GOLDEN FORK FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL FOOD

POSH SPICE

Four entrepreneurs, including David Pavel & Klara Dohnalova (pictured), from the Czech Republic have cracked the challenge of how to preserve the aromatic essence of fresh green Kampot pepper

KAMPOT PEPPER MIGHT be the most expensive in the world, but that doesn’t mean that its farmers are well paid.

According to Lukáš Hejtmánek, cofounder of .pepper..field, there are about 300 small, family-run farms in Cambodia at the mercy of larger, foreign-owned farms.

“They have no choice but to sell to the big farms for a lot less than the market price or face having no market for their product,” he explains.

Determined to do something about this situation, Lukáš, his cousin, David Pavel, and their girlfriends, Lenka Trchalikova and Klara Dohnalova, started exporting the pepper.

“We wanted to help these farmers find a market for their pepper,” says Lukáš.

Trading directly with the farmers, .pepper.. field pays the price officially set by the Kampot Pepper Promotion Association. This gives farmers enough to pay for farm maintenance, health care and school fees for their children.

However, in order to make exporting viable, the .pepper..field’s founders needed ❝

IF YOU COMPARE REGULAR DEHYDRATED PEPPER WITH OUR FREEZE-DRIED PEPPER, IT’S LIKE TASTING A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PRODUCT. ❞

a way of capturing the aromatic essence of fresh green Kampot pepper in an extended shelf life format.

Using freeze-drying techniques, they were able to preserve the original flavour profile.

“The main difference between freezedrying and dehydrating the peppers is that freeze-drying is done at lower temperatures. This preserves the shape and the flavour notes,” says Lukáš.

“If you compare regular dehydrated pepper with our freeze-dried pepper, it’s like tasting a completely different product. Ours is much more like fresh pepper. It begins with salted notes that give way to juiciness when crushed in the mouth, followed by heat.“

He explains that the reason not all pepper is preserved in this way is because it is much more expensive than conventional drying. 50kg of fresh pepper only yields 25kg of freeze-dried product, plus the freeze-drying process is complex and time-consuming.

“Our process takes three days from start to finish. It involves three phases and we had to precisely set up each stage to get the desired final product.”

Although this Prague-based start-up only launched in 2018, due to logistical issues caused by COVID, it is only just getting going. This year has seen it launch into Germany, France, Ireland and Italy. And the next stop is the UK.

www.pepperfield.uk

HOW TO USE:

Add directly to pasta, steak or a pepper sauce to add gentle heat.

COLD PRESSED RAPESEED OIL ★★

BELL AND LOXTON

WHAT IS IT? Cold pressed rapeseed oil, grown, pressed and bottled on the family farm. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? A versatile oil perfect for all your culinary needs, such as stir-fries, roasting, dressings, drizzling and baking. Makes perfect roast potatoes every time.

www.bellandloxton.co.uk

VEGAN BLACK TRUFFLE MAYONNAISE ★

BESAUCY

WHAT IS IT? Vegan black truffl e mayo, like a mushroom on a power trip, creamy textured with intense rich truffl e fl avour using quality ingredients. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Use our mayos as an ingredient as well as a condiment. Stir through pasta, add to risotto, blend into soup, smother on your burgers and sandwiches. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Vegan Garlic Mayonnaise ★

www.besaucy.co.uk

ORIGINAL GHEE ★

GHEE APPÉTIT

WHAT IS IT? Ghee is a gold standard cooking fat derived by clarifying butter over a slow fl ame. Ghee is an ancient Ayurvedic superfood, known to have gut healing and immune boosting benefi ts. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Ghee can be used for daily cooking, sautéing, spreading, frying and baking. Anything that an oil can do, ghee can do and better. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Morel Pâté Ghee ★★

www.gheeappetit.co.uk

HEMP SEED OIL ★

HEMP WHOLE FOODS

WHAT IS IT? Cold pressed extra virgin hemp seed oil. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Our beautiful cold pressed hemp seed oil is the perfect accompaniment to your cooking. Sizzle, drizzle, dunk & dress to add another level of fl avour to any dish.

www.hempwholefoods.co.uk

GRAND CRU LATE HARVEST APPLE BALSAMIC ★★★

SURETTE CONDIMENTS

WHAT IS IT? This balsamic, unlike any other, comes from a very slow cooking of late-harvest apple must in order to retain all the aromas of sweet freshness. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Assemble delicious salads and play with fl avours in all your culinary creations with our range of vinegars and balsamics. Simple and classic. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Aged Apple Cider Balsamic ★ Red apple cider vinegar ★

www.surettecondiments.com

ORGANIC WHITE SESAME OIL ★★★

THE WASABI COMPANY

WHAT IS IT? A supremely delicate oil with a wonderfully complex and intriguing fl avour of roasted sesame seeds, the epitome of fi ne sesame oil. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? The indulgent yet clean nutty, toasty, sesame fl avour makes an ideal dressing for steamed vegetables, salad and sashimi without overpowering.

www.thewasabicompany.co.uk

A TASTE THAT STAYS WITH YOU

Chilli Boy products from under the Algarve sun, in Portugal, are hand made from, seed, through growing plants, harvesting and drying fruit, blending and finally to your table for the ultimate Chilli Boy experience.

11 unique mouth watering spicy products, each with a special purpose to enhance the flavour of a chosen dish. A Chilli Boy Kitchen book with vibrant photographs and delicious recipes make up the Chilli Boy family.

www.chilliboy.com www.facebook.com/chilliboy1 Email: info@chilliboy.com Tel: +351 916 187 193

Chilli Boy

Kitchen VIV THOMAS

Chilli Boy Hot & Spicy Piri Piri Oil

“Try it!

You’ll Buy it”

www.chilliboy.com info@chilliboy.com 00351 916 167 193

SPICY TOMATO KASUNDI CHUTNEY ★★

AJAR OF

WHAT IS IT? A spicy tomato chutney made with chilli, ginger and garlic. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? This is a fl avoursome chutney that would go well with cheese and curries alike! OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Aubergine Chutney ★

www.ajar-of.co.uk

ONION MARMALADE RELISH ★

APLEY FARM SHOP

WHAT IS IT? Traditional relish with a tangy, chunky twist. Pairs perfectly with meat and cheese with a really good balance of sweet and sharp notes. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? A classic marmalade for a perfect accompaniment for cold meats and cheese. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Smoked Streaky Bacon ★

www.apleyestate.co.uk

KIMCHI HOT SAUCE ★★

AYE PICKLED

WHAT IS IT? A handmade, smoky hot sauce, blended with our house vegan kimchi to create a full-bodied outstanding fl avour. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Add it to tacos, mix through scrambled eggs, serve with fried chicken or dunk your pizza crusts in it. The possibilities are endless. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Kimchi ★★

www.ayepickled.com

CARROT, ORANGE AND GINGER RELISH ★

BODLON

WHAT IS IT? A soft fresh and zingy carrot, orange and stem ginger relish, vibrant in colour with a hint of heat. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? The perfect accompaniment with blue or other strong hard and soft cheeses, great with charcuterie or even spread on warm buttered toast for breakfast. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Sweet Chilli Asian Glaze ★

www.capitalcuisine.co.uk

CHIPOTLE ★

CONCHITA’S CHIPOTLE

WHAT IS IT? An honest and authentic sweet and smoky chipotle sauce that is unexpected and distinctive among commercial chipotle products. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Due to its multidimensional qualities of sweet and smoky, it is not limited to spice and heat lovers. It can also be enjoyed as a condiment, marinade or culinary ingredient.

www.conchitaschipotle.com

AFRICAN LEMON CHILLI SAUCE ★

DR TROUBLE

WHAT IS IT? Africa’s fi nest all natural chilli sauce. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? This pairs well with chicken and can be used as a condiment as well as an ingredient. Two tablespoons in your favourite butternut soup will take your meal to the next level. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Double Oak Smoked Sauce ★

www.drtroublesauce.co.uk

GREEN SAUCE ★★

FORGOTTEN FOODS

WHAT IS IT? A zesty salsa verde packed with fresh green herbs and punchy umami fl avours. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? This sauce is incredible with fi sh or meat, use it as a marinade or sauce to enhance any dish or plate.

www.forgottenfoods.co.uk

SHITO AROMATIC CHILLI SAUCE VEGAN ★★

JUST ‘COS CATERING

WHAT IS IT? Shito - a much-loved Ghanaian vegan, aromatic, delicious, rich and spicy chilli sauce with colourful array of warming spices, and aromatic undertone fl avours of Africa. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Used for absolutely anything from slapping on bread to topping over even disastrous cooking attempts. It always saves the day. Toss it with rice, noodles, couscous or use as a dip. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Fresh and Fiery Green Scotch Bonnet Chilli sauce ★

www.justcoscatering.co.uk

RUBY KRAUT ★

LOVING FOODS FERMENTED

WHAT IS IT? Organic red cabbage and beetroot sauerkraut, fermented for three weeks and fl avoured with cinnamon and cloves. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Our Ruby Kraut can be eaten as a side dish with most meals, and is a great addition to salads and sandwiches. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Hibiscus & Lime Kombucha ★

www.lovingfoods.co.uk

NAGA GHOST PEPPER SAUCE ★

PICO SAUCES

WHAT IS IT? A fi ery and delicious chilli sauce that celebrates the notorious Naga ghost pepper, with spices, garlic and onion. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Enjoy it straight or mixed into mayonnaise or yoghurt to make a milder dip - perfect for sandwiches, a burger spread or accompanying an appetiser. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Varanasi Tamarind Chutney ★

www.picosauces.com

BREAD AND BUTTER PICKLES ★★

THE FERMENTATION STATION

WHAT IS IT? Your pantry staple pickled gherkin, sour, tangy and moreish. Pickled in a mustard seed, turmeric and chilli brine. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Perfect on any cheese board or comforting toastie. Got to be paired with your classic burger. Use any leftover brine to pickle yourself or add a tart drizzle to a soup. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Tepache ★

www.thefermentation-station.co.uk

KOREAN SAUCE ★★★

THE RANDY’S SAUCE COMPANY LIMITED

WHAT IS IT? It is a sweet and sticky sauce with a mild kick of heat, packed full of Oriental fl avours. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Perfect to use as a dip or relish, or just slather on chicken, BBQ meat and vegetables, fries, sausages and salads to add a delicious twist to your favourite dishes.

www.randyswingbar.co.uk

YOYO LAOS SAUCE ★

YOYO LAOS SAUCE

WHAT IS IT? Handmade in small batches combining fresh ginger, chilli and garlic for a unique and authentic south-east Asian taste. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Fabulous with fish or BBQ meat, our sauce can be used for dipping, as a marinade, added to stir-fry or salad to really spice things up.

www.yoyolaossauce.co.uk

FILLER IN HERESMALL, ARTISAN PRODUCERS AND THEIR EXCELLENT IDEAS ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF INDEPENDENT RETAILERS. EVERY YEAR, GREAT TASTE BRINGS NEW ONES INTO VIEW AND HELPS US TO FILLER IN HEREREVITALISE OUR SHELVES AROUND THE COUNTRY. ❞

John Shepherd, managing director, Partridges

We work with local producers to help identify new trends,bring forward innovative products and grow their business.

Millbay Oysters

Northern Ireland.

Bringing our world-class food and drink to your table.

Congratulations to all of the Northern Ireland 2021 Great Taste Award Winners. Northern Ireland products continue to be recognised for their Pure, Natural, Quality as our dynamic and innovative producers continue to adapt and respond to the changing retail and food service markets. In this hugely challenging year, it is particularly encouraging that Northern Ireland based food and drink producers racked up 215 awards for products in this year’s annual Great Taste Awards, recognising their innovation and hard work.

For more information on the NI Finalists wide range of quality and innovative food and drink products why not browse through this brochure, or contact Michelle Charrington T: +44 (0)78 1717 3514 E: michelle.charrington@investni.com

Northern Ireland. Altogether more.

PANKO BREADED SINGLE WHOLETAIL SCAMPI ★

AMITY FISH COMPANY

WHAT IS IT? These delicious meaty wholetails of Scottish langoustine come in a crispy golden panko coating. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Deep or shallow fry for four minutes, then rest for an additional four minutes out of the pan to let the amazing fl avour settle.

www.amityfi sh.co.uk

LOUET FEISSER SELECT CARLINGFORD OYSTERS ★★★

CARLINGFORD OYSTER COMPANY

WHAT IS IT? Oysters grown in the A Classifi ed waters of Carlingford Lough. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Eat raw from the half shell with cucumber mignonette or in any seafood dish. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Carlingford Oysters ★★★

www.carlingfordoystercompany.ie

COOLEY OYSTERS ★★

COOLEY OYSTERS

WHAT IS IT? Fresh Irish rock oysters, grown in Class A waters and purifi ed to the highest standard. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Enjoy raw or cooked. Oysters are one of the most versatile types of shellfi sh. Whether pan-fried, grilled with chilli or raw with a drizzle of lemon, fresh oysters always make for a delicious meal.

www.cooleyoysters.com

HOT SMOKED SALMON ★★

EAST NEUK KILNHOUSE

WHAT IS IT? Premium Scottish hot smoked salmon. Flaky in texture, creamy, simply delicious to taste and melts in your mouth! WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Our hot smoked salmon is a very versatile product. We believe simplicity is key to enjoying this product, as the flavour will shine through. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2021): Hot Smoked Trout Fillets ★ Kipper Fillets ★

www.enkilnhouse.com

COLD SMOKED WILD BASS ★★

NESS POINT SMOKEHOUSE

WHAT IS IT? Our cold smoked wild Suffolk bass, takes flavour to a whole new level. Delicately, lightly cured and smoked, perfect for risottos, omelettes, kedgeree or rarebit. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Can be eaten alone or included in any recipe requiring cold smoked saltwater fish. A premium alternative to haddock, pollack and hake with its own unique flavour.

www.apassionforseafood.com

ARTISAN STYLE OAK SMOKED SALMON ★

STAITHE SMOKEHOUSE

WHAT IS IT? Traditional artisan style oak smoked Scottish salmon. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Serve it in a bagel with cream cheese and chives, as a starter with a little drizzle of olive oil, or with scrambled eggs for breakfast.

www.staithesmokehouse.co.uk