardens Organic Farm, endeavors to eliminate harmful pesticides and damaging chemical inputs. Hence, organic food available for sale at our local farm shop is fortunately, relatively less toxic. Organic farming prohibits the use of antibiotics in animal feed. This helps to protect us from the ill-effects of harmful antibiotic resistant pathogens.

Tasty Food Guaranteed

Organic fruits and vegetables sold in our local farm shop are so fresh that they retain their unique flavors and nutritive value as they are picked when fully ripe and are put up for sale the very same day they are picked. You would certainly notice a marked difference in taste and flavor of vegetables that you buy from our local farm shop as compared to the ones you buy from supermarkets. If you wish to remain healthy and fit and keep the doctor away then you must start consuming high quality organic food stuff that is sold in Cherry Gardens Organic farm shop.

Want To Go the Organic Way? Check Out the Benefits

If you have been seriously thinking about going organic now is the right time to do so. With an increase in the levels of pollution and the way these pollutants get inside us, there is no other way but to embrace organic products as our source of food. Going the organic way definitely has some benefits and so many people are now realizing them. They are thus adopting better food habits. The benefits that can be obtained from going organic are:

• Since organic products are grown without any artificial growth enhancers they are free from any ill-effects. Moreover there are no pesticides or insecticides but rather natural ways of keeping away pests and insects. Thus all organic products are certified by Quality Assurance International and thus consumers can be assured that they are free from toxic chemicals.
• Organic products are grown in soils that have been treated in a natural way and are without the harmful effects of artificial chemicals. Hence, the soils where they grow are free from toxic chemicals. The result is that the taste of the foods is much better than those grown conventionally. This study has been researched by Washington State University in the year 2001.
• There being no artificial ingredients or growth enhancers, organic foods have greatly reduced the health risk aspect. For the growth of animals and livestock, no form of antibiotics is used. Thus, these products are free from all sorts of pathogens. Also, farm workers are free from the risk of being exposed to synthetic chemicals.
• No presence of harmful chemicals and nitrogen leaching hence no loss of water resources. Along with soil building techniques the toxic runoffs is reduced and so water resources are saved.
• Since conventional farming is chemical intensified, the result is a severe loss of topsoil and the degradation of soil quality. Organic farming in this regard acts as a boon and reduces the loss of topsoil and also preserves soil quality.
• One has to consider environment as it is an integral part of our existence. Since organic farming takes away the harmful effects so the ecosystem remains healthy. The wildlife is also left untouched by the ill-effects of conventional farming methods. Hence, wetlands and natural farmlands are not ill-affected by organic farming methods.
• Organic farming encourages alternative ways of researching and growing crops amidst non-use of artificial substances. There are always innovations going on in this field and better services are thought of for the consumers.
• A large number of species have been lost due to conventional farming methods. Organic farming on the other hand attempts to preserve the diversity of areas. Even nowadays non-food items like cotton can be grown as food items.
• Due to organic farming local produce is available locally and so the products are dependent upon seasons. Local farm shops Kent sell products that are grown locally and thus support local employment.
• For livestock growing the organic meat in Kent are in better demand than frozen meat brought in from elsewhere.

Organic farming is thus the future of agriculture. A society already suffering from the ill-effects of toxic chemicals should take up organic farming as the viable alternative.

The Benefits of Organic Fruits and Vegetables

We, at Cherry Gardens Organic Farm & Farm Shop, produce excellent quality organic fruits and vegetables that meet the standard laid down by Demeter, which is officially the bio-dynamic licensing authority. Our farm shop has an impressive stock of fresh homegrown products that includes a plethora of organic dairy products, ice cream, eggs, meat and even homemade jams and juices from soft and pulpy organic fruits produced in our farm. If you are looking for organic dried goods or local honey drop by, at our local farm shop. This is the one stop that caters to a wide variety of organic products.

Favorable Farming Technique

We produce a wide variety of crops all the year round so, that our local farm shop is well-stocked through out the year. We adopt extensive rotation of crops taking utmost care of maintaining soil fertility by farming crops like clovers, chicory and grasses that help restore and enhance soil fertility and health. Animal and plant manure-based stuff are actually used to enhance the soil and improve plant health and vigor. The organic vegetables as well as fruits are known for their flavors and quality.

Relatively Free from Chemical Pesticides

Our products are in no way contaminated by the use of chemical pesticides. We produce fruits and vegetables adopting organic techniques that eliminate or drastically reduce the use of harmful pesticides. Research and in depth studies reveal that chemical pesticides are often detrimental to health and may cause certain dermatological disorders, respiratory ailments, birth defects, neurological deficits and also certain cancers. Children are especially vulnerable to the ill-effects of harmful chemical treatments and pesticides.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Organic vegetables in East Sussex and also fruits contain a lot more minerals and vitamins. They are rich in minerals such as calcium and zinc and also, vitamins namely Vitamins A, C, D. Though micro nutrients, they do contribute to your health in a truly positive manner.

Superior Products at Reasonable Prices

We adopt environmentally friendly techniques and so our produce is naturally flavorsome and definitely free from GM (genetically modified constituents). The fruits and vegetables produced by this method do not lose their unique flavors. We are known for a wide variety of seasonal vegetables and fruits. You can now enjoy a whole range of fresh smells and natural bright colors of vegetables and fruits in season that have definitely higher nutrient content. You can now buy local produce at reasonable prices.

Easy to Produce

It is also quite easy to grow fruits and vegetables on your own using organic methods and techniques. You can easily grow these, if you could manage a suitable space and if you have a passion for gardening.

Consumption of Organic Products Is Good for Health

By opting for organic stuff you cut down on the undesirable exposure to damaging pesticides and harmful chemical treatments. You are able to consume more natural antioxidants known as flavonoids, which are found in plenty in organic fruits and veg in East Sussex. Research and studies have confirmed that organic produce is far richer in natural anti-oxidants, than vegetables and fruits that are produced using conventional methods.

Sustainable Farming of Organic Vegetables

Cherry Garden Organic farm is a lush sprawling farm extending over 33 acres of land. A wide variety of crops are grown here all year round to keep our local farm shop well -stocked. We supply an impressive range of organic fruits and vegetables. We adopt rotation of crops and we systematically grow cover crops like chicory, clovers and grasses to infuse nutrient value and vigor to the soil and to sustain soil fertility. Sustainable farming of organic vegetables is carried out successfully in our organic farm. We encourage the growth of field margins, hedgerows and develop rough areas to promote habitat diversity in order to support bird and insect life as they are responsible for many ecological and environmental benefits. We use on-farm resources plus non-renewable resources and we try and integrate appropriately the biological cycles, as well as, controls.

Basic Objectives

Our primary goal is to enhance and boost natural resource base and enrich environmental quality. Sustainable farming of organic fruits and vegetables in East Sussex aims firstly at environmental health and then, social and economic equity and of course, economic profitability. These goals have emerged from a number of guiding principles, policies, philosophies and practices. We have considered the views and suggestions of people from different walks of life, from consumers to farmers.

Sustainability implies that we should best utilize and exploit available resources to derive optimum benefits but at the same time we must take care that we do not deprive our future generations from meeting their own needs. We must constantly strive toward enhancing and retaining our resource base. Here at Cherry Garden Organic Farm, we achieve high yields in organic vegetables as we utilize the resources available to us very effectively by using modern technology. So our local farm shop in Kent is always able to supply all vegetables and even fruits in season.

Techniques of Sustainable agriculture

Crop rotation is the most important and effective technique of sustainable agriculture. Cultivating different crops one after the other in the same field should be your primary guiding principle. Crop rotation is an effective way of controlling pest because some pests prefer certain crops, and constant cultivation of the usual crop ensures constant and steady food supply, therefore, pest population increase. Rotation of crops successfully cuts down pest pressure by effectively breaking reproductive cycles of pests.

Cover Crops effectively prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds and enhance soil fertility and quality. Use of proper cover crops help retain and enhance soil fertility and effectively cut down on the use of chemical inputs such as insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers.

Healthy and rich soil abounds with life that may include beneficial insects and microbes. These are often destroyed by the thoughtless use of pesticides. The richness and fertility of the soil can be retained and enhanced by using animal manure or plant composts. One of the most effective and modern pest-control methods is to encourage pest predators like insects, birds and spiders that are predators of the harmful agricultural pests.

We not only think in terms of an individual farm but definitely consider the communities that are impacted by our farming practices and we never lose track of the local ecosystem. We operate simply, as an integral part of a whole and we are consciously monitoring our farming activities and their consequences on the environment and the human population.

Wish to Start a Catering Company of Your Own? Read On

If you love food and also love to treat people, you may consider setting up a catering service. It is one of the most profitable businesses and if run systematically it can give huge returns on investment. Catering service can provide you with all the satisfaction of basically, dealing with food and also seeing the smiles that occur on the faces of the clients.

The Initial Steps

To start a catering service you need some things to clear out. Let us then have a look at what is required in starting a catering business:

• Firstly, you need to do some research about what your target clients are. The area you live in might influence your research.
• After researching, check with the health department and obtain the necessary certificates and permits to give you the go ahead.

The Points to Care For

Now that you have got your permission you may start your business. But you need to care about these points so that you may have a good clean flourishing business:

• Your business environment should be clean and free from any sort of infection. There should not be any kind of pests running around, no leakage of water, proper air flow and no stuffy atmosphere and draining systems.
• The kitchen area must be clean and disinfected. The storing facilities for food must be clean and free from any pest problems.
• Crockery, utensils, containers and other non-food items must be clean and disinfected.

Reading the Pulse of the Customers

Having taken care of the basic things, we can now focus our attention towards the more important part of understanding the customer pulse. Markets are ever changing and to constantly update oneself in this scenario is what makes or breaks a caterer. The taste palates of the people are changing and having a clear understanding of what people love takes some time. Now, catering to a large clientele with varied tastes is what will give you the edge over the others. Moreover, at large ceremonies both quality and quantity matters.

The Secret to Success

There is no guaranteed formula to work upon. But there are some things that can be worked upon which would provide a way to flourish. Let us have a look at what can be those areas:

1. The basic thing is to understand the competition. There will be many in the market vying for a share of the big pie. When everyone is doing the same stuff, try to be different and offer something out of the ordinary. Also keep yourself updated about the changes.
2. Organization is the key to any business. You must be well prepared and have your things organized so that you are left wanting at the time of need.
3. Spend some time and money on public relations. Spend about 10-15 % of what you earn on advertising. Ask people to refer you to their friends and associates.
4. Keep the pricing of your items reasonable. It is a competitive market and your prices should be attractive to the customers.
5. Last but not the least, not being a normal office job you should be flexible in working hours. Be prepared to be working late.

So, that’s all that is basically needed to make your catering company a success. There are many London caterers who have struggled to make a mark initially but their perseverance has ultimately led them to success.

Different Types of Mouth - Watering Cakes

Cakes are a way of representation of celebration. Be it a birthday or a wedding or whatever cakes are a part that we cannot do without. The body or the icing all entice us to have a bite from it.


 However, it has never occurred to us what are the different types of cakes that are present. There are plenty of them that are worth mentioning. Let us then have a look at what are the types of cakes available:

• Foam cakes – they are light and fluffy and are made with a large number of eggs. However, a little or no butter is used and so are of low fat.
• Chiffon cakes – light sponge cakes and are easier to make because they have no egg whites. Instead of butter oil is used.
• Butter cakes – as the name suggests, they are made of a lot of butter and eggs. The toppings are either whipped cream or thick icing.
• Boston cream pie – these are double layered cakes filled with vanilla custard. The top is glazed with chocolate.
• Charlottes – these cakes are made of a bowl lined with bread into which hot or cold fillings are poured and then the whole cake is decorated.
• Applesauce cake – a casual cake made with raisins, walnuts and spices, it is eaten for a good snack.
• Angel food cakes – these contain no butter and so they have absolutely no fat in them. Only egg whites are used and they are light and fluffy.
• Meringue cakes – a type of light foam cake, they are prepared with egg-whites being beaten and sugar mixed together. Sometimes, they are filled with fruit and ice-cream and topped with meringues.
• Black forest cake – basically a chocolate cake, these are made of whipped cream and are filled with sour Morello cherries.
• Bouchon – looking like a cork, it is more like a brownie and filled with chocolate chips with a coat of sugar on the top.
• Sponge cakes – made with beaten egg whites and a little or no butter, they are light and fluffy. They also contain flavored syrups.
• Blackout cake – a very dark chocolate layer cake, it is made with dark chocolate pudding and chocolate crumbs.
• Butter cream cake – made with unsalted butter and baked with egg yolks they have various flavors like lemon, chocolate, lime etc.

 There are many more types of cakes available that are both mouth-watering as well as easy to prepare. They are served by party catering London at various occasions like birthdays, corporate occasions or even at lunch Catering London treats and serves clients as and when required and are well known for their reputation.

Positive Effects of Organic Farming

Organic farming has been in practice for quite some time and many countries have now realized the positive effects of this. Organic farming has some definite plus points from whichever angle it is considered. As the population is increasing day by day and farmlands are giving way to real estate lands, it is imperative that people turn to organic farming more to satisfy the food demand.

Let us have a look at what the positives of organic farming can be, considering from different aspects:

• Considering from the consumer’s point of view, organic products are rich in nutrition content. As the soils where they are grown are free from the harmful effects of artificial fertilizers, the food is healthy and tasty.
• The main USP of organic products is that they are free from the negative effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. We have been fed with chemically grown foods for all of our lives and hence face so many diseases. Other than diseases, children also face problems in eyesight, hair fall and chronic stomach problems.
• Since organic crops are grown with manuring and through crop rotation, they thus do not require that much of an investment.
• As chemical free foods they are more resistant to rotting and formation of moulds. The result is that these can remain fresh over longer periods.
• Being grown organically, these are resistant to pests and so there is no loss of products.
• As the crops or vegetables are not provided with any sort of chemical fertilizer, they are thus tolerant to the thirst for water and can resist droughts. This means that they can be grown in parts where there is low rainfall. Conventionally grown crops are not that much resistant to water demands.
• Due to no usage of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, organic crops do not contribute to toxic emissions in water, soil and the atmosphere. It thus reduces pollution and helps Mother Earth.
• Due to prolonged usage of artificial chemicals the fertility of the soil in the long term decreases to a great extent. In organic farming, however there is absolutely no use of artificial substances and so the productivity of the soil increases. As a result, organic farming is beneficial to the environment.
• Organic farming encourages farmers as it is cheaper and is also profitable to maintain.
• Organic farming promotes bio-diversity as it helps thriving of beneficial animals and insects. It also helps in maintenance of a natural balance.

Though organic farming is beneficial there are only a few farms that practice it. Some farm shops in East Sussex cultivate organic farming. As a result organic vegetables in East Sussex are quite common.