As we gladly leap into early summer, Caz Richards of Dorset Food & Drink picks her must-have local foods this month
The 2023 watercress season gets underway almost at the same moment that King Charles III receives his crown! So what better way to celebrate the start of the ‘green’ King’s reign than with lashings of the green stuff that is so good for you?
It’s grown in Dorset and just over the border in Hampshire.
For anyone planning a street party or just celebrations with the family, we’ve got a couple of simple quiche alternatives to the official Coronation Quiche – we suggest that the soggy spinach is replaced with watercress. Try this Green Quiche with Watercress, Leeks & Peas recipe from the Watercress Company. And don’t forget the delicious salads to accompany them; we have one patriotically red, white, and blue and another with a passing nod to the classic Coronation Chicken. You can find the salad recipes here.
Seasonal eaters out there, we thank you, and we at Dorset Food & Drink salute you (with a slice of quiche of course). Remember to eat your greens!
Sip in style, sans alcohol
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic tipple to toast the new King, apple or pear juice are refreshing alternatives to offer your guests. Dorset Nectar Cider offer a lovely range of zingy juices, including a delicious blend of Devonshire Brown, Sweet Coppin and Porter’s Perfection – delicious on their own, or add sparkling water and a shot of Dorset Ginger for an extra kick!
Alternatiovely, try the gorgeous range from Curious Kombucha made by Emma Davies. Kombucha is a fermented tea drink full of probiotics and prebiotics that promote gut health. It’s mildly effervescent and slightly tart, low in sugar and non-alcoholic.
When the Moon hits your eye …
If you’re looking for an authentic slice of hot Italian summer, then a trip to Bridport may be in order. Ilaria Padovani relocated from Verona to Bridport in 2013 and established Mercato Italiano, supplying the finest formaggi e salumi to customers via a weekly market stall and food events that she imported directly using her Italian contacts.
A move meant finally offering customers the ability to experience authentic Napoletana-style pizza (and some of the best coffee in town!). The menu is filled with delicious, hand-crafted, Napoletana style pizzas made with authentic Italian ingredients imported by Mercato Italiano. Margherita Classica? Prosciutto Toscano? Perhaps a Vegano … there’s something for everyone.
Do book ahead – opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm to 11pm (last orders 9pm).
Check out the menu and book a table mercatoitaliano.uk
Feeling saucy?
Did you know From Dorset With Love recently launched a new range of sauces? They’re itching to rock your barbecues this summer! Choose from Tomato, Brown, Sweet Chilli, Honey BBQ or Smoky BBQ. You can buy online, but be warned; the BBQ sauces go fast, so maybe stock up if you can! fromdorsetwithlove.co.uk
