As I write this newsletter we are in the midst of a mini heatwave. The temperatures are soaring, the sun is shining and it definitely feels very August!

It is the month of holiday for many people and a magical month that wraps up summer but provides so much bounty as farmers start to bring in the harvest.

Seasonal Produce

Alongside all the wonderful summer fruits, there is so much local and seasonal produce right now.

What’s good and seasonal right now:
Tomatoes, aubergines, beetroot, kale, , chillies, peppers, new potatoes, carrots, broad beans, fennel, sweetcorn, cauliflower, watercress, spring onions, courgettes, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, mange tout, sugar snap peas, fresh peas, broccoli, garlic, salad leaves, rocket, chives, pak choi, basil, dill, tarragon, spinach, parsley, lettuce, runner beans, blackcurrants, redcurrants

It’s a great month for foraging with blackberries, wild plums and damsons at their peak.

Down on the Farm, Backwell

 

Well, we’ve got to the time of year where it’s a relief to go and sit in the shade for a few minutes while writing this!

Our tomatoes, cucumbers and padron peppers are all producing well, and we’re getting up very early to get our polytunnel harvesting done before the sauna effect kicks in.

The pick-your-own flower season is going nicely, with lots of vivid blooms and smiling harvesters each weekend.

And after a rollercoaster of a spring our bees seem more settled and productive – we had a bumper July honey harvest, and jars of the good stuff are now on sale at both the Flower Barn and the Five Acre Farm Shop.

Even as the year reaches its peak we’re being boring and thinking about Autumn – we’re currently lifting our garlic, shallots and red onions – these will be cured and on sale by the end of the month.
Our first autumn squash should be ripening at a similar time, and our brassicas are coming along nicely, with kales getting picked already and cauliflower, sprouting broccoli and kalettes to follow through the cooler months.

 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR PICK YOUR OWN OVER ON THE 5 ACRE WEBSITE

North Street Shop News, North St

We are loving all the new season fruit and veg this month in the shop.

The farm is delivering so much wonderful produce this year; tomatoes, French beans, salad, kale, new potatoes, spring onions, beetroots, courgettes and more.

We also have lots of gorgeous summer fruit from our friends at Riverford – the cherries and nectarines have been a particular highlight for me! We have Cotswold meringue nests if you want to make the most of the summer fruits – I am thinking mini pavlovas and Eaton mess…

We are all about getting outdoors this month, whether it’s holidays, camping out or just an afternoon in the park.
We have loads of camping essentials, sunscreen, jumbo marshmallows, Harth Hot Chocolate, lamps, super cute Kashmiri painted enamel mugs and tumblers and more. We also have lots of novels and non-fiction books, essential items for any holiday!

 

 

If you are looking for things to entertain the kids… then we have colouring books, activity books, jigsaws and games, for whatever the weather chucks at us!

 

We have new wines coming in from Vintage Roots organic wines this month – and a great special offer Oynos Rosso and Bianco wines just £10.00 a bottle.

 


We have some great summer beers from our local breweries, non-alcoholic beers and a great range of soft drinks to keep you cool. Particular favourites for us include Bristol Beer Factories Clear Head, and the Counter Culture range of flavoured Kombuchas, brewed right here on North Street.
We have a great range of ice cream including local suppliers Brickell’s Ice cream (new seasonal flavour Gooseberry going down a storm) Marshfield, Yeo Valley and Roskillys, plus vegan flavours from Booja Booja. (We also have waffle cones… if you fancy indulging!)

5 Acre Farm Kitchen, North St

The salad counter is looking great, with so much wonderful produce coming from the farm.

It’s fabulous to see so much of it being used in our super fresh salads. Alongside the salads the kitchen is producing humous, frittatas, savoury pastries, sandwiches and cakes – everything you need for a picnic lunch or dinner.
The kitchen team are also producing more jams and pickles, we are loving the Gooseberry and
Elderflower jam!

 

The recipe this month is from our friends at Riverford. It celebrates the best of the season with new potatoes, courgettes and fresh herbs. Find it here.

Lots of love Melanie Taylor and the Five Acre Farm Shop and Kitchen Team