With an abundance of natural resources and raw food materials, it is perhaps not surprising that Wales has a proud tradition of producing outstanding food and drink.
But it would appear this is no longer just our own secret, with producers increasingly making their mark on the industry further afield.
This growing reputation for quality and taste was recently confirmed with a strong showing at the Great Taste Awards earlier this year.
Producers struck gold in the competition with a remarkable 165 products from across Wales making the short list, with 121 entries achieving 1-star, 39 products getting 2-star and five products being deemed worthy of the top-rated 3-star accolade.
While these included plenty of traditional Welsh favourites such as bara brith, lamb and seaweed, who would have thought our producers are also winning accolades for pinot noir from Monmouthshire, wild garlic leaf salt from Wrexham or spiced mango sorbet from Narberth?
The Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, is the acknowledged benchmark for fine food and drink in the UK, and is described as the ‘Oscars’ of the food world. Its managing director, John Farrand, was delighted at the strength of the Welsh winners.
“The standard of Welsh entries this year has been outstanding," he said. "A Great Taste award, whether it’s a 1, 2 or 3 star, is a fantastic achievement and a tangible sign of quality and excellence, which reflects the ever increasing commitment to producing top notch food and drink emanating from the country.
These certainly had the wow factor
The judges unanimously agreed that the following Welsh products delivered that ‘Exquisite! Wow! Taste That! factor, which was the branding behind the three-star awards:
Coedcanlas Organic Welsh Blackcurrant Jam by Coedcanlas, of Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire.
Mummy’s Carrottop Chutney by Miss Daisy’s Kitchen, of Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale.
Monty’s Dark Secret by Monty’s Brewery Ltd, Montgomery, Powys.
Welsh Faggot by N S James, of Raglan, Monmouthshire.
Rack of Welsh Lamb - four boned by the Welsh Venison Centre and Beacons Farm Shop, of Bwlch, Brecon.
And there was further glory for Coedcanlas which won the top Wales award, the Golden Fork, for its 3 star jam and made the overall Great Taste Top 50 foods. It was also awarded a 1-star for its olive oil, rosemary and lemon cake.
The lowdown on Coedcanlas Organic Welsh Blackcurrant Jam
It is inspired by a Russian recipe. This “moreish, well set and jewel-like” jam captured the judges’ imagination with its high gloss, velvet appearance and rich aroma. Perfectly cooked blackcurrants give a great texture and intense, vibrant flavour as they pop in the mouth.
Why not try some for yourself?
Recent research carried out on behalf of Food and Drink Wales found that eight out of 10 Welsh shoppers believe food and drink from Wales is a signifier of ‘great quality’ and ‘great taste’, while the majority of UK-wide consumers felt Welsh produce is ‘more associated with naturalness’ than other parts of Britain.
With there currently being in the region of 3,700 Welsh products available in our shops, there really hasn’t been a better time to find out what all the fuss is about and enjoy a taste of Wales from our very own natural larder.
A taste of Wales
For a selection of inspiring Welsh recipes and full list of Great Taste Award winners visit the Food and Drink Wales website.
