With wind and rain lashing the window, don’t you just want to batten down the hatches, turn up the heating and eat lovely snacks? Me too, and this is when I reach for Tracklements.
Based in Wiltshire, Tracklements’ founder, William Tullberg, discovered an old recipe for Wholegrain Mustard in the 1970s. Encouraged by sales of this in his local pub, he was inspired to searched out more traditional recipes for savoury jellies, chutneys and sauces. Half a century later Tracklements is still a thriving family company.
What I love about Tracklements is that they still use traditional recipes, and they’re obsessed with quality ingredients, which they source from farms and small businesses across England. Even the cider vinegar for their pickles is made by Aspell Cider Company, the oldest family cider business in the UK and the medlars in their Medlar Jelly were donated by local residents from garden trees. But what I love most is that everything is still made by hand in small batches. And this is why their products all taste as if they were made by Grandma. Unsurprisingly, they’re also passionate about conservation, using solar energy, and a system which totally cleans their waste water before discharge.
The results are outstanding products and I’m delighted to be chomping my way through a selection of them. I can report that Sticky Fig Relish is exquisite, and perfect with a piece of mature cheddar and water biscuits. The country garden chutney, made from Onions, Carrots, Swede, Turnip, Parsnip (originally grown in the founder’s own garden) is heavenly, and of course, as with all fermented foods, is great for your gut bacteria. The various mustards – Spiced Honey Mustard (strong mustard bite countered by beautiful honey sweetness), Sweet Mustard Ketchup (definite mustard bite but smooth and tangy) and Robust Wholegrain Mustard (just a small amount hits the spot) – simply pure, unadulterated flavours – I just loved them.
But don’t take my word for it – check out their website and treat yourself.
And don’t forget your lovely mother – with Mother’s day on 30th March, what better gift than pure goodness in a jar? I can particularly recommend Tracklements 9 Jar Mini Pack, at RRP £9.65. These are a steal and a lovely way to try a wide range of their fabulous recipes.
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.