Conversations with local food producers...chief pot stirrer and top recipe wizard…
Ouse Valley Foods
Established over 11 years ago, after an impulse to start making Hollandaise sauce for South Brockwells Asparagus Farm saw orders rocket, Ouse Valley Foods has since developed a reputation for beautiful and innovative culinary wizardry…founder Julian sits down for a whirlwind coffee at The Depot and talks about Ouse Valley products and the passion behind the pans….
Scoff Quaff Lewes- main food heroes?
Julian-So many. Jane Grigson for her intuition, Marina Hanbury Tennison for her fearlessness, and author Richard Mabey who is a such a natural forager and a real expert on the outdoors .
Scoff Quaff Lewes-Ouse Valley started out on a Hollandaise mission but has subsequently fanned out to include the multiple award winning marmalades, chutneys, jams, jellies, pestos, tapenades ,curds, a seasonal range and the new deli range including the rather excitingly named Caponata.
Julian- Yes the Hollandaise just flew off the shelf and then I was off !
Scoff Quaff Lewes -Such diversity ! What are the best sellers in the Ouse Valley portfolio?
Julian- The Red Chilli Jelly,The Cheeseboard Chutney, Lemon and Lavender Marmalade and the first favourite Hollandaise!
Scoff Quaff Lewes-Favourite things about this part of the world in rural East Sussex?
Julian -My family. I struggled to settle but am now enveloped by the warmth of familiarity , my children still live close to me and this means I get to see my grandchildren frequently and am very close to them. They were the ones who gave me the push to write my books and named my other son and myself Granny Marmalade and Uncle Tractor !
Scoff Quaff Lewes- Your books cover a range of subjects but core to them all is your love of countryside, food and animals. There’s a curiosity that is expressed with strong themes of warm friendships running through.
Julian -Yes I was keen to explain the relationship between farm and food that was fun for eager little minds!
Ouse Valley Foods has won multiple awards and Julian has previously won Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sussex Women in Business Awards. Julian’s still very much chief pot stirrer and recipe wizard at Ouse Valley Foods where new recipe ideas are always bubbling!
This is the first in a series of conversations with local producers to celebrate and highlight the fantastic food and drink producers in this part of East Sussex . I am planning to share info on local food and drink events in Lewes and vicinity, highlight the latest food news plus feature some great local activities and walks ( ideally finishing at a pub, restaurant or cafe).
Do join in the conversation by using #celebrateLewes and follow on twitter, instagram and Facebook @scoffquafflewes You can also tag @scoffquafflewes in any posts.
NOTES
Ouse Valley Foods www.ousevalleyfoods.com
Hare and Heron Press www.hareandheronpress.com
The Depot, Pinwell Rd, Lewes BN7 2JS www.lewesdepot.org
