insideKENT Magazine Issue 35 - February 2015 | Page 66

FOOD+DRINK ARE YOU A LOVER OF ALL THINGS KENTISH? Do you recognise this logo? I expect many of you have seen this little green logo when you are shopping in some of Kent’s independent shops. It appears on a wide range of Kent food, drink, and artisan products, and signifies that the business is both based in Kent and is a member of Produced in Kent. What is Produced in Kent? Produced in Kent is your county food group, promoting and marketing Kent farmers, businesses, and their produce and products. We are fortunate that the Garden of England produces some fabulous products that are for sale countywide. Check out Produced in Kent's online web directory, or if you would like to receive its quarterly newsletter, sign up at www.producedinkent.co.uk. So, what can I tell you about? There has been a real explosion on the beer and cider front, not to mention the influx in micro pubs springing up all over the place. From microbreweries to Shepherd Neame (the country’s oldest brewery), Kent boasts over 30 breweries, each producing a variety of different ales to suit all palettes. Sale of British beer has trebled in recent years, and the county is even exporting to Belgium these days! are not short of new ideas and flavours, so watch this space. Kent also has a vibrant cider industry and cider generally is enjoying a revival. Did you know cider is the UK’s oldest alcoholic drink? Cider is available made from apples or pears (pear cider) and many of the cider makers add other flavours such as elderflower or cherry to name just two. Of course, these products can all be purchased in the range of independent retailers and delis across the county, at local farmers' markets, and even online. They are also available in many of the county’s pubs and restaurants too. Kent has a great choice of such hostelries serving some lovely Kentish produce and shouting about it too. Wine is of course very much on the radar, with a growth in vineyards across the county in recent years and worldwide recognition The Kent landscape is well suited to white wine and sparkling wine in particular, with several new vineyards being planted and continued worldwide recognition and numerous awards. The range of apple juice varieties produced by many of the farmers in Kent is renowned. A varietal apple juice can go from sweet to very dry depending upon your preference; they are so different from the blends you can buy in a supermarket. Kent enjoys a fabulous cheese board across the county with several award-winning cheesemakers to choose between. There are sever al gorgeous hard cheeses including farmhouse, mature, smoked, unsmoked, creamy, and crumbly – a variety to suit all taste buds. In addition, there are some lovely blue cheeses, and not forgetting, of course, some wonderful goats' cheeses. The county also has its own versions of award-winning brie and camembert. The county's cheesemakers 66 Many of you voted for your favourites as part of the Taste of Kent Awards, and the winners will be announced at the annual awards dinner in mid-March. It is going to be a very exciting time of year for all of the businesses that are in the running as one of the top three nominees. For further details, visit www.tasteofkentawards.co.uk. MAKE 2015 YOUR YEAR TO SUPPORT KENT and GO LOCAL! #KeepitKentish